Ben Stradling
Quick and professional
We secured Watkins Solicitors to produce a PAP letter for judicial review. The service was prompt, professional and ensured the local authority made a more timey decision about my child's EHCP.
192 North Street, Bedminster, Bristol, Avon, BS3 1JF
Accepting new clients
192 North Street, Bedminster, Bristol, Avon, BS3 1JF
Regulated by:
The Solicitors Regulation Authority
Regulator ID: 388812
See availability
Expertise
Costs
In your own words, tell us what you need help with and we’ll show you how this law firm may be able to assist, based on their experience and client feedback.
Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co are accredited by
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.
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.
Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co are accredited by
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.
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.
| 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, Avon, BS3 1JF
What clients say about Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co
The firm specialises in SEND/education law, SEN tribunals, EHCPs, judicial review, conveyancing, wills and Help to Buy matters, with strong Legal Aid experience. Clients praise technical expertise, proactive case management and effective advocacy that achieve positive outcomes. Valued soft skills include clear, prompt communication, empathy, warmth and professionalism, plus reliability, responsiveness and strong client support during stressful proceedings. Reviewers highlight thoroughness, dedication, efficiency and trustworthy guidance throughout complex or lengthy cases.
We secured Watkins Solicitors to produce a PAP letter for judicial review. The service was prompt, professional and ensured the local authority made a more timey decision about my child's EHCP.
Sophia and Wania both worked extremely hard to help ensure my daughter had all the required provision in her EHCP. The LA were particularly difficult during this appeal but the service offered and the effort put in to obtain the right outcome for my daughter were exceptional. I would highly recommend Sophia to anyone looking for support during this process.
Legal experts tagged in
this review
Emma was absolutely amazing when helping me with my son’s school appeal. She was incredibly supportive throughout the whole process and always responded very quickly to any questions or concerns I had, which made such a stressful situation much easier to deal with. Her knowledge and guidance were invaluable, and I genuinely don’t think I could have done it without her help. I’m so grateful for everything she did for us and would highly recommend her to anyone needing support with school appeals or similar matters
The EHCP process is challenging and painful for parents. For us is was a multi-year struggle which could not have happened without Sophia Beekmann, Celine Conley and Wania Hussain of Watkins Solicitors. They helped us appeal the initial rejection and also go through the process of preparing for tribunal to ensure the best school for our son was named in his EHCP. The team was proactive with a challenging local authority, explained whenever we had questions and steered us to a successful outcome. We are grateful.
“I am pleased to report on my experience with Watkins Solicitors, who represented us in a recent Legal Aid–assisted Judicial Review claim against the Local Authority. From the beginning their manner was professional and reflected a genuine dedication to our matter. Their specialist expertise in SEND and Legal Aid issues was particularly impressive. Both current and former members of the firm handled the case’s complexities with considerable skill and persuasively advanced every point, which sustained our confidence in the prospects for a positive outcome throughout the proceedings. Watkins also demonstrated exemplary communication, keeping us informed at each stage and responding promptly to our enquiries and concerns. On several occasions they contacted us or replied outside normal working hours, which evidenced their genuine concern for our situation and commitment to achieving the best possible result. Ultimately, their persistence helped secure a favourable resolution that we believe would not have been attainable otherwise. I have no hesitation in recommending Watkins to anyone seeking comparable legal representation against a Local Authority; they are effective advocates and professional to work with.” John M.
Amazing service from Emma. Efficient, professional and personable. Emma’s knowledge and experience in the SEN education system was astounding. She guided us and advised us of any additional requirements needed to support our case. We are extremely grateful for the way she conducted the whole process; she made it extremely stressful free. There were active communication’s to the LA for updates on our case. And she was always prompt to reply to any of our queries. I highly recommend!
Thank you for your kind words. We are so pleased to hear that Emma was able to support you, and that our Education team provided clear guidance and communication throughout your matter. Should you need any support in the future, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Watkins Solicitors have gone above and beyond for our childs very difficult and drawn out SEN Tribunal case against the LA. Thank goodness we instructed them when we did as we simply would never have had the knowledge or experience to get the hugely successful outcome, that Watkins Solicitors achieved for us. They shouldered so much for us, when it was the most stressful time. Also, this was all happening over the Christmas period! However, we never once felt we were on our own or couldn't reach out for assurance and had a very speedy response, even when everything else was closed or shut! Emma Thompson, especially, was exemplary. Her ability to know exactly what to do, how much to push when and how, took such a huge burden off of our shoulders and gave us a real feeling of trust and assurance that no matter what curve balls the LA may have thrown, she was there with us. Beverly Watkins, who has over 25years SEN/Education law experience, should be incredibly proud of the practice she has grown and the staff that work for her. Watkins Solicitors give SEN parents who are facing totally uncharted and frankly terrifying territory throughout SEN Tribunals a place of safety, incredible knowledge of education law and peace of mind that their child's Tribunal case is in the very safe and experienced hands of total experts. We would not hesitate to use them again in the future or recommend Watkins to family or friends. Absolutely first class.
