Watkins Solicitors - Empowering Careers in Public Law
Public Law Paralegal (Judicial Review) - Permanent Role
The Role:
Join our specialist Public Law department.
This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated individual who is looking to take the next step on their legal career path and develop experience in judicial review and wider public law work.
This is a full-time position of 35 hours per week, Monday to Thursday 9 am to 5 pm, and Friday 8.30 am to 4 pm. The role will be based in our North Street, Southville, Bristol office.
Responsibilities:
- Assist the Public Law team with new enquiries and client communications.
- Undertake fee-earning tasks to assist with the running of judicial reviews and wider Public Law matters under the supervision and management of qualified Solicitors.
- Draft correspondence, statements, chronologies, pre-action protocol letters and other legal documents accurately and clearly.
- Assist with issuing judicial review claims and supporting ongoing court proceedings.
- Prepare, organise and update court bundles and evidence bundles.
- Liaise with clients, counsel, independent experts, local authorities, public bodies, support workers and other professionals.
- Attend conferences with counsel and court hearings where appropriate.
- Liaise with the Legal Aid Agency and preparing legal aid applications
- Undertake effective legal research, using appropriate sources and presenting findings clearly.
- Ensure all work complies with firm policies and business processes regarding confidentiality, security, data protection and file retention.
- Adhere to relevant standards connected to the department's work, including Legal Aid requirements and risk management procedures.
- Use the firm's case management systems and office procedures to manage matters effectively.
- Carry out general administrative duties to support the effective running of the Public Law department.
- Maintain a commitment to excellent client care at all times, escalating issues to qualified Solicitors where necessary.
- Keep technically up to date through training, research and professional development.
Essential Criteria:
- Law degree or equivalent qualification.
- High level of written English, with strong spelling, punctuation, presentation and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
- "Can do" attitude, with the ability to use initiative and work proactively.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and other relevant IT platforms.
- Demonstrable interest in Public Law or Judicial Review.
- Personal pride in producing work of a high standard.
- Commitment to providing excellent standards of client care.
Desirable Criteria:
- LPC, SQE undertaking or completion, or equivalent legal training.
- Own transport.
- Previous experience in a Public Law, Human Rights, Legal Aid or other legal setting.
- Experience assisting with court bundles, Legal Aid processes or Judicial Review work.
- Experience using a case management system.
Our Offer:
- Competitive salary: £23,000 - £25,000 per annum, dependant on skills and experience.
- Flexible work policy and Bike2Work Scheme.
- Comprehensive in-house training and supervision.
- Opportunities for career progression with training contract considered after 6 months and support for alternative routes to qualifying
- Support for candidates progressing via SQE or CILEX.
About Us
At Watkins Solicitors, you can enjoy a strong legal career, with exceptional client work. And you will be supported, every step of the way.
Watkins Solicitors is a multi-award-winning firm, nationally recognised for its expertise in Family Law, Education Law, Public Law and Human Rights, Conveyancing, and Wills.
In 2025 we were named Regional Law Firm of the Year at the Bristol Legal Awards, alongside wins for Team of the Year and Rising Star. We have also received recognition at the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards and 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.
Our specialist Public Law team advises clients across England where decisions made by public bodies, government departments, regulators or other authorities may be unlawful, unfair, delayed or made without proper process.
The team supports individuals, families and professionals in relation to Judicial Review, Education Public Law, Community Care, Housing and Homelessness, Human Rights, Professional Regulation, Local Authority decision-making, Inquests and Public Authority Accountability, Asylum, Immigration and Refugee Public Law, and DBS challenges.
We are committed to guiding clients with clarity and care when decisions affect their rights, family, education, care, housing or livelihood. Our work is often urgent, complex and highly important to the people and communities involved.
- 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 individuals and families across England.
- 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.
With offices in North Bristol, South Bristol, Bath and Hereford, and by appointment in Evesham, we serve clients both locally and nationally. We provide expert legal advice remotely via Microsoft Teams, telephone and email.
Why join us?
- Work alongside experienced public lawyers on complex and often life-changing cases.
- Gain experience across Judicial Review, Community Care, Housing, Education Public Law and Human Rights matters.
- Develop practical experience in pre-action correspondence, evidence preparation, court bundles and urgent public law claims.
- Opportunities to attend legal training, conferences and community outreach events.
- Supportive, collaborative team culture with excellent training and progression pathways.
- Flexible and remote work options available, where appropriate.
- Opportunity to develop your career within a nationally recognised Public Law practice.
- We know our people are what sets us apart. That is why we continue to nurture and develop our colleagues and attract and retain the best talent.
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 covering letter. The closing date for this vacancy is Thursday 25 June 2026. Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview and possibly appoint candidates before the closing date.
Pay: £23,000.00-£25,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
