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Monday 20 October marked the Legal Aid Practitioners Group (LAPG) Annual Conference, held at A&O Shearman in London. The event brought together leading voices from across the legal aid sector to discuss innovation, reform, and the future of access to...
This week, Emma Thompson, Solicitor in Watkins Solicitors’ Education Law Team, was invited to speak at Jigsaw Thornbury’s Tuesday Morning Drop-In Session. The session brought together local parents and carers from across South Gloucestershire to...
Through this collaboration, families can access guidance on appeals, parental rights, and the Independent Review Panel (IRP) process, helping them to feel more informed. Permanent exclusions can be distressing and often happen with little notice. Many...
Watkins Solicitors are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for three awards at this year’s Bristol Law Society Awards, recognising another year of success, client trust and community impact. The shortlisting reflects the hard work...
Watkins Solicitors are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year – South of England at the 2025 Modern Law Conveyancing Awards. The shortlist recognises firms that have demonstrated outstanding client...
Staff at Watkins Solicitors’ Bristol offices in North Street and Fishponds came together last week to support Macmillan Cancer Support’s annual Coffee Morning, the UK’s biggest fundraising event for people living with cancer. Offices were...
The government has announced what it calls the biggest shake-up of the home buying process in the country’s history, aiming to make moving home faster, clearer and less stressful. Under the new proposals, buyers will have access to more upfront...
At Watkins Solicitors’ Hereford office, the spirit of giving was in full bloom this morning as our team rallied behind Macmillan’s annual Coffee Morning fundraiser. Nicholas delivered his own loaf cakes, and Louise contributed cupcakes,...
Reports of possible changes to property taxes ahead of the Autumn Budget on Wednesday 26 November 2025 have put stamp duty back in the headlines. For homebuyers, this matters because stamp duty is often the largest cost after the price of the property...
Watkins Solicitors were delighted to take part in Blatchington Court Trust’s Parent and Professionals Conference 2025, held at the University of Sussex on Monday 22 September. The annual event brings together parents, carers, charities, and...
Today is FASD Awareness Day, part of FASD Awareness Month. On the ninth day of the ninth month, communities across the UK wear red to stand with children, young people and adults who live with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and to recognise the families...
Last week Watkins Solicitors took part in Bristol Law Society’s Bristol Legal Walk. Colleagues completed a 10 kilometre route in support of The Access to Justice Foundation and its work funding free legal advice for people who need it most. The walk...
This is set out in The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 (SEND Regulations) under regulation 2. The definition is a transfer from certain years in education to others such as: Relevant early years education to school; Infant school...
Watkins Solicitors is pleased to present our fourth annual Domestic Abuse Conference in Bristol, taking place on Friday 7th November 2025 at the Watershed, Bristol. This full day not-for-profit event brings together inspiring speakers, frontline...
The Watkins Solicitors team are delighted to welcome Solicitor Louise Price to our expanding Family Law team in Hereford. A proud Hereford local, Louise returns to her home city with a clear focus: to help families through care proceedings and private...
We are absolutely delighted to share that Morgan French has now qualified as a Solicitor and will be continuing her legal career within our busy Conveyancing Department at Watkins Solicitors. Morgan has been a valued member of the team for some time,...
Watkins Solicitors has been featured on ITV News West, commenting on a growing issue affecting grieving families across the UK, the struggle to sell inherited retirement homes due to uncapped service charges and a saturated market. Reporter Chloe...
We are thrilled to share that our Managing Partner, Beverley Watkins, has been named the winner of the 2025 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year (LALY) Award in the category of Family Legal Aid, including Children’s Rights. The LALY Awards, now in their...
On 30 April 2025, Emma Thompson, Education Solicitor at Watkins Solicitors, joined a virtual webinar hosted by Bristol Autism Support in partnership with Autism Central. The session was designed to help parents and carers understand their rights and next...
Watkins Solicitors: Recognised Experts on the ICACU Panel of Solicitors for International Child Abduction Cases We are pleased to announce that Watkins Solicitors has been accepted onto the ICACU Panel of Solicitors, the official referral list of...
Beverley Watkins , Managing Partner of Watkins Solicitors in Bristol and member of the LAPG Board and Advisory Committee, appeared on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio Bristol to raise urgent concerns about the impact of the Legal Aid Agency cyberattack...
Watkins Solicitors is proud to announce that Managing Partner Beverley Watkins has been shortlisted for the 2025 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year (LALY) Awards in the category of Family Legal Aid, including Children’s Rights. This national recognition...
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s latest report paints a stark picture: thousands of children are facing domestic abuse without the specialist support they urgently need—and many of the services meant to protect them are at risk of collapse....
Join Us for SEN Information Day for Parents in Devon – Friday, 13th June 2025 Navigating the complexities of Education, Health, and Care (EHC) needs assessments and plans can be overwhelming for parents of children with special educational needs. To...
Watkins Solicitors SEN Information Day at the Watershed, Bristol – A Day of Expert Guidance and Support On Friday, 25th April 2025, Watkins Solicitors hosted another successful SEN Information Day for Parents at the Watershed in Bristol, bringing...
