‘Squiggly’ is how Sophie describes her career so far.
CLL sat down with Sophie to learn how her non-linear approach, voluntary work, experience of the SQE and natural affinity to the in-house setting are shaping her style as a young lawyer.
Tell us about your journey so far
I graduated in 2016 yet never saw myself in the world of private practice. Universities tend to push this pathway so initially I decided not to pursue a career in law. Instead, I took up a role in the NGO (non-governmental organisation) world.
Over the following five years, I was involved in building advocacy strategies and coalitions in conflict zones, developing relationships with influential leaders and establishing sustainable civil society in those areas. Then COVID-19 hit and it focused my mind on my long-term future.
I was now ready to return to law, so I headed to Lisbon and took my Masters in International and European Law. From here, I found myself at the Barcelona headquarters of tech startup TravelPerk, who offered me an amazing opportunity to qualify. I’m now based in the company’s London office. I’m on an apprenticeship studying for the second part of the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination).
What’s your advice to people taking the SQE?
The training is very technical, especially in SQE1, so, look for an employer who will champion your development in the full range of skills. At TravelPerk, for example, I get to lead projects, speak at conferences and manage stakeholder relationships. Obviously, everyone’s training needs are unique, but I lean more into – and gain more confidence from - my everyday work experience than I do the SQE.
I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without the support of the team around me and their encouragement to take on new responsibilities. There’s something magical about being thrown in at the deep end with permission to make mistakes. It empowers trainees to flourish tremendously. Conversely, fear of failure holds trainees back. I think there’s more scope to develop in this way in the in-house environment than in private practice.
How can employers best support trainee lawyers?
Look first at a trainee’s strengths and build a plan around them. Too often, the focus is on weaknesses. Employers who tailor a plan around an individual’s strengths and career goals will see a much bigger impact than those who only seek to remedy shortfalls. People are naturally stronger when they’re deeply interested in their work.
Secondly, expose trainees to all areas of the organisation. They’ll gain valuable insights and skills by spending time with, say, the sales or production teams.
Similarly, secondments to law firms are invaluable learning experiences. I’m about to go on one and know that it’ll accelerate my learning of several aspects of law, such as litigation.
Another benefit of really integrating legal trainees in the business is that it motivates them to build their longer-term career with you.
How do you see the in-house legal role changing in the next few years?
We’ll need to be accomplished generalists. Technology can now provide specific information and relevant context. As humans, our job is to apply that knowledge through a commercial lens.
At the same time, in-house teams increasingly receive random enquiries that require creative and innovative responses for which no precedents exist. This could bring about change in the structure of legal teams and the roles within them. Where today we have in-house lawyers and subject matter experts, I see future teams comprising roles such as legal architect, legal engineer and legal designer.
I’m attracted to the concept of legal designer as it aligns with my NGO mindset. It’s the idea of collating information, access to rights and other knowledge into a legal design that empowers people to understand the law relevant to their work. The future is uncertain, but that also makes it exciting.
What are you most proud of?
Last year I was lucky to be able to go on a journey of therapy for the first time over a 9-month period. It’s hard to go through therapy, being vulnerable and exposing some harsh truths and confronting things you would rather avoid.
However, I feel that it has altered my brain chemistry and broken down all sorts of barriers both personally and professionally. I approach, think about, and frame things very differently now. I understand people better and have a deeper capacity for empathy, which is important in a legal role. I’m proud to have done it and embraced that uncomfortable process.
How has volunteering helped you in your career?
I volunteered for the NOVA Refugee Clinic and Indigo Volunteers while at university. Volunteering brings you into situations that can be quite moving. It helps you develop skills for connecting with people and impacting their lives in specific ways. I’ve found that very applicable in my work.
How do you feel the in-house role differs from private practice?
Things are not set out in a rigid structure for you in-house. You need to be happy to dive in at the deep end and, without a preset process, work out a solution to any given challenge. The great thing about this is that you get to see the tangible results of your contribution and make genuine connections with your team and colleagues across the wider organisation. It’s really motivating.
How did you connect with CLL?
At the start of this year, (2025) I set out to build my network. I found out about the Junior to Mid-level Lawyers Networking Evenings held by CLL and went along. It was great to meet new people in similar positions to me.
How do you relax?
I love a good fiction novel, especially involving characters that my life wouldn’t normally bring me into contact with. I like reading about different perspectives on life. I’m into fitness, too. I live near a canal so go running with a target of 15 kilometres per week (a work in progress for sure!). I also do Pilates regularly which, having been a ballet dancer for 10 years, it brings back great memories!
