Damian Gwiazdowski
Trainee Solicitor
Damian studied at De Montfort University in Leicester between 2017 and 2021, where he completed his law degree and obtained his LLB. Damian has a strong passion for criminal law and went on to complete his master’s degree in 2023, with a dissertation focused entirely on the subject. He continued his legal studies and successfully completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) in the same year.
In 2021, Damian worked at Leicester Crown Court as part of the administrative team, gaining valuable experience working behind the scenes at a large court centre on the Midlands circuit.
In 2022, he joined a law firm in Leicester where he worked as a paralegal for two years, developing his experience and ultimately becoming the lead paralegal within the firm, primarily dealing with Crown Court cases. During this time, he gained significant knowledge and expertise assisting clients charged with criminal offences and working closely with counsel at the Crown Court. Damian has worked on a full range of offences, from more minor matters through to serious and complex cases, including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, kidnapping and murder, as well as cases involving the Sexual Offences Act 2003, defending those accused of a wide range of sexual offences, including the most serious allegations of rape.
Damian relocated to Manchester in 2024 and joined Burton Copeland bringing a wealth of qualifications and experience to the criminal department.
Since joining Burton Copeland, Damian has continued to expand his practice and is now an Accredited Police Station Representative, regularly advising clients at the police station.
Damian also undertakes SIA enquiries, advising licence holders and applicants in relation to regulatory investigations, licence refusals, revocations and appeals, and provides representation and strategic advice throughout the process. In addition, he assists with a range of regulatory matters alongside his criminal defence work, particularly where criminal allegations have professional or licensing consequences.
Damian is fluent in Polish and regularly assists Polish-speaking clients, providing advice and support throughout police station investigations and court proceedings, helping to ensure clients fully understand the legal process without the need of an interpreter.
Damian is due to qualify as a Solicitor in England and Wales later this year and looks forward to continuing to develop his practice in criminal defence
