On Thursday 24 September, members of the Watkins Solicitors team joined more than 170 people from across Bristol’s legal community for the Bristol Legal Walk 2026, making this year’s event the largest yet.

The annual event brings together solicitors, barristers, legal professionals, advice organisations and supporters from across the city to raise money for the Access to Justice Foundation and raise awareness of the importance of access to legal advice.

This year’s walkers set off from the Bristol Civil Justice Centre on Redcliff Street for a 10km walk around the city, before colleagues had the chance to catch up at an after-walk drinks reception at Totos by the River. 

It was lovely to see such a strong turnout from across Bristol’s legal community and to spend the evening walking alongside colleagues from other firms, chambers, advice organisations and professional services.

The Access to Justice Foundation supports organisations providing free legal advice and representation to people who may otherwise struggle to access the help they need. It raises and distributes funding to organisations working with some of the most vulnerable people in society.

For Watkins Solicitors, this is a cause particularly close to our work. As a firm with a significant Legal Aid practice, many of our teams work with individuals and families at times when access to specialist legal advice can make a very real difference.

A huge thank you to Bristol Law Society, the Access to Justice Foundation, event sponsor OneSearch and everyone involved in organising such an enjoyable evening. It was great to see so many familiar faces along the way and to be part of the fantastic support shown by Bristol’s legal community.

Donations to the Bristol Legal Walk 2026 are still open: www.justgiving.com/page/bristol-legal-walk-2026

Supporting access to justice

Access to justice sits at the heart of much of Watkins Solicitors’ work. Our teams advise and represent clients across areas including Family Law, Education Law, Public Law and Human Rights, where individuals may be facing difficult decisions, challenging public bodies or trying to secure essential support for themselves or their families.

Events such as the Bristol Legal Walk are a valuable opportunity for the profession to come together and support the organisations helping people who might otherwise be unable to obtain legal advice.

We really enjoyed taking part this year and are already looking forward to the next Bristol Legal Walk in 2027!