Jessica Bonfield - Trainee Solicitor (December 2023 - December 2025)

Jessica Bonfield started her training contract with Martin Tolhurst Solicitors in December 2023 and is now based at our Gillingham office.

Jessica discusses why she chose to train with Martin Tolhurst Solicitors.

Where and what did you study at University before you were accepted for a Training Contract with Martin Tolhurst Solicitors?

I studied Law at University of Southampton Law School and went on to complete my Legal Practice Course and Masters in Professional Legal Practice with The University of Law. Whilst completing my LLB, Southampton Law School and University of Law offered me an academic achievement scholarship for the latter qualification.

What work had you done before you started your training, including work placements and voluntary work? Did your work experience prove useful?

I was offered my training contract on completing 6 months of employment as a Legal Secretary. Prior to this, I engaged with some work experience at Allen and Overy on their SmartStart programme and also at JP Morgan. I also had a mentor whom I met through networking (at my part-time retail job! You really can network anywhere!) who was a Southampton Alumni and is a FinTech Lawyer for BNP Paribas. All of the above were incredibly helpful. My biggest tip would be to get involved as much as possible in all types of experience and really sharpen your networking skills. My retail job and bar work may not have been legal jobs but they taught me valuable interpersonal skills, time management and the importance of knowing your customer/client!

How long have you been a trainee and what seats have you held?

I am well into my second year as a Trainee Solicitor and have spent 15 months in the property (Residential Conveyancing) department with my own caseload and will shortly be moving to the litigation department in a couple of weeks to work on general and family litigation matters until I qualify in December.

What does your typical day as a trainee solicitor look like?

Typically I will get into the office and ensure completions are dealt with before then getting stuck in to the emails that have come in. The day is then spent on the substantive work required to progress my files such as title investigations, dealing with replies to enquiries, contract reports etc. whilst also managing exchanges and completions and ensuring they also occur. I may from time to time have clients visit the office or perhaps some necessary training to complete.

What training and support did you receive whilst being a trainee solicitor?

I am supervised by a Partner of the firm, Tom Bexhell and in general all fee-earners have an open door policy when it comes to asking questions and advice (and believe me, some are very used to me utilising those open doors!!)

In terms of training, we regularly attend either in-person sessions, live online training with guest lecturers or view webinars through our subscription service. It is important to remain up to date with legal and practical changes and this ensures the same.

What are the best bits about being a trainee at Martin Tolhurst Solicitors?

The best part for me is probably the quality of work. I began taking on files from the outset of my traineeship and was trusted to deal with my own clients and matters. This is particularly rare with such a wide-reaching firm as often larger firms are reputable for giving trainees menial admin tasks. That is not the case at MTP! The work is certainly challenging but is stimulating and most importantly reflects the work you will be doing upon qualification should you choose to practice that area. It gives you a real chance to make an informed decision about practicing law. I have worked on some really interesting things, for example First Registrations (which one day will cease to exist!).