Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co

0117 939 0350

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...

Address
192 North Street
Bedminster
Avon
BS3 1JF
0117 939 0350
www.watkinssolicitors.co.uk

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Accreditations

Other locations

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Available lawyers at Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co

Emma Thompson

Beverley Watkins

Celine Conley

Sophia Beekmann

Family & Education 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

Andy Kerese

Emily Mitton

Catherine Haworth

Nicola Harvey

Gregg Burrough

Judicial Review Solicitor

Dan Northey

0.0 out of 5

(0)

Conveyancing Assistant (non-solicitor)

Sophie Sims

0.0 out of 5

(0)

Family Paralegal, Domestic Abuse Unit

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 5%

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.

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.

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.

Housing & Property

2nd / 5

211th / 4215

Family Law

1st / 11

71st / 3815

Wills, Trusts & Probate

2nd / 4

301st / 3468

Employment

1st / 1

335th / 3056

Human rights

1st / 1

30th / 740

Education

1st / 33

1st / 267

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

357
Very Good

11
Average

0
Poor

1
Awful

8

Overall experience

Value For Money
Communication
Initial Impressions
Approachability
Documentation Accuracy
Legal knowledge

Family Law

Verified review

Matter Type:

Divorce

Zoe

July 01, 2025

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Collected on:

Divorce proceedings

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.

Lawyer named in this review:
Celine Conley

Celine Conley

A representative from Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co 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

Rachel

June 23, 2025

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Expert Help with EHCP Refusal to Assess Appeal

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.

Lawyer named in this review:
Celine Conley

Celine Conley

A representative from Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co 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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Education

Verified review

Matter Type:

Special Educational Needs

Gemma Woodend

June 18, 2025

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Collected on:

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

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

Lawyer named in this review:
Celine Conley

Celine Conley

A representative from Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co responded to this review on 20 June, 2025:

Dear Gemma, Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re thrilled Celine could achieve such a positive outcome for your daughter and support your family throughout the process. Best regards, Watkins Solicitors

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Verified review

Sian

June 10, 2025

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Collected on:

Appealing an EHCP

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.

Lawyer named in this review:
Celine Conley

Celine Conley

A representative from Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co responded to this review on 11 June, 2025:

Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Sian. We're thrilled that Celine could support you and secure the best outcome for your daughter while making the process stress-free. Your recommendation means a lot to us!

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Verified review

Anonymous

May 21, 2025

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Collected on:

EHC Plan Assessment

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.

Lawyer named in this review:
Celine Conley

Celine Conley

A representative from Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co responded to this review on 22 May, 2025:

Thank you for your great feedback — we're delighted Celine was able to achieve a successful outcome early in the process!

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Zoe

May 12, 2025

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

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.

Lawyer named in this review:
Sophia Beekmann

Sophia Beekmann

A representative from Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co responded to this review on 14 May, 2025:

Thank you for your lovely feedback, Zoe. We're so pleased Sophia could support you and achieve a positive outcome for your daughter.

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Verified review

Sinu Payyana

April 28, 2025

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Collected on:

SEND tribunal Appeal

We approached Watkins solicitors when we re going through one of the most difficult stages in our lives. Celine was very approachable and compassionate, listening to us and replying always on time. We are so very happy for the service received. We are extremely grateful for the support received. Thank you Celine.

Lawyer named in this review:
Celine Conley

Celine Conley

A representative from Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co responded to this review on 29 April, 2025:

Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're delighted Celine was able to support you with compassion and care during such a difficult time.

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Chris

April 22, 2025

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Collected on:

EHCP

Celine helped us with an appeal to have an EHCP assessment for our son and then throughout the very stressful process until achieving a successful outcome when awarded the EHCP best suited to his needs.
In addition to legal advice and support, Celine was always pro-active, reassuring and sensitive to the needs of our son.

Lawyer named in this review:
Celine Conley

Celine Conley

A representative from Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co responded to this review on 23 April, 2025:

Thank you for your fantastic review, Chris! We're so glad that Celine was able to guide you through the EHCP process with such care and dedication. It's wonderful to hear that her proactive and reassuring support made a positive impact on your family!

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Jennifer

April 16, 2025

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Collected on:

Non mol representative

Amazing efficient and sensitive service from Watkins. I would recommend to people needing legal assistance especially in family court. Special thanks for to Caitlin, Sophie and Daisy who helped ensure I had legal aid for non molestation order support. Thanks from bottom of my heart.

Lawyer named in this review:
Beverley Watkins

Beverley Watkins

A representative from Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co responded to this review on 17 April, 2025:

Thank you for your heartfelt review, Jennifer. We're so glad Caitlin, Sophie, and Daisy could assist you. Your recommendation means a lot to us.

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Jennifer

April 16, 2025

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Collected on:

Support with nonmol

Lawyer named in this review:
Beverley Watkins

Beverley Watkins

A representative from Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co responded to this review on 17 April, 2025:

Thank you for your kind words, Jennifer. We're so glad Caitlin, Sophie, and Daisy could support you through this challenging time. Your recommendation means a lot to us.

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Reviews collected from

Education

Matter Type:

Education

November 23, 2020

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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.

Lawyer named in this review:
Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson

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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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Education

Matter Type:

Education

Jessica

October 16, 2020

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Jessica

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

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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

Lawyer named in this review:
Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson

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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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Reviews collected from

Education

Matter Type:

Education

Lois Boysan

September 17, 2020

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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!

Lawyers named in this review:
Beverley Watkins Emma Thompson

Beverley Watkins

Emma Thompson

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Education

Matter Type:

Special Educational Needs

Helen Croft

January 25, 2020

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Helen Croft

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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Education

Matter Type:

Special Educational Needs

Sam Downie

January 21, 2020

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Sam Downie

Fab at understanding the needs and law when it comes to Autism and learning disabilities

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Brian Furnivall

May 15, 2019

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Brian Furnivall

They are highly efficient solicitors with wide ranging informative knowledge.

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Mandy Carpenter

March 07, 2019

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Mandy Carpenter

helpful, knowledgeable and approachable thanks

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