Education Paralegal - Bristol

The Role

Join our dynamic Education Department in Bristol. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated individual seeking a challenging yet rewarding role, who is looking to take the next step in their legal career.

• Full-time position (35 hours/week), Monday to Thursday 9 - 5, and Friday 8.30 - 4. 
• The role will be based at our North Street, Southville office in Bristol.

Responsibilities:

• Initial client calls and general admin duties.
• Assist fee earners, including documentation preparation and drafting statements.
• Use the correct office systems and procedures in order to progress cases and create court bundles.
• Liaise with professionals and coordinate appointments for clients.
• Keep yourself technically up to date by training and research.
• Observe court and attend conferences with counsel.

Essential Criteria:

• Law degree or equivalent.
• An interest in working in Educational law.
• Experience with case management systems.
• High level of written English and organisational skills.
• "Can do attitude" and use your own initiative.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic IT skills.
• Commitment to high standards of client care.

Desirable Criteria:

• LPC or SQE completion.
• Own transport.
• Previous experience in Education law or legal settings.

​Our Offer:

• Competitive salary: £23,000 - £25,000 per annum, dependant on skills and experience.
• Flexible work policy and Bike2Work Scheme.
• Comprehensive in-house training scheme.
• Opportunities for career progression, including consideration of a training contract after 6-12 months.
• Support for candidates progressing via SQE or CILEX.

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and a compelling covering letter to Alanna at adean@watkinssolicitors.co.uk. The closing date for this vacancy is 4th Feb. Interviews will be conducted shortly after and may occur sooner if sufficient and suitable candidates are received.

About Us - #1 in the UK For Education Law

At Watkins Solicitors, you can enjoy a strong legal career, with exceptional client work. And you’ll be supported, every step of the way. Watkins Solicitors is a multi-award-winning firm, nationally recognised for its expertise in family, education, human rights, property, and wills and probate law. 

In 2025 we were named Regional Law Firm of the Year at the Bristol Legal Awards, alongside wins for Team of the Year and Rising Star. We were also proud recipients of the 2025 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Award for outstanding work in family legal aid, including children’s rights. In the previous year, we were shortlisted for two national honours at the LexisNexis UK Family Law Awards for Family Law Firm of the Year - South and the Community Interaction Award. These accolades reflect our legal excellence, compassionate service, and commitment to community-focused practice.

We are proud to host our annual Domestic Abuse Conference Bristol, now in its fourth year, which brings together professionals, practitioners and advocates to improve outcomes for survivors. Our work extends into the community year-round: hosting information events with Autism Independence, raising funds through the Santa Run and charity quiz nights, and offering free legal drop-ins in partnership with local organisations.

Our team are committed to collaborative growth and shared success, we’re focused on delivering sustained positive change. Because we want to make a lasting difference to the world around us and achieve our vision of being the firm that clients want to work with and people want to work for.

• We are a Legal Aid franchise with nationally recognised expertise in Family Law, Education Law, and Judicial Review.
• We proudly support both Legal Aid and private clients, offering clear, compassionate advice to families across England.
• Known for our outstanding workplace culture, we are committed to supporting our team.
• We offer a genuinely flexible working environment, with a strong focus on remote, agile, and hybrid working.

Our Education team supports clients across England, working from offices in North Bristol, South Bristol, Bath, Hereford, and by appointment in Evesham. Flexible and remote options are considered on an individual basis, we provide expert legal advice remotely via Microsoft Teams, telephone, and email. 

We manage a broad range of matters including private children issues, care proceedings and domestic abuse representation. As a firm, we are recognised for delivering high levels of client satisfaction and for our strong, long-standing community presence.

Why join us?

• A nationally recognised firm, including being ranked number one in the UK for Education Law by ReviewSolicitors
• Regularly featured across national media including BBC Radio 4, BBC News and ITV, contributing to sector-wide discussion and reform
• Strong commitment to pro bono and community work, including partnerships with organisations such as Autism Independence
• Opportunities to attend and contribute to conferences, sector events, legal training panels and community outreach initiatives
• A supportive and collaborative team culture, with clear training, mentoring and progression pathways
• Flexible and remote working options

We know our people are what sets us apart. That’s why we continue to nurture and develop our colleagues and attract and retain the best talent.

We support colleagues with a robust programme of learning and development opportunities, underpinned by our transparent career development framework, which shows exactly what you need to achieve to grow your career with us.

From mentoring through to personal development programmes and courses, we are proud to offer a suite of opportunities to drive your career and achieve your ambitions.

Our TikTok Channels

We actively use digital platforms to share clear, accessible legal guidance and to reflect the real work our teams do every day. Our Education Law TikTok channel features short videos answering genuine questions from parents and carers navigating the SEND system, with content led by real questions from parents and carers.

Alongside this, our Conveyancing TikTok channel offers insight into the conveyancing process, common client concerns, and the realities of property transactions, drawing on the experience of our residential property team.

These channels are an extension of our commitment to transparency, public legal education, and thoughtful communication. They also offer colleagues the opportunity to contribute to content.

@watkinssolicitors.sen

@watkinssolicitors.convey

Inclusive Employer

We’re on a mission to create a dynamic and inclusive culture. And that starts with our recruitment process. If you have a disability, whether visible or not, we want to work with you every step of the way.

Watkins Solicitors welcomes applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments such as flexible working, providing equipment or changes to the workplace. All candidates invited to interview have the opportunity to request adjustments to the recruitment process when scheduling your interview.

We are proud of the feedback we receive from clients across the firm, particularly in areas where individuals and families are often navigating stressful or uncertain situations. Our reviews consistently highlight clear advice, strong communication, and the care shown by our teams.

For prospective colleagues, this feedback offers a genuine insight into the standard of work we deliver and the way we support people. It also reflects the values we expect from everyone who joins the firm: professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to doing the right thing for clients.