Meet

the Team

Gillian Patch Principal Solicitor

Gillian is a specialist employment solicitor with extensive experience advising both employers and employees.  She founded Patch Law in 2012 after working both in private practice and for the Manufacturers’ Organisation EEF, where she provided advice to a broad range of businesses from SMEs to blue chip companies.

Clients appreciate her understanding of the wider business context which is enhanced through her broad legal background. Gillian’s experience includes commercial law, commercial dispute resolution and civil litigation.

Prior to becoming a solicitor, Gillian ran a busy commercial department within a university, with responsibility for employed staff, freelancers and volunteers. She understands, from direct experience, the employer’s perspective and the need to focus on commercial solutions. 

Gillian is passionate about achieving the best outcomes for her clients, and for making the process as comfortable as possible.  Clients value her clear and down-to-earth style and her focus on achieving positive results. 

She also holds an MBA with Distinction and is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.  Outside of work she unwinds by singing with a choir and going for walks with her fun-loving labradoodle.

View Gillian’s LinkedIn profile

Simon Martin Consultant Solicitor

Simon brings nearly 20 years’ experience to his work with Patch Law.

Highly regarded for his robust and tactical approach, clients value his “real world” advice, calm and reassuring style as well as his absence of fence sitting. Simon has experience as a board member as well as advising numerous directors and boards.  He has particular interest in supporting large and small commercial clients closely with change projects, TUPE and dispute hearings and is equally comfortable providing practical and timely advice to employee clients.

When not at work, Simon is kept occupied by his four children (including twin three-year-olds) and one dog, and enjoys cycling and surfing when time allows.

Amanda Wright HR Consultant

Amanda (Chartered FCIPD), began working in partnership with Patch Law in February 2015.

Prior to that, she developed and then lead the Menzies Law Schools service and supported a range of commercial companies in the South West with HR advice, consultancy and development initiatives. Formerly HR Manager for Children and Young People’s Services for North Somerset and a leading senior HR professional in the region, her charismatic expertise spans across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

Amanda has extensive commercial experience providing HR consultancy with a range of client. Recent projects have focussed on recruitment, HR strategy, reducing staff costs, aligning terms and conditions, senior terminations and unsticking ‘stuck’ cases.

View Amanda’s LinkedIn profile

Gemma Spencer Practice Manager

Gemma began working for Patch Law in March 2017 after returning to work from becoming a first time mum.

Prior to that, her experience has included a similar position at another local employment law firm and roles in administration and management for equestrian charities. Gemma’s can-do attitude means she happily turns her hand to all aspects of management of the practice, together with a friendly and high level of customer service.

In her spare time Gemma enjoys taking her daughter swimming and to soft play, the outdoors, Bake-Off and a rare meal out with her husband.