Her Story
About Swatilina
Swatilina Barik has spent nearly a decade in the legal field, with her primary expertise in global mobility and immigration law. She also writes and speaks on policies, leadership, and the philosophy of law. Barik earned her law degrees, both graduation and post-graduation, in India. She is currently preparing for the California Bar exam and is enrolled in courses from Howard Online on computer science for lawyers as well as from Queen's University on critical thinking and law interpretation. Her professional affiliations include AILA, the International Association of Bar Counsel, and Young ICCA in arbitration. Barik attributes her success to sitting with problems, enduring challenges, and building resilience rather than avoiding them. She emphasizes integrity and consistency in her work, along with empathy and kindness when supporting clients through emotionally complex immigration matters. Among the advice she shares is to keep moving forward in one's career without overthinking and to study hard, dream big, and achieve goals without letting others deter progress.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Swatilina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to sitting with problems, enduring pain, and building resilience rather than running from challenges. Roadblocks are welcomed, and feeling the pain leads to becoming a larger person.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of my mentors told me not to overthink in your career. When in the middle of your journey, keep going forward. Moving forward is the key to success. Even baby steps make a difference.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Study hard. Dream big. And achieve it. There is no second thought. You just have to start. Never step down. Never have somebody tell you that you cannot do it. Just do it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The system and process in immigration needs enhancement. People in immigration status need careful care. A balanced approach and revisit of policies is needed, more balanced for government and people entering nations. Opportunities in global mobility with immense talent that should be encouraged.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and consistency are most important. I believe in establishing integrity wherever I go or lead. Consistency in nourishing and caring for clients. Empathy and kindness are key, especially in immigration which involves emotional understanding of clients' futures and families. Kindness makes everybody's life easier.
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