THE clients who walk through Sarah Smith's door are often at rock bottom, facing relationship breakdowns, custody battles and financial crises. That emotionally charged first meeting relies on trust, empathy, understanding and the total dedication of the lawyer involved.
For Sarah the satisfaction of helping people through some of the most difficult times of their lives helps her cope with the intensity of the role.
"It can be very rewarding to see people come through relationship breakdowns and I have stayed frie
nds with many of my clients," says Sarah, who joined Berwins from a London law firm in July.
"One whose story I often use when talking to new clients came to me when she was emotionally broken and could barely speak. She's now lecturing in law and her journey is a huge inspiration to others.
"I am acutely aware that when someone walks through my door they are having to talk about very personal things, emotional and financial issues that they wouldn't normally discuss with anyone. They are investing in you so it is important to give something of yourself back to them."
Sarah admits it can be difficult to leave this type of work behind at the end of the day but her young son helps her stay focussed on her own family out of office hours.
"It's a real dilemma for anyone who juggles work and parenting to make sure you're good at your job and doing the best for your children. I find myself cooking shepherds pie at 7am so we have a meal prepared when I get home in the evening. It's about being super organised and creative."
But Sarah belives becoming a parent has made her better at her job in many ways.
"I empathise more with clients now that I'm a parent myself and I have become much better at managing my workload. I've realised that I can't carry people's problems around with me all the time and I have learned to switch off when I get home and devote all my energy to my family."
Sarah's desire to relocate from London to Harrogate became a reality almost overnight when she was offered a job in the town and a school place for her son in the same day.
Keen to establish a life for her family away from the capital Sarah, who is from County Durham, and her husband, a Yorkshireman, suddenly found themselves packing boxes and looking for a new home.
"We arrived with the removal van on a Monday in early July, had Tuesday settling into our new home, my son started school on the Wednesday and I began work in the family unit at Berwins on the Thursday," Sarah recalls.
It was a hectic start to their new life but Sarah and her family haven't looked back.
She is now firmly established at Berwins and has nothing but praise for the team there.
"Having been employed by law firms in London for 12 years I'm delighted to be working for such an excellent company. It's a hugely supportive environment and well led from the top.