Thank you for taking the time to share your review. We are so pleased to hear that you felt supported throughout what was clearly a very challenging and demanding tribunal process. It is reassuring to know that Emma’s guidance and approach helped ease some of that pressure, and that our Education team were able to provide consistent support and reassurance, even over a busy period. Your comments about the outcome and your experience with the firm mean a great deal to us. Should you need any support in the future, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
We appealed against a Cease to Maintain EHCP on behalf of our daughter, and our entire case was managed by Emma Thompson. She was extremely helpful and guided us through every step of the process. Emma is very knowledgeable in her field (SEN) and liaised with all parties involved both efficiently and professionally. She had been recommended to us by someone who had equally positive feedback, and she certainly lived up to that reputation. Thanks to Emma’s expertise, we achieved the desired outcome in our appeal. She then went on to support us with a transport appeal, which also resulted in a positive outcome. I would have no hesitation in using her services again should the need arise.
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback, Darpan. We’re delighted that Emma was able to guide you through both the EHCP and transport appeals, achieving positive outcomes in each case. Your trust and recommendation mean a great deal, and we’re pleased to have been able to support your family throughout this process.
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
Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. We are so pleased to hear that Emma was able to guide you through the EHCP process with clarity and care, and that you achieved the right outcome for your son. It is especially meaningful to hear the impact this has had for your family. Your recommendation means a great deal to our Education team. Should you need any support in the future, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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.
Thank you for your kind words. We are so pleased to hear that Emma was able to step in and make a real difference in such a short space of time, and that you secured the right school placement for your granddaughter. It is especially meaningful to hear the impact this has had for you and your family. Should you need any support in the future, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
What clients say about Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co
The firm specialises in SEND/education law, SEN tribunals, EHCPs, judicial review, conveyancing, wills and Help to Buy matters, with strong Legal Aid experience. Clients praise technical expertise, proactive case management and effective advocacy that achieve positive outcomes. Valued soft skills include clear, prompt communication, empathy, warmth and professionalism, plus reliability, responsiveness and strong client support during stressful proceedings. Reviewers highlight thoroughness, dedication, efficiency and trustworthy guidance throughout complex or lengthy cases.
This review was submitted by a verified client of Watkins Solicitors.
Amazing experience, explained everything that was going on through the court proceedings. All paper work was on time. All polite and always called if I needed to ask for information or was unsure on something. I would recommend to anyone!
This review was submitted by a verified client of Watkins Solicitors.
Very professional, good communication and always at hand to speak to
Legal experts tagged in
this review
This review was submitted by a verified client of Watkins Solicitors.
A very helpfull support and guidence. Proactive efficient service. Smooth service, quick response. Fantastic service highly recommend. Morgan French very professional and supportive service.
Legal experts tagged in
this review
This review was submitted by a verified client of Watkins Solicitors.
My procedure was so stressful but Morgan did it well .she was so quick in responding to the emails and with all legal works .
Legal experts tagged in
this review
We secured Watkins Solicitors to produce a PAP letter for judicial review. The service was prompt, professional and ensured the local authority made a more timey decision about my child's EHCP.
Watkins Solicitors have been consistently responsive, professional, and extremely helpful. I would highly recommend.
I cannot say thank you enough for all the help and support I received. I didn't have to worry about anything as I was guided and cared for during difficult time. Very professional and also very warm and empathetic . Thank you Louise. I couldn't wish for a better solicitor.
Great service, used for Help To Buy services, they gave us clear answers to our questions and kept us informed each step of the way
Emma is brilliant, she always responds in a flash and her advice and guidance is valuable and reassuring in challenging situations. Thanks for everything Emma!
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We are so pleased to hear that Emma was able to support you with clear and timely advice during a challenging situation. Our Education team is committed to ensuring families feel informed and reassured throughout the process, and it is lovely to hear that Emma’s guidance, alongside the wider team’s support, made a positive difference. Should you ever need further support, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Emma was genuinely outstanding, professionalism, expertise, empathy and a successful result.
Thank you for your kind words. We are so pleased to hear that Emma was able to support you, and that our Education team provided the guidance you needed at such an important time. Should you need any support in the future, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Find the best legal expertise in the field, tailored to your needs. Assess availability, delve into specialist knowledge, and make informed decisions with transparency of cost.
Law firms are ranked based on past client experience. They can be evaluated by value, quality, and ethical standards, helping you find the firm you need.