01386570977
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...
Watkins Solicitors
have 4 other locations
Limited data.
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:
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.
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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:
If you would like to read more about how we work with our review data please see our Transparency section.
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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:
If you would like to read more about how we work with our review data please see our Transparency section.
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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.
Data shown above is based on the reviews and client feedback collected by ReviewSolicitors over the last 12 months.
Client Reviews
Verified review
This review has been left by a verified client who used Watkins Solicitors.
Matter Type:
Residential Conveyancing
Joanne B
Collected on:
This review is for a different branch.
Morgan has been a pleasure to deal with. Very professional and knowledgeable. She was easy to contact and always replied back to me quickly with the information I required. Would highly recommend and would work with her again.
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Verified review
This review has been left by a verified client who used Watkins Solicitors.
Matter Type:
Residential Conveyancing
Flat sale
Collected on:
This review is for a different branch.
The services of Watkins Solicitors and especially Morgan was really exemplary. Every query relating from the buyers solicitor was answered in a very timely fashion as were the numerous queries relating to the progress of the sale from myself. Every query however trivial was fully assessed, reviewed, explained and answered promptly. I believe the sale was progressed via the guidance and advice supplied by Morgan. We are both extremely grateful for the first rate service we have received from Morgan at Watkins solicitors.
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Verified review
This review has been left by a verified client who used Watkins Solicitors.
Matter Type:
Residential Conveyancing
Paul Forman
Collected on:
This review is for a different branch.
I was very pleased with the way the work for the purchase of my flat and sale of my house went. If I ever sell the flat, which is very unlikely, I would like Morgan French to act for me.
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Verified review
This review has been left by a verified client who used Watkins Solicitors.
Matter Type:
Residential Conveyancing
Cillian
Collected on:
This review is for a different branch.
Morgan was very responsive and helpful throughout the first-time-buying experience! Searches were thorough and everything went very smoothly in the end.
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Verified review
This review has been left by a verified client who used Watkins Solicitors.
Matter Type:
Residential Conveyancing
Anonymous
Collected on:
This review is for a different branch.
Morgan was great, always happy to go through things on the phone with me as I understand things easier on the phone than through email. Really quick response time and was really helpful when we had some setbacks and complications with our house purchase. Thank you so much!
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Verified review
This review has been left by a verified client who used Watkins Solicitors.
Matter Type:
Domestic Abuse
Carla Vieira
Collected on:
This review is for a different branch.
Working with Ms. Beverly Watkins and her team in a family law matter was one of the most supportive and empowering experiences I’ve had. From the very beginning, I received not only professional legal
representation, but also genuine care, understanding, and proactive guidance.
The entire firm was incredibly attentive. They kept me informed of every step they were taking, and
were always proactive in reaching
out — I never had to chase for updates or wonder what was
happening. Ms. Watkins
and her team made sure I fully
understood the legal process and all
of the options available to me. This
was especially important to me, as
English is not my first language, and
they were patient and clear in all
their communications.
What truly stood out was how I felt heard and respected throughout. My
concerns were taken seriously, and
my wishes were considered every step of the way. Thanks to their
dedication and expertise, I achieved
the best possible outcome in a short
period of time.
At the end of the process, I felt safe
for the first time in a long while. I
could finally sleep peacefully and
leave the house with my baby
without fear. The work that Ms.
Watkins and her firm do is incredibly important — especially for people like me who once felt there was no
way out. I will always be grateful for
their help and would highly
recommend them to anyone facing a
similar situation or that needs a strong representation for any family law matter
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Verified review
This review has been left by a verified client who used Watkins Solicitors.
Matter Type:
Residential Conveyancing
Sandy
Collected on:
This review is for a different branch.
Swift process with communication and when Morgan was unavailable due to holiday, other members of the team stepped in so there were no delays. I would recommend this service.
A representative from Watkins Solicitors responded to this review on 08 July, 2025:
Thank you for your lovely feedback, Sandy. We're so pleased you found the process swift and seamless. We really appreciate your recommendation of Morgan and the Conveyancing team.
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Carl
Collected on:
This review is for a different branch.
My Solicitor Yatin Amin really is something special. He worked incredibly hard to tackle a delicate case and showed due diligence at every step. He never dropped the ball and always strove to cover all bases as throughly and as efficiently as possible. He genuinely is a caring person and I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.
