Krzysztof Kolakowski LLM ‘20
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Poland, in the countryside not very far from Warsaw, in a tiny village called Wola Wierzbowska … This is probably the first time the name of this place has been mentioned abroad.
What were you doing before coming to UVA Law?
I was working as an in-house lawyer in an international logistics capital group. But I was also helping as a pro bono lawyer with Amnesty International Poland and the Polish Association of Anti-Discriminatory Law.
What was that like?
Intensive, but rewarding. I’ve been practicing law in Poland for over ten years and I was admitted to the Bar in 2011. As an in-house, you are much more connected to the daily business of the company than, say, in a firm.
What made you decide to come here?
I was thinking about pursuing an LLM degree for several years, but I was always either too busy or just couldn’t take the plunge. After participating in a summer program for foreign lawyers in Boston last year, I finally made the decision. I chose UVA Law, because not only did the reputation and academics tick the right boxes, but Charlottesville’s small-town feel was the icing on the cake. Imagine, a small town with both a Whole Foods and a Wegmans! Studying at UVA Law is a great way to develop and meet interesting people. And Virginia is my husband’s home state, so he was also lobbying for it.
You’re the Vice President of LLMs, what is that like?
I love this role. The LLMs are awesome, we’ve only know each other for two months or so but I feel we can already count on each other. I feel privileged that I can support my class and colleagues through the GLSA!
What do you wish the JDs knew about the LLMS?
I could tell a long story here, but I know I should be concise. The LLMs are dynamic and interesting people …. similar to the JDs. I think we all could learn a lot from each other. When I am talking with other LLMs …. I feel like I’m constantly learning about culture, food, politics, law and new languages, including some bad words (very useful) …. We also love having fun! The LLMs are very friendly and open and I would encourage JDs to approach us, even though some of us may be a little shy at the beginning.
What is your favorite English word?
I like “y’all.” I know it’s a southern thing.
What is your favorite Polish word?
“Przyjaciel.” This word is generally translated as ‘friend,’ but it means so much more. In the US, the word friend is used rather broadly. However, in Poland, przyjaciel is limited to very, very close friends, of which we usually have no more than two or three during our whole lifetime.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
My birthday dinner two years ago. We had the best seafood ever.
If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be and why?
Now, it would be Olga Tokarczuk, a Polish writer who won the Nobel Prize in Literature this year. She is a visionary of tolerance and understanding as well as a great writer.
What is your favorite hobby to escape the stress of law school?
Traveling, I love short and long trips. Changes of scenery help me to relax and recharge.
Where is your favorite place to vacation?
Melbourne, Australia.
What did you eat for breakfast?
Oatmeal with banana and gold kiwi. Plus a cappuccino—can’t start the day without a good coffee.
What is your least favorite sound?
The sound of metal scratching glass.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
It would in the southern hemisphere again. Probably New Zealand; there are no snakes there, the landscape is breath-taking, the people are laid back and there are wonderful wineries all over the country.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
Oranges during Christmas time when I was a child. During the communist times in Poland in the eighties, oranges were very hard to come by and it was really something extraordinary to get them. When I smell oranges I always think about Christmas. Nowadays we take so many things for granted.
What is your favorite thing to do in Charlottesville?
I should say “studying” …. but I think my honest answer would be visiting vineyards in the area. I wish I had more time for that.
Which student organizations have you joined?
I’m on the board of the Lambda Law Alliance and a member of the Virginia Law and Business Society. I am also active in the Polish Student Association—sometimes I need to be active outside of law as well. All these organizations are doing great things.
What was your favorite concert?
I went to the Adele concert in Melbourne. She was amazing!
What is your favorite food?
Nothing can beat my Mom’s vegetable salad–a Polish traditional dish. She was a true inspiration and I miss her very much. Here in the U.S., I really like Pecan Pie—maybe I am becoming a true Southerner.
Do you have a nickname?
Not really, sometimes my friends from Poland call me Krzysiu (diminutive from Krzysztof) or Xtof.
And who is Kaiser?
Kaiser is THE member of our family. He is a beautiful, cream-colored Golden Retriever and he also moved from Warsaw to Charlottesville. He’s cute and he knows it; he uses it with both me and my husband to get whatever he wants—and it usually works ... When you see someone running after a dog around school… it’s probably either me or Michael. He is crazy, but we love him.
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kk3amq@virginia.edu