Sheffield law firm commitment to employees gains gold standard

22nd January 2026

Sheffield based Wake Smith Solicitors has secured the coveted Gold Investors In People (IIP) standard for the first time in recognition of its excellent leadership, development and progressive employee relations.

The firm was praised on its increased commitment to, and engagement with, employees on day to day issues and through career defined pathways; its new purposeful support initiatives and continued investment to ensure its staff are at the heart of the firm’s vision and strategic plans to grow.

Employees commended the family-friendly feel at the company, the new well-being initiatives and the importance and commitment to training and development at all levels across the business, allowing Wake Smith to be confident in its succession planning as the firm continues to thrive.

Paul Gibbon, joint managing director at Wake Smith, said: “This is a significant achievement for the firm and its employees. 

“The firm prides itself on its culture of actively engaging and communicating with staff across the business, with a huge emphasis on support and development making people feel integral to the team and confirming Wake Smith is a great place to work.”

The IIP Standard is underpinned by a rigorous assessment framework reflecting the latest workplace trends, essential skills and effective management under three performance headings: leading, supporting and improving. 

Liz Shaw, joint managing director added: “I’m so proud of this acknowledgment. Wake Smith is a fantastic place to work and this accreditation reinforces the fact that Wake Smith feels like its very own family for all the right reasons. 

“Investors in People supports more than 59,000 businesses in 101 countries, making work better for over 12 million people. ”

Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate Wake Smith Solicitors’ Gold accreditation. This a fantastic effort for any organisation, and places Wake Smith in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people.”

Wake Smith first gained accreditation to the IIP Standard in 1998 after establishing distinct paths of career progression and support for its employees and provides a beneficial work environment delivering excellent management and development of its staff.

Wake Smith Solicitors is one of the most established independent law firms in South Yorkshire, with a large client base covering personal and business legal matters including Company Commercial, Employment, Litigation, Private Client, Family Law and Commercial Property among other disciplines.

Do you want to work at Wake Smith Solicitors? Visit www.wake-smith.co.uk for our latest vacancies.