Payal Patel - Trainee Solicitor (September 2023 - September 2025)

Former Trainee Solicitor, Payal Patel, 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 did my GDL at the University of Law and my LPC after doing a Joint honours in Business with Law.

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

Before doing my TC I worked in various law firms from a in roles from legal secretary to paralegal. In 2012 I started working at the Ministry of Defence in their aviation division where I oversaw commercial contracts before embarking on maternity leave and looking for employment more locally in Kent.

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

Following my time at Ministry of Defence I secured a position as a legal secretary in 2017 at Martin Tolhurst. I then progressed to a legal assistant before being offered a training contract.

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

I was a trainee for two years. During my training contract I worked in the Family and Conveyancing department.

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

A trainee’s day to day responsibilities can be varied and change from case to case. daily tasks included form filling, taking notes, calling clients, translating client issues into legal terms, writing legal documents, general preparing of cases and liaising with other legal professionals like barristers and opposing solicitors.

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

There was ample training provided whilst being a trainee. Not only did we have access to the MBL seminars, the supervisors are always willing to part with their wisdom and provide support. There were face to face training sessions provided which can be beneficial in understanding how the laws have changed and what implications this could have on you when acting for a client.

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

I joined Martin Tolhurst in July 2017 as a full time legal secretary before being promoted to legal assistant 6 months later. I was pleased to have been offered a training contract in September 2023. My supervisor has always been very supportive, consistent in making themselves available to discuss and review my training progress. Everyone is always happy to help and assist and provide guidance by sharing their experience and knowledge.