Josh Ingleton - Trainee Solicitor (May 2025 - May 2027)

Josh started his training contract with Martin Tolhurst Solicitors in May 2025 and is based at our Ashford office.

Josh discusses why he 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 the University of Kent and went on to complete my Legal Practice Course with the University of Law.

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 around a year into my time at Martin Tolhurst Solicitors where I was working in the residential conveyancing team at Ashford and have undertaken my first seat.

My prior experience proved incredibly useful as I have been able to hit the ground running from day one. Any experience is valuable and dealing with intense commercial clients allowed me to learn quickly how to work under pressure and manage my time effectively.

How did you get a place at Martin Tolhurst Solicitors and what did you do before?

I was always set on joining a larger Kent based firm and training within Kent, as training in London never appealed to me.

Prior to joining Martin Tolhurst I had previously worked as a paralegal in commercial property dealing with developers, agricultural land, and commercial leases. I really enjoyed dealing with these higher risk transactions.

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

As at writing, I have been a trainee for 18 months and the time has so far flown by. I commenced the first seat of my training contract in conveyancing and I am now working within litigation.

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

As a trainee in conveyancing, I had a full caseload and I was supervised by Abdul Mutallib who is one of our partners. I dealt with a mixture of freehold and leasehold sale and purchases, and dealt with a variety of different clients. I also assisted Abdul on bridging finance, company sales/purchases and more complex high risk matters.

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

I was supervised by Abdul who has been fantastic in providing me with the necessary guidance in order to properly manage files, and deal with complex scenarios which I hadn’t yet encountered. I was also assisted by a team of amazing secretaries at our Ashford office who assist with administrative tasks, which allowed me to focus on technical legal work. I couldn’t be more happy with the support.

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

Our firm offers a unique level of support which a lot of firms do not offer. You are valued as a trainee and are given opportunities to get involved in new things. There has never been a time where I haven’t been able to ask a question. The best part about being a trainee is definitely being able to hit the ground running with getting involved in your own caseload, and complex matters, rather than focusing on admin tasks like other firms have trainees work on.