Interview with Sophie Herberts
We caught up with Sophie during the second year of her Training Contract, to find out how she settled in to life at Wake Smith and what the stand out moments are from her learning experience.
Why did you apply for a Training Contract with Wake Smith?
I applied for a training contract at Wake Smith because of the firm’s strong reputation in Sheffield and my firsthand experience of working with the firm from the other side of matters during my role as a paralegal at another Sheffield firm.
I was impressed by how knowledgeable, professional and straightforward Wake Smith was to deal with, which confirmed to me that it was the firm where I wanted to complete my training.
What has been your most memorable moment to date?
My most memorable moment to date has been helping to organise, and then attending, our Link Traitors event. It was held at The Victoria in Kelham, which was a fantastic venue and suited the atmosphere of the event perfectly. Being involved in organising the event made it even more enjoyable, as it was great to see everything come together on the night.
Our Link events are always a brilliant opportunity to meet and network with a range of professionals across Sheffield, but they also have a really fun and relaxed feel, which makes them stand out. The Traitors theme in particular made the evening engaging and memorable, and it was a great example of how Wake Smith creates opportunities to build relationships in a more informal and enjoyable setting.
What has been the most valuable experience so far?
The most valuable experience I have had so far has been managing my own files from beginning to end. Having responsibility for a matter throughout its full lifecycle has allowed me to develop a much better understanding of the practical steps involved, from taking initial instructions and progressing the file, through to dealing with clients, other professionals and any issues that arise along the way. It has also helped me build confidence in my own judgement and decision-making, while still knowing when to seek guidance from those around me.
What area of law are you hoping to go in to, has this changed since you started your Training Contract?
From the outset of my training contract, I have remained open-minded about the area I would like to qualify into. I have always had a strong interest in Family law, and that continues to be an area I am drawn to. However, my current seat in Contentious Probate is extremely interesting and has given me a real appreciation for that area of practice. At this stage, I think my decision is likely to come down to a choice between the two.
As you enter your second year of your Training Contract, what are your goals for the next 12 months?
Over the next 12 months, my goals are to complete the Professional Skills Course, continue developing my legal knowledge and practical skill set, and gain as much experience as possible across my remaining seats.
I am keen to build my confidence in managing matters, communicating with clients and applying my legal knowledge in a practical way.
I also want to use this year to reflect on the practice areas I have enjoyed the most, so that I can make an informed decision about where I would like to qualify.
Why do you like being at Wake Smith?
One of the things I like most about being at Wake Smith is how friendly and welcoming the firm is. Everyone is approachable, supportive and genuinely happy to have a chat, which makes a real difference day to day. There is also a strong social side to the firm, with regular events and get-togethers that give you the chance to get to know people outside of your immediate team. That sense of community makes it very easy to feel part of the firm from the outset and has helped me settle in and build relationships across different departments.
Published 09/2026