Education Paralegal

Watkins Solicitors - Empowering Careers in Education Law- #1 in the UK For Education Law

Education Paralegal – Southville, Bristol, Start ASAP

The Role:

Join our dynamic Education Department in Southville, Bristol. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated individual seeking a challenging yet rewarding role, who is looking to take the next step on their legal career path. Full-time position (35 hours/week), Monday to Thursday 9 am to 5 pm, and Friday 8.30 am to 4 pm. The role will be based at our North Street, Southville office.

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: £24,250 - £26,000 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.

“The level of compassion and commitment within the Education team is genuinely exceptional. At Watkins, every child matters, and every client’s voice is at the heart of everything we do.”

— Emma Thompson, Education Solicitor at Watkins Solicitors

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 for our Education team, and Rising Star of the Year award. 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.

The Watkins Solicitors team are frequently invited to speak by organisations such as Bristol Autism Support, Next Link, and national legal education panels. We also regularly host SEND advice days across the South West, offering accessible guidance to families in need.

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 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 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?

• Nationally ranked 1st for Education Law in the UK (ReviewSolicitors, 2025/2006)
• Actively involved in pro bono work, including partnerships with Autism Independence and Next Link, as well as other organisations.
• Featured on platforms such as BBC Radio 4, BBC news and ITV, contributing to sector-shaping discussions
• Opportunities to attend events like The Autism Show, 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 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, Education Department, Watkins Solicitors

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.

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.

How to Apply: Please send your CV and a compelling covering letter to Farzana Hasnat at [email protected] . The closing date for this vacancy is Wednesday 14th October 2026. Interviews will be conducted shortly after and may occur sooner if sufficient and suitable candidates are received.

Pay: £24,250.00-£26,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person