Request a callback

Please be aware that by submitting this form, the details you have entered above will be sent directly to Watkins Solicitors. ReviewSolicitors are not responsible for the advice or contact you receive from the firm. Please see our Terms and conditions for more information.

Please complete the captcha...

Book an appointment

Please be aware that by submitting this form, the details you have entered above will be sent directly to Watkins Solicitors. ReviewSolicitors are not responsible for the advice or contact you receive from the firm. Please see our Terms and conditions for more information.

Watkins Solicitors

01386570977
4.9/5
374 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...

View map
Watkins Solicitors
Watkins Solicitors
Watkins Solicitors

Accreditations

accreditation
accreditation
accreditation
accreditation
accreditation

Other locations

Other locations

Watkins Solicitors
have 4 other locations

4 Queen Street
Bath
BA1 1HE

192 North Street
Bristol
BS3 1JF

4-5 High Town
Hereford
HR1 2AA

713-715 Fishponds Road
Bristol
BS16 3UH

4 Queen Street
Bath
BA1 1HE

192 North Street
Bristol
BS3 1JF

4-5 High Town
Hereford
HR1 2AA

713-715 Fishponds Road
Bristol
BS16 3UH

Request a callback Send an email Book an appointment Visit website

Available lawyers at Watkins Solicitors

Emma Thompson

4.9 out of 5
(74)
Solicitor

Beverley Watkins

4.9 out of 5
(47)
Solicitor

Morgan French

4.9 out of 5
(47)
Trainee Solicitor - Conveyancing

Celine Conley

5.0 out of 5
(25)
Solicitor

Murihah Ahmed

5.0 out of 5
(13)
Wills & Probate Solicitor (non-solicitor)

Cari Evans

5.0 out of 5
(5)
Trainee Solicitor - Conveyancing

Daisy Barrows

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

Joanne Davies

5.0 out of 5
(4)
Solicitor

Andy Kerese

5.0 out of 5
(3)
Solicitor

Emily Mitton

5.0 out of 5
(3)
Trainee Solicitor

Catherine Haworth

5.0 out of 5
(2)
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

How Watkins Solicitors Compares

Value for money

!

Limited data.

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 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. 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 / 7
209th / 4212
Family Law
1st / 11
71st / 3816
Wills, Trusts & Probate
2nd / 8
294th / 3466
Employment
1st / 1
328th / 3058
Human rights
1st / 2
30th / 740
Education
1st / 2
1st / 266

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

    354

  • Very Good

    11

  • Average

    0

  • Poor

    1

  • Awful

    8

Overall experience

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

Verified review

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

Rachel

June 23, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Expert Help with EHCP Refusal to Assess Appeal

This review is for a different branch.

I can’t recommend Celine Conley highly enough. She provided expert legal support throughout our appeal against a refusal to assess for an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan), which she successfully resolved in our favour.

From our very first phone call, Celine was supportive, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. She explained the process clearly, offered honest and practical advice, and always highlighted the most cost-effective options available. Communication was consistently prompt, and I always felt well-informed and reassured throughout the process.

Thanks to Celine’s dedication and expertise, we achieved the outcome we were hoping for. If you’re looking for legal support with an EHCP or special educational needs matter, I would absolutely recommend Celine Conley.

Was this review helpful?

Gemma Woodend
Education

Verified review

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

Matter Type:

Special Educational Needs

Gemma Woodend

June 18, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Celine assisted my family with changing section B/F/I

This review is for a different branch.

Celine goes above and beyond, nothing was to much trouble and kept us informed and updated throughout the whole process.
celine got an amazing outcome which resulted in having a private independent specialist school named on my daughters plan to start in September 2025. we are one very happy family but none of this would of been possible if it wasn’t for Celine and all her hard work

Was this review helpful?

Chris W

Verified review

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

Chris W

June 17, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Great and professional service

This review is for a different branch.

I cannot recommend Morgan more highly. She provided a great service, the legals were completed in record time and she kept us up to date throughout the process.

Morgan was also really great at explaining unfamiliar nuances of the process, which as first time buyers, gave us a lot of peace of mind.

Was this review helpful?

Geoff P

Verified review

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

Geoff P

June 16, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

House Conveyance

This review is for a different branch.

Excellent friendly service with prompt replies for any
questions that arose. Very satisfied

Was this review helpful?

Sian

Verified review

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

Sian

June 10, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Appealing an EHCP

This review is for a different branch.

With the help of Celine, we have secured a bespoke education package for our daughter, just prior to tribunal. Celine has been brilliant through out the entire process making it as stress free as possible. She kept me regularly updated, was always very swift to respond to any of my queries and secured the best outcome for my daughter without the need to go to tribunal. I can highly recommend Celine.

Was this review helpful?

Susan Tapscott

Verified review

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

Susan Tapscott

June 04, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Sale of property

This review is for a different branch.

It has been excellent. Morgan is very efficient and helpful.

Was this review helpful?

Anonymous

Verified review

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

Anonymous

May 21, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

EHC Plan Assessment

This review is for a different branch.

Excellent service, highly recommended. The LA conceded at an early stage of appeal proceedings as Celine successfully achieved EHC Plan assessment despite the LA initial refusal.

Was this review helpful?

Carly & Chris
Family Law

Verified review

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

Matter Type:

Adoption, Surrogacy, Care and Special Guardianship

Carly & Chris

May 20, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Amazing!!!

This review is for a different branch.

IYatin and his team are amazing . They would explain every step with us, listened to my concerns. Replied to any email in a timely manner followed up with calls or video chat when called for. They showed care and compassion for the situation we had asked them to represent us in. They went the extra step with our case when it seemed other parties wasn’t aligned so everything was in place. I really will be forever grateful to Yatin and the team.

Was this review helpful?

Tracey

Verified review

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

Tracey

May 20, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Garage sale

This review is for a different branch.

Morgan was excellent. Kept me updated at every stage and explained what was being done. It was difficult to find a solicitor that wanted to take on the sale of a garage however Morgan and Watkins said yes straight away and we don't regret using her service at all Thanks Morgan x

Was this review helpful?

Zoe

Zoe

May 12, 2025

Report to admin

Collected on:

Professional, diligent work with the child at the heart of it all.

This review is for a different branch.

Sophia was a pleasure to work with. She worked diligently on my daughter’s case and we have now secured the correct school placement for my daughter. Sophia communicates promptly and provides depth of information to explain the processes required along the path. Kind and a great listener; she works with the parent with care to ensure everything is duly recorded as appropriate. I really would recommend Sophia. I’m so thankful for her work.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

V

V

November 13, 2020

Report to admin

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.

Was this review helpful?

Jessica
Education

Matter Type:

Education

Jessica

October 16, 2020

Report to admin

Collected on:

Jessica

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

Was this review helpful?

Marcia
Education

Matter Type:

Education

Marcia

October 14, 2020

Report to admin

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

Was this review helpful?

Breit

Breit

August 11, 2020

Report to admin

Collected on:

Breit

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

Was this review helpful?

Request a callback Send an email Book an appointment Visit website

Watkins Solicitors 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
Book an appointment