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Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co

0117 939 0350
4.9/5
351 Client Reviews Leave a review

Watkins Solicitors was established in Bristol in 1998, quickly becoming one of the region’s foremost specialist law firms and now employs over 30 people in our legal teams and support roles. As well as being recognised as national leaders in the field of education law, we are also now seen as one of the leading family law firms in Bristol and the South West. Founded in 1998 by Beverley Watkins, we have grown and expanded to three offices in Bristol whilst developing a formidable and highly experienced team of lawyers. All of our lawyers are experts in their specialisation. We do not dabble. You will also quickly find that our lawyers are both committed and supportive. We really do care. Read more...

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Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co
Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co
Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co

Accreditations

accreditation
accreditation
accreditation
accreditation
accreditation

Other locations

Other locations

Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co
have 3 other locations

4 Queen Street
Bath
BA1 1HE

713-715 Fishponds Road
Bristol
BS16 3UH

4-5 High Town
Hereford
HR1 2AA

4 Queen Street
Bath
BA1 1HE

713-715 Fishponds Road
Bristol
BS16 3UH

4-5 High Town
Hereford
HR1 2AA

Request a callback Send an email Book an appointment Visit website

Available lawyers at Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co

Emma Thompson

4.9 out of 5
(74)
Solicitor

Beverley Watkins

4.9 out of 5
(44)
Solicitor

Celine Conley

5.0 out of 5
(18)
Solicitor

Sophia Beekmann

5.0 out of 5
(6)
Family & Education Solicitor

Cari Evans

5.0 out of 5
(5)
Trainee Solicitor - Conveyancing

Daisy Barrows

5.0 out of 5
(4)
Family Paralegal, Domestic Abuse Unit

Joanne Davies

5.0 out of 5
(4)
Solicitor

Andy Kerese

5.0 out of 5
(3)
Solicitor

Catherine Haworth

5.0 out of 5
(2)
Solicitor

Emily Mitton

5.0 out of 5
(2)
Trainee Solicitor

Nicola Harvey

5.0 out of 5
(2)
Solicitor

Gregg Burrough

5.0 out of 5
(1)
Judicial Review Solicitor

Dan Northey

0.0 out of 5
(0)
Conveyancing Assistant (non-solicitor)

Kim Wright

0.0 out of 5
(0)
Conveyancing Paralegal

Wania Hussain

0.0 out of 5
(0)
Trainee Solicitor - Family

How Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co Compares

Value for money

This firm - 95%
National Average
Poor Competitive Excellent

Excellent does not necessarily mean ‘cheap’. It means that clients thought that the level of service received was Excellent for what they paid.

This score has been calculated using up to the last 300 reviews left by clients of Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co on ReviewSolicitors.

As part of our review questionnaire we ask reviewer questions about the value for money they felt they received by using Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co. These questions include:

  • Value for money (a rating of 1-5)
  • How much were you initially quoted or how much did you expect to pay?
  • Approximately how much did you end up spending for the legal services provided (ignoring disbursements and court fees)
  • Did you think this was underpriced, overpriced or about right?
  • Overall experience

We use data science to amalgamate the answers to these questions and create a ‘ReviewSolicitors score’ out of 100. The above chart representation score is a simple percentage representation of the averaged score across those who have reviewed this law firm.

Underpriced 4%
Overpriced 1%
About Right 93%

If you would like to read more about how we work with our review data please see our Transparency section.

Read moreless...

Would recommend to
friends and family

This firm - 97%
National Average
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

ReviewSolicitors uses our community data to show you how many clients used Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co and have had a satisfactory experience where they have indicated that they would recommend the services of the law firm to their friends and family.

You can use this data to see how Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co performs against other law firms nationally. A score close to 100% indicates that this firm is highly valued by their clients.

As part of our review questionnaire we ask the question:

"Would you recommend this firm to somebody else?"

The reviewer can select either “Yes” or “No”.

The above score is a simple percentage representation of the total amount of clients who selected the “Yes” option:

Yes 97%
No 3%

If you would like to read more about how we work with our review data please see our Transparency section.

Read moreless...

