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Careers with Us
Any current vacancies are set out below together with details of our work experience programmes.
However, we are an ambitious and dynamic practice and always on the lookout to meet and speak with the best and the brightest lawyers. We believe that Watkins Solicitors is a great place to work so if you would like to have an informal chat with us, in complete confidence, then please contact our Practice Manager Gina Grohmann. This firm 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.
Family Paralegal | |
|---|---|
 | Bristol |
 | Full-time position |
 | Closing date: Friday, 13th December 2024 |
Please note: We do not accept CVs from agencies – if you are interested in working with us please contact us directly.
We are also interested in hearing directly from anyone who has experience in working in areas we currently do not cover such as (but not limited to):
An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Family and Education Department. We are seeking a full-time Paralegal to be responsible for dealing with new client calls. The role is ideal for someone with excellent communication skills who can work in fast-paced environment and be the first point of contact for potential new clients.
Positions: 2 available
Unfortunately, Watkins Solicitors is currently unable to offer work experience placements. We will keep this situation under review and update this site as soon as the situation changes.
When we can offer work experience placements, please note you must be over 18 years of age and have completed at least one year at university to be considered for a work placement. Work experience students will be expected to work and will not merely “shadow” members of staff. You should, however, have the opportunity to observe court hearings in the family court. We only offer work placements to those interested in family and education work. If you are not interested in these areas of law, please do not apply for a work experience placement at this firm. Work experience placements are only offered for a minimum of a two week period. Please note that places are often booked well in advance.
"Dear 'the amazing team at Watkins Solicitors', I just wanted to thank you all SO MUCH for giving me one of the greatest opportunities and experiences I have ever had. I have learned so much over the past two weeks and I want you all to know how utterly grateful I am to have worked alongside the loveliest group of people I have ever met. My placement here has ignited my ambition to pursue a career in law, particularly in the family sector, and I cannot wait to do all the GDL and start learning it all! I have enjoyed every second of my time here – thank you so much for having me. Best wishes to you all, Emily"
To Beverly and everyone at Watkins Solicitors, thank you very much for the past two weeks, I gained invaluable insight and experience in Family Law. I had the opportunity to observe client meetings and court hearings, to prepare bundles and to learn new skills such as time recording. I believe I will greatly benefit from the eventful two weeks for a very long time!Andy
Dear All, I just wanted to take the time and express my gratitude in meeting you all and for working alongside you these past two weeks. It was a wonderful experience and I enjoyed every minute of it all. I wish each and every one all the best in the future. What I learned from you all will help assist myself in the future. I also appreciate the confidence you showed in me the past two weeks.Phillip
"Dear All, As this is my last day at Watkins Solicitors – I would like to thank you all for being so welcoming and for giving me the opportunity to come here for work experience. These past weeks have been very educational and interesting, as I have had the pleasure of meeting some of your clients and observed what a great impact this firm has on their lives.
I want to thank Sheldon, Victoria and Beverley for allowing me to come along to conference meetings and court hearings. I would also like to thank James, Charlotte, Martyna, Lydia, Judit, Dan (basically everyone!) for being so helpful and patient with me! It has been a pleasure to work with you all and I hope to stay in touch." FA
"Dear Beverley and everyone at Watkins Solicitors, thank you so much for making the last two weeks so interesting and enjoyable. You’ve all made me feel so welcome and kept me busy, which I really appreciate! My time here has definitely sparked an interest in pursuing family law, and I’ve learnt a lot from watching everyone and getting involved. Thanks again and best wishes" Emily
"To Beverley and everyone at Watkins Solicitors The two weeks I spent at Watkins were invaluable. Whilst in the office I completed tasks on real cases, including preparing court bundles, drafting correspondence, making telephone calls and legal research. I was taught how to do time-recording, a skill which is absolutely necessary in a solicitor’s office, and attended court nearly every day to witness hearings and discussions. I felt privileged to be allowed to be a part of the everyday workings of the firm, and was always made to feel useful! I believe that the experience has given me a real insight into Family and Education law in particular, and I feel encouraged to pursue my goal of becoming a solicitor." RP
"I wanted to say a big thank you for having me these past two weeks – it has been absolutely brilliant and valuable experience. I really believe in your areas of law, and look forward to using my experiences gained in the future. With very best wishes" Rosie
"I just wanted to contact you to say thank you very much for offering work experience opportunities. Work experience in general is obviously extremely important but at Watkins I was able to have a very practical experience and not simply work shadow. It has been an invaluable experience and I have learnt a lot. Thanks again, and I will be sure to keep in touch. Kind regards" EG
"Dear Lisa, Beverly and everyone at Watkins, thank you for offering me work experience in August 2015. I really appreciated being able to carry out a range of tasks and attend the family drop-ins and court. I was able to improve on skills which will be invaluable to me in the future and learnt a lot more about family law. I really enjoyed working with everyone in the office, and hope to keep in touch." Best wishes HF
Natalie joined Watkins Solicitors in September 2014 whilst she was completing her final year of a law degree at UWE. She is the third student to undertake a work placement with the ‘Law in Action’ module. Here is what she had to say about her time at Watkins Solicitors.
“In September 2014 I undertook a work placement at Watkins Solicitors for a ‘Law in Action’ module at university. This was once a week for a total of 25 days. During this time I was expected to work rather than shadow, and completed tasks such as time recording, filing, creating court bundles, communicating with clients and corresponding with the Court. I also had the opportunity to go to court and shadow the solicitor in the advocates meeting and in the hearing. These experiences have certainly helped develop skills that I will use in my career, and in particular, my confidence and letter drafting skills have increased a great deal.
“This opportunity provided a great insight into what a career as a solicitor would entail. I am particularly grateful for this as at the time I was uncertain whether this was the correct career path for me, and whether I should go on to study the LPC. However, having undertaken my placement I felt both reassured about my career choice as well as encouraged to achieve. The ‘hands-on’ approach at Watkins meant that I got a great deal out of my placement, and much more so than if I were just required to shadow. I thoroughly enjoyed working at the firm and seeing the law being applied in action.”