Chloe Wu - Trainee Solicitor (February 2017 - February 2019)

Chloe started her training contract with Martin Tolhurst Solicitors in February 2017 and completed her third seat with our Commercial team in February 2019. 

Chloe discusses her training 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 in Canterbury and thereafter completed a Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in London.

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

Before I started my training contract at Martin Tolhurst Solicitors, I worked at a law firm in London which primarily dealt with Wills, Residential Conveyancing and Commercial Conveyancing. During my time studying at the University of Law, I worked for a law firm which specialised in Family Law. My work experience helped me to understand different areas of Law in practice and reinforced my goal in pursuing a legal career.

When and why did you decide to become a solicitor with Martin Tolhurst Solicitors?

I wanted to do my training contract at Martin Tolhurst Solicitors due to the firm’s excellent reputation in the South East region and the wide range of services that it provides to its clients. The firm covers an extensive list of legal areas which include Residential Conveyancing, Commercial Conveyancing, Family and Wills and Probate.

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

I initially worked as a Conveyancing Assistant at the firm supporting the Residential Conveyancing department undertaking day to day tasks of conveyancing. After 1 year with the firm, I was offered the opportunity to become a trainee solicitor.

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

I was a trainee for 2 years. My first seat was in the Family department, working with Nameeta Gujral, our Family law expert. My second seat was in Residential Conveyancing at our Ashford office, and my third seat was in the Commercial Property department at our Gravesend office working with Andrew Ashley-Edwards, our Commercial expert.

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

My day usually started with checking all emails and dealing with any urgent issues. As a Trainee in the Commercial Property department, there are many tasks I needed to carry out. These included liaising with clients and other legal parties; drafting notices in relation to lease extensions and serving notices thereafter and drafting leases.

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

The training and support I have received as a trainee solicitor at Martin Tolhurst Solicitors was second to none. When I was in the family department, my supervisor was always available when I require help on any aspects of my work. We also discussed on a weekly basis in terms of obstacles or difficulties encountered during that week and how it could be resolved. This enabled me to learn and grow as a trainee solicitor. Similarly when I was in the Residential Conveyancing department, I received solid support from my supervisor.

Martin Tolhurst Solicitors also has an online training programme known as Training Tracker. There are modules in this programme which span across many areas including conveyancing, client care and current law updates. This ensures all staff are aware of the current legal climate in difference areas.

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

As well as the high standard of training provided by the firm, the general atmosphere within the firm is very friendly. Whenever I needed assistance on any issue, someone would always be there to guide me in the right way.

The training and support I receiving from Martin Tolhurst Solicitors has equipped me with all necessary skills required to develop my legal career.