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.

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Sonia Bhola Consultant Solicitor

Sonia is a specialist employment lawyer with over 20 years’ experience.

Sonia has extensive experience in advising a broad range of employers, from small owner managed businesses, to blue chip 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.

Sonia has an empathetic and down-to earth communication style 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 young children and when she has time, she enjoys going for walks in the countryside, meditation and yoga.

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Alexandra Weston Trainee Solicitor

Alex joined Patch Law in the Autumn of 2019 after following the traditional academic route into launching her legal career, beginning with a law degree at the University of the West of England followed by the Legal Practice Course combined with a Master’s degree at BPP Law School.

Alex is currently undergoing a training contract with Patch Law to become a qualified solicitor, after rapidly gaining further knowledge and practical skills in Employment Law during her time as a Paralegal. Alex strives to build strong relationships with clients from the first point of contact and will continue to support them throughout the process. Working alongside Gillian, she assists with Employment Tribunal casework and a variety of other legal work.

Despite deciding to remain in her home town of Bristol throughout this career path, she still enjoys a beach holiday overseas with Miami and Las Vegas as her current favourite destinations.

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Samantha Walpole Practice Manager

Sam started working at Patch Law in 2019.

Sam has been in practice management for many years in the medical field, is also a clinical Coordinator for a Musculoskeletal/Orthopaedic specialist and has also worked in business development for one of the main Medical Indemnity providers.

Her skills and knowledge enable Sam to turn her hand to the requirements of the management of both types of practice.

Sam prides herself on her empathy with the situations our clients can find themselves in, and always takes the time to listen to understand their worries, and will always offer them the exceptional customer service they need at what can be very difficult times.

Outside work hours, when she has the time, she enjoys relaxing in the garden - when the weather allows of course - being a taxi driver, makeup artist, hairdresser etc to her daughter who is a young dancer, or just enjoying life however she can.

For immediate employment law advice please either call us on 0117 290 0905 or complete a Free Online Enquiry and we will soon be in touch with you...