Law Closer to People: A Conversation with Solicitor Violetta Niklas

Author/Editor: Maria Anna Furman

Wyspa TV recently hosted Violetta Niklas, a legal professional combining the practice of solicitor and Notary Public, as well as the founder of Notary Niklas. Her professional profile is a rare blend of solid expertise, litigation experience, and precision in handling documents destined for courts, government offices, and consulates worldwide. The conversation revealed the inner workings of the British legal system while providing viewers with practical advice that can save time, stress, and money. It is worth noting that Notary Niklas is a proud sponsor of the Stars Night Awards 2025.

At the heart of the discussion was a clear explanation of the differences between the two main legal career paths in the UK. A barrister is a courtroom specialist, usually engaged through chambers or, less commonly, via direct access. A solicitor, on the other hand, manages the case comprehensively from gathering client instructions, preparing documents and applications, to representation (with the possibility of acquiring additional rights to appear in higher courts). Violetta Niklas emphasised that being a solicitor requires not only deep legal expertise but also a long-term relationship with the client and coordination of the entire legal process, including instructing barristers when necessary.

Family law cases, she noted, are often the most emotionally and procedurally demanding. These include proceedings involving social services, placing children in foster care, and matters under the Hague Convention when a child is taken abroad without the required permissions. The key, she stressed, is for clients to carefully follow professional guidance; even complex cases can be resolved positively if handled systematically.

A crucial part of the interview focused on Legal Aid available in England and Wales. Many are unaware that they can choose a Polish-speaking solicitor, and in private cases (such as child contact or parental responsibility), qualification often depends simply on being a victim of domestic abuse and meeting low-income criteria, a fact that can be life-changing for many families.

The notarial segment of the program dismantled common myths. Many clients believe that “just a stamp” is enough. In reality, it is a multi-step process: data verification, choosing the correct clauses, obtaining an apostille from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and often additional consular legalisations if the documents are to be used outside Europe. What’s more, the same type of document may have different requirements depending on the office or city in Poland. That is why the firm always recommends getting precise instructions from the institution that will receive the document.

Most often, powers of attorney require an apostille, and increasingly, British court judgments as well. Skipping this step leads to delays and extra costs. Another common mistake is leaving matters until the last minute. Legal matters have their own pace and schedule, which clients cannot influence.

The British family law model differs from the Polish one not only by placing the child’s best interest first but also in how cases are structured. Divorce without assigning fault is the standard. Divorce, child custody, property division, and child maintenance are handled in separate procedures, with maintenance typically overseen by a government agency rather than the court. For migrants, this means adjusting expectations and accepting that “everything at once” is not possible.

The topic of wills was a recurring theme. In a world of migration and informal partnerships, the absence of a will can turn grief into a prolonged battle over access to bank accounts, property, or even personal belongings. A properly drafted will secures the family’s future, designates legal guardians for children, protects partners, shortens legal procedures, and reduces costs. From the perspective of legal practice, the lack of such a document is one of the most common and costly mistakes.

In business, documentation is the currency of trust. Certificates of company existence, extracts, resolutions, director attestations, bank and tax documents. The further they travel internationally, the more often they require notarisation, apostille, and consular legalisation. For projects in Asia or the Americas, the standard “UK format” is often not enough, and missing a formal step can halt a payment or delay a contract.

The conversation also touched on the quality of legal translations. Literal wording without an understanding of the legal system’s context can be misleading; changing a single term can reverse the meaning of a document and burden the client with additional evidentiary steps. The same applies to “online templates” and AI-generated texts: without professional supervision, a document can turn out to be invalid and, in extreme cases, harm a party’s position in court. The conclusion is clear: technology can be helpful, but it cannot replace professional responsibility and practical legal knowledge.

Before a conflict escalates, it is worth scheduling a consultation. A well-led discussion helps clarify objectives, identify risks, and point to a realistic course of action. As Violetta Niklas highlighted, the law is not merely a collection of statutes but a tool for solving human problems and a trusted relationship with a lawyer makes that tool all the more effective.

Author/Editor: Maria Anna Furman