Satisfied with
outcome of matter

This firm - 97%
National Average
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

ReviewSolicitors uses our community data to show you how many clients used Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co and were satisfied with the outcome of their matter. Being satisfied with the outcome of your matter is an important consideration to have in mind.

You can use this data to see how Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co compares to the national average of clients being satisfied with the outcome of their matter after instructing a solicitor.

As part of our review questionnaire we ask the question:

"Were you satisfied with the outcome of your case?"

The reviewer can select either “Yes” or “No”.

The above score is a simple percentage representation of the total amount of clients who selected the “Yes” option:

Yes 97%
No 3%

If you would like to read more about how we work with our review data please see our Transparency section.

Read moreless...

Rankings by area of expertise

The rankings below show the areas of expertise that Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co offers to clients. You can see how good the service offered is in comparison to all other law firms nationally.

Locally

Nationally

Housing & Property
2nd / 5
142nd / 4234
Family Law
1st / 11
47th / 3842
Wills, Trusts & Probate
2nd / 4
274th / 3495
Employment
1st / 1
294th / 3088
Human rights
1st / 1
26th / 746
Education
1st / 30
1st / 263

Data shown above is based on the reviews and client feedback collected by ReviewSolicitors over the last 12 months.

Review Sources

Client Reviews

4.9/5

Reviews summary

  • Excellent

    332

  • Very Good

    11

  • Average

    0

  • Poor

    1

  • Awful

    7

Overall experience

  • Value For Money
  • Communication
  • Initial Impressions
  • Approachability
  • Documentation Accuracy
  • Legal knowledge
Cathryn
Education

Matter Type:

Special Educational Needs

Cathryn

March 31, 2025

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Collected on:

Friendly, efficient and professional Legal Aid for SEND

I contacted Gregg for support with Judicial Review after my local authority had not kept to statutory timeframes for an EHCNA process, in spite of pre action letters. It was fast and straightforward to be setup as a client and I was able to complete the registration process via phone and email. All of the preparatory work to submit the application to the Legal Aid Agency was conducted on a pro bono basis. Gregg kept in contact throughout and explained my options clearly. Even after the matter was resolved, Gregg contacted me to make sure things were still progressing. Everyone I spoke to at Watkins was efficient and knowledgeable.

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Steph

Verified review

This review has been left by a verified client who used Watkins Solicitors.

Steph

March 27, 2025

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Collected on:

Amazing

From the start I've had 100% support and understanding, everything explained to me and I would highly recommend this firm to others. I was able to open up and explain everything as was listened too and they took in all the information correctly and I would use them again in future
Thank you for all your hard work

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Kayme

Verified review

This review has been left by a verified client who used Watkins Solicitors.

Kayme

March 18, 2025

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Collected on:

Great experience with Emma from start to finish.

Emma took on my son’s SEND case and couldn’t have been more helpful. She is very professional and knowledgeable, very upfront and honest. Prices were more than reasonable and without her help I don’t think my son would be where he is now in his specialist school. I really couldn’t have dealt with the legalities of my son’s case without Emma and Watkins solicitors, they provided a huge amount of support for us and made sure our goals were met. I will always be extremely grateful for the help they have provided.
Thank you!

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Jennifer

Jennifer

March 15, 2025

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Collected on:

An excellent outcome and a great service.

Sophia has been a great help to me during the EHCP process for my child. She has been vey professional, helpful, kind and understanding and offered me reassurance during this very stressful time. We achieved a great outcome for my child and I couldn't be happier. I will not hesitate to contact Sophia in the future should the need arise.

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James

James

March 13, 2025

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Collected on:

Your essential legal support for children with SEND

We have worked with Emma on a couple of issues now, who was recommended to us by several people in the first place; and without doubt Emma and her colleagues are a MUST to have in your contact book. EHCPs can (are!) be highly confusing and as they are essentially legal document, in order to ensure your child gets the correct support they deserve, you require a specialist in the space to hold your hand. I would thoroughly recommend and endorse this firm.

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Darren

Verified review

This review has been left by a verified client who used Watkins Solicitors.

