Emma Thompson

Solicitor

Accepting new clients via ReviewSolicitors

Emma is a highly skilled Education Solicitor with over six years of experience working in the not-for-profit sector as an advisor-advocate, before choosing to specialise in Education Law. Emma joined Watkins Solicitors in October 2018 as an Education Paralegal and has since dedicated herself to advocating for the educational rights of children and their families. Emma’s focus is on helping families navigate the often complex processes involved with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). Emma brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having dealt with a wide range of issues, including Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Education Otherwise Than In School (EOTIS), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). Her extensive experience has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the challenges families face in securing the right educational support, and she is passionate about providing practical, effective solutions tailored to each child’s unique needs. When she’s not working, Emma enjoys kayaking and is actively involved in teaching young people the sport, sharing her love of the water and the outdoors.

  • Regulated by: The Solicitors Regulation Authority

  • Based in Bristol, Avon
  • Licensed for 5 years

Accepting new clients via ReviewSolicitors

Emma is a highly skilled Education Solicitor with over six years of experience working in the not-for-profit sector as an advisor-advocate, before choosing to specialise in Education Law. Emma joined Watkins Solicitors in October 2018 as an Education Paralegal and has since dedicated herself to advocating for the educational rights of children and their families. Emma’s focus is on helping families navigate the often complex processes involved with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). Emma brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having dealt with a wide range of issues, including Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Education Otherwise Than In School (EOTIS), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). Her extensive experience has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the challenges families face in securing the right educational support, and she is passionate about providing practical, effective solutions tailored to each child’s unique needs. When she’s not working, Emma enjoys kayaking and is actively involved in teaching young people the sport, sharing her love of the water and the outdoors.

  • Regulated by: The Solicitors Regulation Authority

  • Based in Bristol, Avon
  • Licensed for 5 years

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Emma Thompson

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5.0
Excellent
95%+
Value for
Money
95%+
Success
Rate
95%+
Would
Recommend
Communication 4.9/5
Initial Impressions 4.9/5
Approachability 4.9/5
Documentation Accuracy 4.9/5
Legal Knowledge 5.0/5
Value for money 4.8/5
Expertise

Experience

  • Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co

    Paralegal

    Until 2022

  • Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co

    Trainee Solicitor

    2022 - 2024 2 years

Opening hours

Monday 09:00–17:00
Tuesday 09:00–17:00
Wednesday 09:00–17:00
Thursday 09:00–17:00
Friday 08:30–16:00
Saturday (Closed)
Sunday (Closed)

192 North Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 1JF

Reviews

5.0 /5 75 Reviews
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Lisa, parent of a child with complex SEND needs (London)

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Education

Residential success secured through expert SEND advocacy

Watkins Solicitors are an exceptional team — professional, compassionate, and forensic in their preparation. Our EHCP and tribunal case was complex and high-stakes, involving a child whose needs required intensive wrap-around and residential provision. At a time when services were in disarray and we were left largely unsupported, Watkins stepped in with clarity, expertise, and calm direction. They moved quickly, immediately recognising the urgency and committing to an initial discussion — that early responsiveness set the tone for everything that followed. Watkins uncovered the reality of our child’s condition, ensuring his needs were finally seen for what they are. From there, they built a precise, evidence-based strategy that left no detail unchecked. Their written submissions were watertight, their understanding of SEND law unmatched, and their communication consistently clear and humane. Celine, Beverle and Emma were outstanding — responsive, thorough and always one step ahead. They worked seamlessly with our experts and witnesses, ensuring every document and report landed exactly where it needed to. When the hearing finally came, the evidence spoke for itself. We could not have asked for a stronger legal team or better outcome. Watkins Solicitors don’t just know the law; they care deeply about the children and families they represent. Highly recommended for anyone navigating the EHCP or SEND tribunal process.

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Watkins Solicitors

Thank you for your high recommendation and kind words, Lisa! It’s wonderful to know that our quick responsiveness and the precise, evidence-based strategy of Celine, Beverley, and Emma were effective in your tribunal case.

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Kayme

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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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James

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

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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

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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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Other Reviews

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S

Education

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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Marcia

Education

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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Lois Boysan

Education

Lois Boysan

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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paul

Education

paul

I would like to thank Emma for all her hard work and with her knowledge of the SEN system she succeeded in getting my daughters school named in her EHCP after the initial plan had named a mainstream school that would never be able to meet her needs. I would recommend Watkins Solicitors to anybody having issues with ECHP funding if your child needs to go to the school of your choice and you are not happy with your local council's decision don't give up give Watkins Solicitors a call i am sure they will be able to help.

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Anurag

Education

Anurag

Thank you to Beverley and Emma with our SEN appeal, which was successful. Seemed a bit last minute/rushed at times, but didn't seem to be a barrier to producing documents of quality which I guess comes from experience. Also open to feedback and responsive on email, so thank you

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