Baljinder Singh Atwal

My Graduate Story

My name is Baljinder Singh Atwal, and I completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Birmingham in 2015. I am currently a Senior Solicitor specialising in Commercial Property and Commercial Law at West Midlands Police, the second largest police force in the UK.

My work is varied and exciting, covering leases and licences of police property, collaboration agreements with other police forces, research agreements with universities, and commercial agreements with football clubs. As part of Joint Legal Services, I act on behalf of both West Midlands Police and Staffordshire Police. Working for a police force allows me to have a career that positively impacts the region in many ways.

A Day in My Life

My days involve working with different teams and departments across both police forces, attending meetings, providing legal guidance on projects, and participating in training sessions. Being an in-house lawyer means I’m involved in all elements of the organisation, often giving advice at the early stages of projects. I also travel to various locations in the region, which I enjoy as a local graduate. Being based in Birmingham city centre gives me the opportunity to attend training sessions run by local law firms.

My Birmingham Experience

My course was challenging but rewarding, equipping me with valuable skills in analysis, reasoning, research, and organisation. These formed a strong foundation for my career and personal growth. The University of Birmingham provided a great environment to learn and develop, and I gained enormously both personally and professionally.

I took advantage of many opportunities offered by the University, including mentoring, CV support, student societies, and access to work experience. These experiences helped me build skills and confidence, pushing me outside my comfort zone and allowing me to reach my full potential.

Birmingham’s Impact

The University’s reputation, particularly in the legal sector, gave me a strong start in my career. Being part of a large, diverse cohort on a campus that offered everything in one place gave me memorable experiences and opportunities. Securing a vacation scheme as an undergraduate was a significant professional milestone, leading to my training contract and ultimately qualifying as a Solicitor of England and Wales. On a personal note, I also met my wife during my time at Birmingham!

Advice for Students

Network with as many people as possible in the professions and sectors you’re interested in. Keep adding to your CV at all stages of your career and get involved in activities you genuinely enjoy. The connections you make and the experiences you gain will serve you well.

My Achievements

Securing a vacation scheme during my course was a major achievement, as it paved the way for my legal career. It was a competitive process that required persistence and effort. Beyond my professional milestones, my time at Birmingham was filled with positive memories and experiences that shaped both my career and personal life.