Women in Law - Paige Banks

Following on from our first Women in Law campaign article last week we wanted to carry on celebrating the women we work alongside.

Our second article is about one of our female new enquiry team members, Paige Banks. Paige deals with new enquiries that are received by the firm (with the exception of conveyancing) and is based at our in Gravesend office.  She is able to engage with clients and lawyers alike to ensure that our services are delivered in a professional, efficient and approachable manner from the very beginning. Paige undertook her law degree at the University of Kent in Canterbury and graduated in July 2017. Following on from this Paige has been studying the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in Guildford since September 2018.

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So you can get to know Paige like we do we asked her 10 questions about her career and being a women in Law! Here's what she said...

Why did you decide on a career in law?

During my studies it was the only subject I really found interesting. Gaining practical experience during work placements in law firms and volunteering for Citizens Advice and the Kent Law Clinic confirmed that this was the path I wanted to go down. No one in my family works in the legal sector, nor had they attended university when I started and I wanted to be the first!

What one thing are you proudest of in your career?

I am most proud of working full-time whilst juggling being a mum and a part-time, weekend student. It can be hard at times and tiring but worth it in the long run.

Have you ever faced any challenges being a woman in a law firm?

Definitely not! I do not feel that being a woman, especially here at Martin Tolhurst, would hinder me in any way.

What gives you the most satisfaction in your role today?

As I deal with all new enquiries I speak to a variety of people. Sometimes clients are very emotional. Most are going through quite stressful times and I get the most satisfaction from reassuring them that they will receive the best possible advice and knowing that by the end of our conversation the client is feeling at ease.

How do you keep a work life balance?

I try to manage my workload and time so that when I go home I am not worrying about how much I have left to do. I like to switch off when I leave the office and enjoy being at home with my daughter.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in your career?

The biggest lesson I have learnt is that you can learn something from everyone - no matter what their role is. You should always take on board any knowledge and advice your colleagues want to give you.

What advice would you give to your younger self if you had the chance?

I would tell myself that having a child at a young age does not mean that you cannot still follow your dream career. If anything, it will make you work harder and it does not matter if it takes you longer to get there than your peers as long as you get there eventually!

Tell us something about yourself that we might not have known in a professional environment?

I love to cook and I am always trying new recipes – although I must work on portion control as I always make enough food to feed a small army!

What is your favourite thing about working for Martin Tolhurst Solicitors?

I have found that from the moment I started everyone has been so helpful. I’ve never felt judged for asking for help if I need it. The atmosphere in the office is great and I really feel like a valued member of the team.

Do you think there has been progress for women in Law and what do you think the future holds for the next generation of women lawyers?

I definitely feel that woman have far more opportunities in law now. The number of female students in my cohort at university far outweighs the number of male students, which wouldn’t have been the case previously. I also feel that employers are a lot more flexible when it comes to issues around children and childcare which makes it a lot easier for women to pursue careers like law, without feeling that they will be penalised for having other commitments.

If you would like to know more about Paige and her role or get in touch with her regarding an enquiry you might have you can view her full profile on our website here : Paige Banks