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 Law Society 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.
About Us
* 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 and Wales.
* 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 Family team supports clients across England and Wales, working from offices in North Bristol, South Bristol, Bath, Hereford and by appointment in Evesham. With flexible and remote options available, 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.
* Featured on platforms such as BBC Radio 4, BBC News and ITV, contributing to sector‑shaping discussions
* Opportunities to attend events such as the Domestic Abuse Conference Bristol, legal training panels and community outreach
* Supportive, collaborative team culture with excellent training and progression pathways
* Flexible and remote work options available
* Our firm actively supports junior lawyers with structured supervision and mentoring from day one. Many of our senior solicitors trained and qualified with us. We invest in professional development and maintain a firm‑wide commitment to inclusion, flexibility and wellbeing.
“Watkins Solicitors supported me from Family Paralegal to Solicitor, with clear supervision, training and a team that genuinely cares about clients. I have gained experience in injunctions and private children matters, and I am building my knowledge in care proceedings. If you want to do meaningful work and develop quickly in a supportive team, this is the place to do it.”
— Sophia Beekman, Solicitor, Family Department, Watkins Solicitors
The Opportunity: Family Solicitors – Start ASAP – Several Roles Available
We are looking to recruit family solicitors to join our growing department. These are full‑time, permanent roles, based either at our North Street or Fishponds office, with hybrid working available.
You will manage a live caseload of public and private children law and domestic abuse matters, most of which are publicly funded. You will provide advice and representation in court, often supporting vulnerable clients. You will also contribute to training, supervise junior staff and assist the Head of Department as needed. These roles offer genuine scope to grow, develop your expertise and play a meaningful part in our wider mission.
* 35 hours per week
* Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
* Based at either our North Street or Fishponds office
* Hybrid working available
* Salary: £37,500 – £50,000 per annum, depending on experience
* Strong professional development and training opportunities
* A supportive team and a genuinely inclusive culture
* Involvement in meaningful, life‑changing legal work
* A Lexcel‑accredited environment where excellence is the standard
The candidates
We are looking for newly qualified or experienced solicitors with a passion for high‑quality legal work and providing exceptional client care. With proven experience of working within family, domestic abuse, public and/or private children law, we are seeking candidates who want to continue their development and take the next step in their legal career.
Main responsibilities
* Manage an active caseload encompassing a wide range of private and public children and domestic abuse law matters, which are mainly publicly funded.
* Provide legal advice and representation to clients in family law proceedings.
* Develop strong client relationships, providing sensitive and empathetic support, including to vulnerable clients experiencing domestic violence, ensuring their rights and interests are protected, and advocating for their safety and well‑being.
* Conduct legal research to support case preparation and strategy development.
* Instruct counsel and experts.
* Assist with the supervision and training of paralegals within the department.
* Assisting the Head of Department as necessary.
* Stay updated on changes in legislation and legal practices relevant to domestic abuse and family law.
* Qualified solicitors or equivalent.
* A strong background in family law (in particular, private and public children law).
* Demonstrate a strong knowledge of the legal aid scheme and family law practice.
* Strong client care skills and a proactive, collaborative working style.
* Excellent organisational skills.
* Strong verbal and written communication skills.
* Commitment to high professional standards and team development.
* Accredited specialist in private and/or public children law through Resolution or The Law Society.
How to apply
To embark on a rewarding career with Watkins Solicitors, please send your CV and a compelling covering letter. The closing date for these vacancies is Wednesday 10 December 2025. Interviews may occur sooner if sufficient and suitable candidates are received.
Diversity and Inclusion: 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. Some options include communication support or breaks.
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