Meet The Team
UK employment law specialists
Based in the South West, we work with clients across England and Wales
Patch Law was founded in 2012 to offer high-quality and affordable employment law advice to businesses and individuals. Gillian Patch, our principal solicitor, is passionate about achieving the best outcomes for her clients, and for making the process as comfortable as possible.
Prior to becoming a solicitor, Gillian ran a commercial department, so she understands the employers' perspective and the need to focus on solutions that make good business sense. The team has grown with the business, including 3 solicitors and a trainee solicitor.
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 playing the piano, and enjoys spending time in the fresh air, particularly on the North Cornwall coast.
Sonia Bhola
Consultant Solicitor
Sonia is a specialist employment lawyer with nearly 30 years’ experience.
Sonia has extensive experience in advising a broad range of employers, from small owner managed businesses, to blue chip and global companies. Sonia offers businesses practical advice and commercial solutions that help them move their businesses forward.
Sonia is also a champion of the third sector, which includes charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups, who deliver essential services, help to improve people's wellbeing and contribute to economic growth. They play a vital role in supporting communities at a local level and Sonia feels passionately about supporting such organisations, having previously been a trustee of a School, a College, a University and a Race Equality Council as well as advising organisations supporting victims of domestic violence.
Sonia also provides assistance to employees who are often dealing with complex employment and HR issues, often in challenging situations, when they are feeling at their most vulnerable. Her clients describe her as knowledgeable, and empathetic. They find her legal and strategic expertise and experience invaluable in reaching positive outcomes.
Sonia has an open communication style. She provides pragmatic advice which leaves her clients feeling fully supported. She is diligent and pro-active in her approach. Sonia works hard to get the best results for her clients, in the most cost-effective way, always mindful of client budgets and balancing costs against outcomes.
Sonia is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association. Outside of work she is a busy mum to two boys and so can be found cheering them on from the sidelines of the football pitch.
Alexandra Weston
Solicitor
Alexandra joined Patch Law as a Paralegal in the Autumn of 2019, following the traditional academic route into her legal career. She completed her Law degree at the University of the West of England, before undertaking the Legal Practice Course combined with a Master’s degree at BPP Law School.
Alexandra qualified as a Solicitor in July 2023 after completing her training contract at Patch Law, where she developed a strong specialism in Employment Law. Since qualifying, Alexandra has worked with a broad range of both employer and employee clients, advising on all aspects of employment law. She is particularly experienced in navigating sensitive exits, redundancy processes, and negotiating settlement agreements — often securing significantly improved compensation packages for clients. One client described her as: “Efficient and friendly during a stressful time — her professional, caring approach to the situation and her interrogative skills ensured I got the deal I was legally entitled to, resulting in me feeling better at the end of the process than the beginning.”
Her practical and empathetic approach has seen her successfully guide individuals through some of the most challenging periods in their careers. She understands that seeking legal advice often comes at a vulnerable and uncertain time, and she prides herself on offering reassurance, clarity, and practical guidance. Alexandra is known for her strong attention to detail, which is essential when reviewing and drafting a wide range of employment documents — including contracts of employment, settlement agreements, disciplinary and grievance correspondence, and Employment Tribunal claim forms and responses.
Alexandra has played a key role in the preparation for complex final hearings in the Employment Tribunal and continues to develop her litigation skills, working alongside senior colleagues on high-value and reputationally sensitive matters. She is also a member of the Employment Lawyers Association, staying up to date with developments in this fast-evolving area of law.
Outside of work, Alexandra lives in her home city of Bristol and keeps busy with a full social life. She enjoys spending time with her circle of loved ones, keeping active at the gym, and making time for trips overseas — with Miami and Rhodes among her favourite destinations.
Karen Coles
Practice Manager
Karen joined Patch Law in January 2023 having worked in the legal sector since 1986.
During this time Karen has enjoyed senior secretarial and practice management roles and has also gained valuable experience in risk and compliance with a central Bristol law firm.
In her role as Compliance Manager Karen was successful in obtaining international accreditation for a quality management system. The standard provides a framework to ensure client and regulatory requirements are met while continuously improving the firm’s processes.
Karen has strong organisational skills and a caring and understanding nature. These attributes together with Karen’s many years of administration experience, are beneficial to both clients and in her role supporting Gillian with the running of the business.
Outside of work Karen enjoys going to the gym and for walks with her family (and their dog!) as well as socialising with friends and charity fundraising.
Gabriella Wilton-Baker
Trainee Solicitor
Gabi is a Trainee Solicitor at Patch Law and is due to qualify in summer 2026. She recently completed the Legal Practice Course with a Master’s degree at the University of Law, graduating with Distinction, following her law degree from the University of the West of England in 2021.
Often the first point of contact at the firm, Gabi plays a key role in welcoming new clients. She provides a friendly, empathetic introduction, gathering essential information and helping clients with their booking from the offset. Her calm and professional approach often assists clients in selecting the right consultation package to suit their circumstances.
Gabi has developed a strong foundation in employment law and regularly assists with a wide range of matters. Her work includes drafting employment contracts, self-employed contractor agreements, and more recently, settlement agreements for organisations. She also supports clients through the early stages of Employment Tribunal claims — from submitting ACAS Early Conciliation forms to helping draft ET1 forms.
Her approachable manner, attention to detail, and responsiveness have been consistently recognised in client feedback. Clients have described her as:
“Calm, kind and incredibly helpful at a very difficult time.”
“I was particularly impressed with the reaction and professionalism that supported my query… I had a full explanation of the process at each required stage. I would highly recommend this law firm.”
“Gabi handled the initial communication, and she always responded in a timely and informative manner.”
Outside of work, Gabi is a keen equestrian and regularly competes at events across the country. She also enjoys countryside running, travelling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
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