As part of BPU’s Internship Celebration Week, we continue shining a light on alumni who have not only excelled in their careers but have also returned to guide the next wave of Black talent. Today, we sit down with Vambo Maswiswi, an inspiring member of the 2022 Black Professionals UK cohort, whose journey into the legal profession reflects determination, growth and the power of representation.
From Intern to Trainee Solicitor: The Beginning of a Legal Journey
“My name is Vambo Maswiswi, and I am a trainee solicitor at Shepherd and Wedderburn,” she begins. Her introduction is modest, but her journey through the Black Interns programme is one marked by grit, opportunity, and clarity of purpose.
As part of the 2022 cohort, Vambo secured two legal internships, a six-week placement with Shepherd and Wedderburn and another with Pinsent Masons. These opportunities provided her with something many aspiring lawyers struggle to access: hands-on experience with high-quality legal work and a real sense of what a career in the legal profession truly entails.
How the Programme Shaped Her Career
For Vambo, the Black Interns programme was a turning point.
“The internships gave me first-hand exposure to high-quality legal work,” she explains. “They allowed me to refine my career ambitions and confirmed that this was the right path for me.”
The skills and confidence she developed through these experiences helped her secure a vacation scheme, and ultimately, her training contract with Shepherd and Wedderburn, a significant milestone in any aspiring solicitor’s journey.
Beyond professional development, she emphasises the value of connection.
“I used the internships as an opportunity to expand my network and build relationships with people who have contributed significantly to my growth.”
Why She Returned as a Mentor
For Vambo, the decision to return as a mentor was rooted in gratitude and purpose.
“When I began exploring a career in law, I didn’t know many people in the profession and navigating it without clear direction felt intimidating,” she shares. “The support I received from Black Professionals UK made a real difference.”
Mentoring allows her to pay that support forward.
“Representation and accessibility are essential in any profession,” she states. Many aspiring students have the capability but lack the guidance needed to enter the legal field with confidence. “I hope to make their path a little clearer by sharing my experiences and helping demystify the application process.”
Interview Lessons That Made a Difference
One key insight that shaped her interview preparation was the power of transferable skills.
“When I applied, I didn’t have much formal legal experience,” she says. “I initially thought that would put me at a disadvantage.”
During her preparation with BPU, she learned that law firms often look for strong transferable skills, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, regardless of where they were developed.
“Bringing in my previous experiences gave more depth to my answers.”
The Impact of Mentoring
Mentoring has also influenced her personally.
“It’s encouraged me to reflect on my own journey and recognise how much I’ve grown,” she reflects. Watching interns gain confidence and secure opportunities through the programme has been both rewarding and grounding.
Her Parting Advice to Aspiring Interns
Before we conclude, we ask Vambo to leave aspiring interns with one final message.
Her advice is simple and powerful:
“Stay persistent and trust that your hard work will pay off.”
Vambo’s story illustrates the mission of the Black Interns Programme: to create access, build confidence, and empower future leaders through real opportunity and real support.
Stay tuned as we continue highlighting alumni who are shaping their fields and lifting others as they rise throughout Internship Celebration Week.