Darren

March 03, 2025

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Collected on:

SEN Legal Support

We instructed Emma to represent us in our sons educational battle with the local authority, throughout Emma did everything we required and kept us well informed throughout the whole process, Emma was able to challenge the LA and secure our son a suitable school placement after years of him being without a suitable placement. Without Emma's representation we were unheard and let down by the educational system and without this involvement our son would remain without a school placement we would highly recommend Emma’s services to any parents in a similar situation.

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Anonymous

Verified review

This review has been left by a verified client who used Watkins Solicitors.

Anonymous

February 21, 2025

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Collected on:

Emma is amazing

I would highly recommend Emma
No stone is left unturned throughout her work with good results. Her work is meticulous and she is passionate about what she does

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Mr & Mrs H, Bristol
Education

Verified review

This review has been left by a verified client who used Watkins Solicitors.

Matter Type:

Special Educational Needs

Mr & Mrs H, Bristol

February 19, 2025

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Collected on:

Outstanding SEN Solicitor – Highly Recommended

Celine Conley is, without doubt, one of the finest SEN solicitors in the UK. We engaged with Watkins Solicitors for Celine to conduct a thorough review of our child's Draft EHC Plan and to manage a complex contents appeal. Thanks to her exceptional wealth of expertise, Celine successfully secured a FULL EOTAS/C (home education) package for our child.

The situation was extremely challenging, as the Local Authority sought to place our child in a completely unsuitable setting. However, Celine’s expertise in SEN law and her relentless determination led to a resounding victory, securing a FULL EOTAS/C package for our child. Without her exceptional knowledge and meticulous approach, this outcome would not have been possible and something we know we could never have achieved as parents.

Communication was impeccable; emails and phone calls were answered within minutes or within the hour, ensuring we were always supported. What sets Celine apart is not just her SEN legal expertise, but also her genuine compassion. She deeply cares about the future of the children she represents, going beyond just fighting a case to truly advocating for what is best for them.

We will continue to rely on Celine’s expertise for our child’s Annual Review, and we wouldn’t trust anyone else with such an important matter. If you need a SEN solicitor who is extremely knowledgeable, dedicated, and truly compassionate, we wholeheartedly recommend Celine Conley from Watkins & Co. You will not find a finer advocate for your child’s education and future.

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Simone and David Thrash
Education

Verified review

This review has been left by a verified client who used Watkins Solicitors.

Matter Type:

Special Educational Needs

Simone and David Thrash

February 13, 2025

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Collected on:

Outstanding SEN Solicitor - Highly Recommended

We retained Celine Conley between June 2023 and January 2024 to support us through multiple stages of our son’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process. During this time, Celine provided exceptional legal expertise, guiding us through a refusal to assess appeal, reviewing his draft EHCP, and ultimately securing an independent specialist school placement through a Section B, F, and I appeal.

Celine demonstrated an outstanding knowledge of SEN law, providing clear and strategic advice at every stage. Throughout what was often a confusing and stressful process, she provided much-needed calm and clarity, ensuring we always understood our options. Her communication was excellent and we were kept fully informed, and any queries were addressed promptly and thoroughly. Celine’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best outcome for our son were evident throughout.

Thanks to Celine’s dedication and expertise, we secured the right educational provision for our son, which will make a significant difference to his future. We highly recommend Celine Conley to any parents navigating the complex SEN legal system.

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Anonymous
Education

Verified review

This review has been left by a verified client who used Watkins Solicitors.

Matter Type:

Education

Anonymous

February 09, 2025

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Collected on:

school placement

I write to express my appreciation and gratitude for highly professional and competent services, provided in both a friendly and accessible manner. You were thorough, fair and transparent in fighting my case, as a result my child now has the school that can meet his needs.

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Reviews collected from

S
Education

Matter Type:

Education

S

November 23, 2020

Report to admin

Collected on:

A client

Watkins have been instrumental in helping us appeal our daughter’s EHCP and getting the fundamental and necessary changes approved. Emma Grimbly has been an excellent communicator throughout, giving clear and concise advice and keeping us well informed.
We are grateful to her and her team for their professionalism and expertise and for pushing for the best outcome.

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V

V

November 13, 2020

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Collected on:

A client

Excellent service, would highly recommend. A great team helped us through a very stressful and difficult time. Gave great advice and were very thorough and tenacious on our behalf. Thank you Watkins, fantastic work.

