As an Albanian-born lawyer, I want to change the narrative on my nation

As an aspiring solicitor of Albanian descent, I have faced my fair share of discrimination. 

Leaving Albania as a child, my parents and I sought refuge in Greece in the mid-90s to escape the turmoil of war, but our journey wasn’t without its hardships.

We faced difficulties finding housing and struggled to be accepted as immigrants. I wouldn’t get invited to things because I was Albanian, which was really distressing and left me isolated.

Even in England where I’ve been for almost five years, I’ve had the odd comment here and there, and I’m sure other Albanian’s are no different. We’re not all criminals, but sometimes we’re treated like them.

My journey into the law was also far from straightforward. From a young age I would hear the word ‘lawyer’ without fully grasping its significance. Witnessing my father’s relentless search for legal assistance, I instinctively felt that a lawyer could save not only my family’s lives but also mine.

After completing my studies in international business at the American College of Greece in Athens, I worked for major international companies, including Emaar in Dubai. I then relocated to the United Kingdom, where I achieved a 2:1 LLB Law degree from the Open University while working full time.

I am currently training for my Solicitor’s Qualifying Exams (SQE) at Manchester-based Barings Law, and I want to thank the firm for giving me the opportunity to work with a team that shares my passion for making a positive impact.

The notion of lawyers I had growing up as being saviours still drives me as I strive to improve the lives of others - a feeling I proudly share with everyone at Barings.

As a member of the firm’s immigration department, I am committed to helping people facing similar challenges.

Most Albanians are hardworking individuals who contribute positively to society. However, vulnerable migrants often fall victim to criminal gangs and exploitation due to their limited options. Last year 12,000 Albanian migrants arrived in the UK on small boats and hundreds have recently been returned home under a government ‘gold-standard’ deal.

I’ve encountered people as young as 14 who were promised a brighter future, but ended up trapped by the clutches of modern slavery.

Families strive for better lives because Albania sadly lacks the avenues for growth. Desperate to escape their circumstances, they embark on risky, illegal journeys for a chance at a future they cannot find within their own borders, showing the lengths they would go for their loved ones.

In my quest for justice, I have also come to realise the power of language and its impact on shaping public opinion. Recent remarks made by prominent figures, including the home secretary, singling out 'Albanian criminals' only serves to stereotype.

It is essential for public figures to not generalise an entire group based on the actions of a few individuals which only serves to further alienate communities.

If my story can foster more compassion and understanding across society, but also help to create a world where diversity is celebrated especially in the legal profession, which hasn’t always been the most accessible for people like me, then I’d consider that a huge success.

Marinela Bouzo joined Barings in December and is currently training for her SQE