As a parent, you may be navigating the SEND Tribunal Appeal process without the support of a legal representative. However, your appeal will be subject to the same Tribunal guidance that legal professionals must now follow. Although the new changes detailed...
When a child has special educational needs, parents rely on the Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) process to secure the right support. However, Local Authorities don’t always meet their legal responsibilities, leading to unnecessary delays and...
On Friday 21st March, family, friends, and colleagues came together in London to remember and celebrate the life of Keith Lomax – a passionate solicitor, campaigner, and advocate for justice. Jointly organised by Watkins Solicitors and Garden Court...
Pre-Action Protocols: Empowering Parents to Challenge Local Authority Delays in EHCP Provision Ensuring your child receives the right educational support is crucial, yet navigating the complexities of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) can be...
Legal Victory Keeps Pencalenick SEND Boarding School in Cornwall Open for Vulnerable Pupils Watkins Solicitors has successfully supported a legal challenge that resulted in Cornwall Council reversing its decision to close the residential provision at ...
If your child or young person has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you may receive a notice from your Local Authority stating that they intend to cease maintaining the plan. However is this the right decision? And what can you do if you disagree? ...
Shaping the Future of Conveyancing: Watkins Solicitors’ Sophia Ramzan, Partner & Head of Conveyancing, Joins National Conveyancing Week Panel Watkins Solicitors is proud to announce that our Partner and Head of Conveyancing, Sophia Ramzan, will...
Phase Transfer Deadlines – What Parents Need to Know If your child is transitioning from Primary to Secondary school for September 2025, this is your reminder to make sure the Local Authority issues you with an Amended Education, Health and...
How Long Does it Take for A Leasehold Conveyancing Transaction to Complete? Buying or selling a leasehold property is often more complex than a freehold transaction. With additional legal checks and third parties involved, the process can take longer....
Are There Ever an Exchange of TR1s in Conveyancing? In property transactions, the TR1 form is a crucial document that legally transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer. However, many people wonder whether there is ever an exchange of TR1 forms in...
What Is Conveyancing? If you’re buying or selling a property, you’ve likely heard the term "conveyancing"—but what does it actually mean? At Watkins Solicitors, our expert Conveyancing Team, led by Partner and Head of...
Can I Prevent My Child from Being Abducted By A Parent Abroad? International child abduction is a deeply distressing issue for any parent to face. There are proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk and protect your child. At Watkins Solicitors,...
Watkins Solicitors is representing families in a pivotal Judicial Review case against Devon County Council and Bristol City Council’s Safety Valve Agreement, due to be heard at the Bristol High Court from 28–30 January 2025. This significant...
What Is Wrongful Removal or Retention of a Child in Parental International Abduction Cases? When a child is taken to or kept in another country without the agreement from the parent or guardian who has custody rights, it can be an incredibly distressing...
What to Expect When Buying or Selling Property in 2025: Key Trends and Laws That Could Impact You As we step into 2025, residential property markets in England and Wales are adapting to a landscape shaped by economic shifts, evolving legislation, and...
Understanding the Hague Convention: Is the Country in Your Child Abduction Case a Signatory? If your child has been taken to or kept in another country without your consent, it’s crucial to know whether that country is part of the Hague Convention...
My Child is Being Wrongfully Kept Abroad Without My Consent. What is the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction? When a child is wrongfully taken or kept in another country without one parent’s consent, it can be an incredibly...
On Sunday, 22nd December, members of the Watkins Solicitors team swapped their usual office attire for Santa suits as they took part in the annual Hereford Santa Run to raise vital funds for St Michael’s Hospice. The event saw Beverley Watkins , ...
We are delighted to announce that Wania Hussain has been awarded a training contract at Watkins Solicitors. Since joining the firm in March 2024, Wania has made a significant impact in the Family Law Department, showcasing her dedication, enthusiasm, and...
Watkins Solicitors Announces Court Date for Landmark Judicial Review Against Bristol City Council’s Safety Valve Agreement Watkins Solicitors is preparing for the upcoming court hearing of its judicial review challenge against Bristol City...
Watkins Solicitors Marks the End of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with Launch of the Court Guide for Survivors of Domestic Abuse Today marks the final day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an important...
Watkins Solicitors is proud to announce that our Partner and Head of Conveyancing, Sophia Ramzan, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Female Trailblazer of the Year award at the LEAP Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2024. This recognition celebrates...
On Tuesday 26th November, Watkins Solicitors proudly participated in the White Ribbon event in Hereford, held as part of the global 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The event, hosted by West Mercia Women’s Aid (WMWA), brought...
Watkins Solicitors has been featured in Bristol 24/7's article , which takes an in-depth look at the ongoing challenges within the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) system in Bristol. The article discusses the increasing strain on SEND...
On Monday, November 25th, the team at Watkins Solicitors joined the powerful Domestic Violence Vigil organised by Next Link . Representing the firm were Sophie Sims, Marwah Saleh, Priscilla Agyenim, and Daisy Barrows, who walked alongside the community...