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Jessica
Education

Matter Type:

Education

Jessica

October 16, 2020

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Collected on:

Jessica

Fantastic service, highly recommended, thank you for helping us to get the right specialist school for our son.

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Marcia
Education

Matter Type:

Education

Marcia

October 14, 2020

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Collected on:

Marcia

I cannot recommend this legal team highly enough the support i received to help me win my son is ECHP was outstanding.
Thank you Emma

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Breit

Breit

August 11, 2020

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Collected on:

Breit

Understood our issue and responded within the short timeframe. Very fair with fees. Good outcome for us.

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Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co are accredited by

accreditation
accreditation
accreditation
accreditation
accreditation

About this branch

Description

We also aim to make our services affordable. We are transparent on costs, with no hidden extras. At our first meeting we will go through the payment terms that are most suited to your means. Additionally, we often promote special offers. Legal aid has now largely disappeared but we remain one of the few firms in the Bristol area able to offer public funding from the Legal Aid Authority. Legal aid may now mainly be restricted to cases involving either child care cases or domestic violence but during our initial meeting with you we will be able to tell you whether you will be eligible for legal aid. We are proud to have won the Bristol Law Society Legal Aid Firm of the Year for 2013/2014.

Regulated by

Solicitors Regulation Authority

Legal services

Personal areas of law

  • Education
    • Education
  • Employment
    • Agency Staff / Temp Workers
    • Constructive/Unfair Dismissal
    • Disciplinary Hearings
    • Discrimination at Work
    • Employee Team Moves
    • Employment Contracts
    • Employment Law
    • Equal Pay Disputes
    • Family Leave
    • Flexible Working
    • Gardening Leave
    • Harassment/Bullying at Work
    • Holiday Pay Issues
    • Maternity and Paternity
    • Media and Sports
    • Military
    • Part Time Workers
    • Pay Issue
    • Pension Law
    • Privacy and Data Protection
    • Professional Discipline
    • Redundancy
    • Restrictive Covenants
    • Senior Executives
    • Settlement Agreements
    • Stress at Work
    • TUPE
    • Tribunal Claims
    • UK Employment Laws
    • Unfair Dismissal Claims
    • Whistleblower Protection
  • Family Law
    • Adoption, Surrogacy, Care and Special Guardianship
    • Annulment
    • Asset protection and tax mitigation
    • Child Abduction
    • Child Access
    • Child Arrangements Following Divorce
    • Child Custody
    • Child Law
    • Child Maintenance
    • Child Relocation After Divorce
    • Child contact
    • Children
    • Children Act proceedings
    • Civil Partnership Dissolution
    • Civil partnerships
    • Cohabitation agreements and disputes
    • Cohabitation and Unmarried Relationships
    • Divorce
    • Divorce After A Brain Or Other Serious Injury
    • Domestic Abuse
    • Domestic Violence
    • Elderly care
    • Family law
    • Financial Matters
    • Fixed Fee Divorce
    • Grandparents' Rights
    • High Net Worth Divorce
    • Inheritance Act claims
    • Injunctions
    • International Divorce
    • Lasting power of attorney
    • Legal aid
    • Marriage and civil partnerships
    • Matrimonial finance
    • Out Of Court Divorce
    • Parental responsibility, paternity disputes, surrogacy
    • Pension and property advice
    • Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements
    • Separation
    • Separation Agreement
    • Social Services
    • Unmarried Couples' Rights
  • Housing & Property
    • Buying at auction
    • Declarations of trusts
    • Deeds of Gifts
    • Deeds of easements, variation, deeds of rectifications
    • Extending your Lease
    • Freehold Enfranchisement
    • Injunctions
    • Investment and buy to let properties
    • Lease Extensions
    • Leasehold properties
    • Matrimonial transfers
    • New home purchases and sales
    • Purchase and Sale
    • Remortgaging
    • Residential Conveyancing
    • Restrictive Covenants, Easements and Wayleaves
    • Second charges
    • Transfer of title
    • Transfers of equity
    • Transfers of parts of land
  • Human rights
    • Human rights
    • Judicial review
  • Wills, Trusts & Probate
    • International
    • Probate
    • Trusts
    • Wills
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