Watkins Solicitors – Career in HR
Watkins Solicitors, an award-winning legal firm with a legacy in Family Law, Education Law, Conveyancing, Human Rights, Judicial Review, and Wills & Probate Law, is expanding its team. With four offices strategically located in North Bristol, South Bristol, Bath, and Hereford we also serve clients in Evesham by appointment.
About Us:
- Legal Aid franchise, serving family clients, judicial review, and human rights.
- Accommodating both Legal Aid and private clients.
- Outstanding reputation as a supportive employer.
- Emphasis on remote, agile, and flexible working opportunities.
The Opportunity: Part time HR Officer – start ASAP
An exciting opportunity has arisen to take on the role of HR Officer reporting directly to the Practice Manager and Managing Partner. This is a part time role of a minimum of 20 hours a week to be worked over five days starting no later than 9 a.m. We are looking for someone to start work as soon as possible.
This is an ideal role for someone who is enthusiastic about working in HR and would be suitable for someone who is studying CIPD level 3 or 5 part time alongside their work. For the right candidate there would be potential to increase your responsibilities and hours as your experience grows.
After initial training, which would take place in the North Street office, hybrid working would be considered with a minimum of 1 day per week at the North Street office. The successful candidate would need to be able to travel to our North Street, Fishponds and Bath office as required.
Main responsibilities:
- Acting as the first point of contact for HR queries, providing guidance on policies and procedures and supporting management with employee relations issues
- Providing HR administrative support across the employee lifecycle, including induction and probation processes as well as maintaining accurate HR records for starters, leavers and contractual changes
- Managing the end-to-end recruitment process including onboarding and pre-recruitment checks
- Managing absence management processes to track, report and support managers
- Contribute to the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures, ensuring they are up to date and aligned with legal requirements and business needs
- Coordination of staff training, CPD and development opportunities, maintaining training records and tracking compliance
Essential Criteria:
- Previous HR experience
- Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills
- Strong attention to detail and experience of handling confidential and sensitive matters
- Highly organised approach, with the ability to use initiative and work autonomously
- Sound knowledge and understanding of employment law issues and best practice
- Strong IT skills
Desirable Criteria:
- CIPD qualification level 3 or above (or working towards)
- Experience in a law firm setting or professional services
Our Offer:
- Competitive salary dependant on skills and experience.
- Flexible work policy, Bike2Work & Medicash Schemes.
- Opportunities for career progression
- Hybrid working
How to Apply: To embark on a rewarding career with Watkins Solicitors, please send your CV and a compelling covering letter to Alanna Dean at [email protected]. The closing date for this vacancy is 19 June 2026. Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview and possibly appoint before the closing date.
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.
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bristol BS3 1JF
