Judge Biruta Lewaszkiewicz-Petrykowska was born on 26 August 1927 in Cracow. In 1949 completed the Faculty of Law at Jagiellonian University. From 1949 connected with the University of Łódź. From 1952 to 1954 completed barrister apprenticeship. Till 1965, when it was banned to combine practice with scientific work, was an active barrister.

In 1959 obtained the title of a doctor of legal sciences. Habilitated in 1967. From 1975 an extraordinary professor and from 1987 an ordinary professor. From 1973 to 1978 pro-dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Łódź. From 1981 to 1984 and 1993 to 1996 dean of this Faculty. From 1983 to 1997 the Head of the Institute of private law at the University of Łódź. At the present professor in this Institute.

Since 1976 professor at the Faculté Internationale de Droit Comparé in Strasbourg. Member of the Societé de Législation Comparée in Paris. Since 1992 member of the Académie Internationale de Droit Comparé in Hague. Since 1998 the General Secretary of the Polish section in the Association Henri Capitans des Amis de la Culture Juridique Française.

Author of numerous scientific works in the field of private law and comparative law.

In November 1997 appointed by the Sejm of the Republic of Poland to be a Constitutional Tribunal judge.