About Watkins Solicitors

About Watkins Solicitors

Established in 1998

Watkins Solicitors was established in Bristol in 1998, quickly becoming one of the region’s foremost specialist law firms and now employs over 40 people in our legal teams and support roles.

A bit about us

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 five offices across Bristol, Bath, Hereford and Evesham 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.

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.

Watkins Solicitors. Lawyers on your side.

  • Watkins is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA No 388812 and the applicable professional rules are the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct 2007, which can be viewed on the SRA’s website.
  • The firm has members on the Law Society’s Specialist Panels including the Advanced Family Law Panel.
  • Family solicitors are members of Resolution.
  • Watkins has been awarded a Quality Mark from the Legal Aid Agency and undertakes publicly funded work in Family law.

If you think you may have trouble paying your legal costs in any family law case, legal aid may be available. We work in partnership with the Legal Aid Agency (previously known as the Legal Services Commission)

Receiving legal aid usually depends on a number of factors including your financial circumstances. If you earn too much, or have too much savings or equity in your home, you may not be eligible. You can check out your eligibility using the Legal Aid Agency’s online eligibility calculator alternatively just ask us.

In care proceedings and some other Social Services cases, the parents, and anyone else who has parental responsibility for the children involved, are entitled to free legal aid whatever the strength of their case or their financial circumstances.

Find out more on the Legal Aid Agency website http://www.justice.gov.uk/legal-aid/