Working at Bird & Bird
Raluca currently works as a Compliance Officer at Bird & Bird, having joined the firm’s Risk and Compliance team at the beginning of last year.
Her role is varied and includes conducting conflict checks, anti‑money laundering checks, reviewing and creating risk assessments, ongoing monitoring, handling sanctions issues and managing escalations. She also ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, including the new Solicitors Regulation Authority rules that came into effect on 25 November 2019.
Her day typically involves a mixture of these tasks, with priorities shifting depending on the firm’s needs.
She describes Bird & Bird as a diverse international environment where she liaises with colleagues across multiple jurisdictions. The firm hosts numerous events and seminars focused on diversity, inclusion, volunteering and professional development.
To deepen her understanding of financial crime, Raluca completed an International Compliance Association course sponsored by the firm and earned a certificate in anti‑money laundering with merit.
Career path before Bird & Bird
Since graduating with distinction in 2015, Raluca has gained experience across several legal organisations.
Before joining Bird & Bird, she worked at The Law Society in the Accreditations department, helping national firms achieve recognised quality standards such as Lexcel, the Conveyancing Quality Scheme and the Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme. She describes this role as a significant stepping stone, offering exposure to an international environment, access to legal resources and opportunities for learning and networking.
The Law Society also offers workshops, targeted networking events and annual international internships in its Brussels office. These placements are open to future and current trainee solicitors and can count as a seat during training contracts. Applications typically close in November each year.
Before The Law Society, Raluca worked as a paralegal at Berlad Graham LLP in west London, where she developed core legal skills under the guidance of the firm’s partners. Earlier in her career, she volunteered with Citizens Advice Bureau, supporting caseworkers, interviewing clients and providing administrative assistance. These combined experiences formed a strong foundation for her career in legal services.
Does a Law degree help in compliance work?
Raluca believes her Law degree has been invaluable.
Although she initially considered qualifying as a solicitor or barrister, and even contemplated becoming a Law professor, she ultimately decided to explore business support roles within legal services. She emphasises that Law graduates should not feel pressured to follow a single path. Law degrees open doors across multiple sectors, including legal services, conveyancing, business, compliance and finance.
She also notes that alternative routes such as the Graduate Diploma in Law and the Solicitors Qualifying Exam provide flexible pathways into the profession. Strong credentials and relevant work experience remain essential at every stage.
Improving retention in the legal sector
Raluca observes that retention is a challenge across the legal industry.
Having changed 3 legal jobs in 3 years, she notes that many young professionals move between firms in search of better opportunities and working conditions. She suggests that firms could improve retention by being transparent during interviews, offering flexible working arrangements, reducing overtime culture and providing clear pathways for career progression.
Skills needed to succeed in the legal sector
Raluca identifies dedication, organisation and adaptability as essential traits.
With new SRA rules, post‑Brexit legislation, emerging technologies and shifting business trends, lawyers must be prepared to adapt to rapidly changing environments. She notes that new lawyers are increasingly trained in areas such as artificial intelligence, cannabis regulation, coding and disruptive technologies.
Competition is high, and success requires both adaptability and forward‑thinking.
Advice for young women entering the legal profession
Raluca highlights that women now make up more than 60% of new solicitors each year, and women lawyers outnumber men in the UK.
Numerous organisations support women entering the profession, including the Women Lawyers Division, Young Women in Law and Women in the Law UK. Her advice is simple: do not be afraid. Success is achievable, and opportunities are expanding.
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