Carl
A representative from Watkins Solicitors responded to this review on 08 July, 2025:
Dear Carl, Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. We're so pleased to hear how well Yatin supported you throughout your case. Your kind words about his diligence and care are truly appreciated. Best regards, Watkins Solicitors
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Verified review
This review has been left by a verified client who used Watkins Solicitors.
Matter Type:
Divorce
Zoe
Collected on:
This review is for a different branch.
Celine was incredible with processing my divorce. Celine was giving regular updates and was always happy to answer any questions and solve any confusion I did have. The process was quicker than I first thought as Celine was straight to it on the dates necessary. I didn’t have to chase her once. I am so greatful and a very positive experience. Nothing ever felt like I was being to much for her.
A representative from Watkins Solicitors responded to this review on 02 July, 2025:
Dear Zoe, Thank you for your kind feedback. We're so pleased to hear Celine made the divorce process smooth and reassuring for you. Your appreciation means a great deal to us. Best regards, Watkins Solicitors
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Verified review
This review has been left by a verified client who used Watkins Solicitors.
Rachel
Collected on:
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.
A representative from Watkins Solicitors responded to this review on 24 June, 2025:
Dear Rachel, Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re thrilled to hear that Celine provided such expert and supportive help throughout your EHCP appeal. Your recommendation means a lot to us. Best regards, Watkins Solicitors
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Hannah
Collected on:
Outstanding Solicitor – Life-Changing Support for My Son’s EHCP
I cannot thank Emma Thompson at Watkins Solicitors enough for the incredible support she provided during my son’s EHCP process. Navigating the system with the local authority felt overwhelming at times, but Emma brought not only deep legal knowledge, but compassion, clarity, and persistence.
She guided me through every step with professionalism and care, ensuring my sons complex needs were truly recognised and met. Thanks to her dedication, my son now has a place at the specialist school that is right for him something I honestly didn’t think was going to be possible.
Emma made sure my voice was heard, and my son’s rights were upheld. Her understanding of the law, attention to detail, and genuine passion for helping families made all the difference.
If you’re looking for someone who will truly fight for your child’s educational needs, I wholeheartedly recommend Emma. This outcome has changed our lives, and I’ll always be grateful
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Arlene
Collected on:
I was at the end of patience with the Local Authority. I was recommended this practice to help up get our granddaughter into a SEMH school. Wow, the LA had to listen to an Educational Solicitor and the evidence I had of incompetence. Emma turned everything around in 4 weeks and she is now in our preferred school for September25. Thank you so much, as I was in tears everyday before your help.
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Sohail
Collected on:
Discriminatory and Hostile Towards Vulnerable White Clients.
Visited Watkins to support a friend with learning difficulties. We were met with a passive-aggressive attitude from a staff member who showed no patience or professionalism. As we left, she muttered something in another language that came across as racially inappropriate toward my friend.
Days later, while standing at a zebra crossing, the same woman saw us and deliberately sped up rather than stop. After the earlier incident, this felt targeted and deeply unsettling.
This firm made us feel dismissed, disrespected, and unsafe. I would strongly advise others—especially vulnerable individuals—to think twice before using their services.
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Zoe
Collected on:
Absolutely incredible company. Updates when needed, reminding me of timelines and perfectly explained to a great standard for me to understand what was happening! Great communication and so friendly. My divorce was dealt with a lot faster than I expected which was brilliant! Thank you so much Celine.
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Rachel
Collected on:
Expert Help with EHCP Refusal to Assess Appeal
I can’t recommend Celine Conley highly enough. She provided expert legal support throughout my 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.
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Matter Type:
Education
Lois Boysan
Collected on:
Through a very difficult process Emma and Beverley have been absolutely fantastic. They have helped advise, support and helped reduce the monumental stress of the EHCP. Their knowledge and expertise, working with the LA really helped us get the very best EHCP we could have hoped for. They have since given us follow up support in annual reviews and we will continue to use them each year. Thank you!
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Matter Type:
Special Educational Needs
Helen Croft
Collected on:
Extremely informative SEN info day given by knowledgeable and caring professionals, highly recommend the day. Felt hopeful and equipped with constructive info that I know will be used.Thank you so much.
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Matter Type:
Special Educational Needs
Sam Downie
Collected on:
Fab at understanding the needs and law when it comes to Autism and learning disabilities
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Brian Furnivall
Collected on:
They are highly efficient solicitors with wide ranging informative knowledge.
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Mandy Carpenter
Collected on:
helpful, knowledgeable and approachable thanks
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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.
