WATKINS - Key Persons
With several years of experience in Human Resources, Alanna Dean provides generalist HR support across all areas of HR operations at Watkins Solicitors. Dedicated to fostering a positive and productive workplace, she offers reliable support for the firm's HR needs.
Alanna holds a BA (Hons) Degree in History from the University of the West of England, along with a CIPD Level 3 certification. She has also completed training in SHL Occupational Testing (Level A) and is qualified in TOEIC invigilation.
Outside of work, Alanna enjoys spending quality time with her family, learning to play the piano, and staying active through running and playing for a local hockey team.
Job Titles:
- Receptionist / Conveyancing Admin Assistant
Friendly, approachable and always ready to help, Amanda's time is split between manning the desk on Reception in Fishponds, and providing support to the conveyancing department as an admin assistant.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- International Family Law Solicitor
Andy works as a Solicitor in the International Family Law Department. He specialises in Hague convention and other family law applications with international elements. He also undertakes private law children work as well as injunctions.
Andy completed his Law degree in 2019 and began working in the Family Department the same year. Prior to commencing his Training Contract, Andy worked with Sheldon Price on a Hague Convention case concerning the unlawful removal of 2 children from Belgium. Working on this case, Andy gained invaluable experience, which led him to focus his Training Contract in the International Family Law Department.
Andy has also gained valuable experience in private law children cases, focusing on Child Arrangement Orders as well as Specific Issues and Prohibited Steps Orders. He also undertakes injunction work, representing both applicants and respondents.
Andy is bilingual; he is fluent in Hungarian and always happy to assist clients in both English and Hungarian.
Andy a nemzetközi családjogi kérdések csoportjában dolgozik, mint ügyvéd. Szakterülete a Hágai Egyezmény és egyéb nemzetközi vonatkozású családjogi esetek, de gyakran foglalkozik gyerekeket érintő magánjogi kérdésekkel és bíróság előtti képviselettel is.
Benjamin is a Family Paralegal in the Family Department at Watkins Solicitors. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Law from Nottingham Trent University and a Master of Laws from the University of the West of England. In January 2024, Benjamin successfully completed SQE1, taking an important step toward his goal of qualifying as a solicitor.
Benjamin is passionate about supporting clients in family law and is dedicated to building his expertise in this field.
Outside of his work, Benjamin enjoys reading, writing, and exploring the outdoors through hiking. He is also an avid cook, often experimenting with new recipes and flavours.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Managing Partner - Education / Family / Public Law
- Member of Resolution
Beverley Watkins qualified as a solicitor in London in 1988. She is the founder of Watkins Solicitors and as well as being an acknowledged expert Family Law solicitor, Beverley is also nationally recognised as one of the leading specialists advising on all matters of Education Law.
With regards to her family work, Beverley deals with all areas but has particular expertise dealing with complicated financial disputes. Her work with education law centres around her knowledge of Special Educational Needs and children with disabilities.
Caitin joined Watkins Solicitors in September 2023 and is Watkins Solicitors first Level 3 Paralegal Apprentice. Caitlin assists both the Family and Education and combines her time between working 4 days a week and studying one day a week.
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor - Conveyancing
Cari Evans is a Trainee Solicitor at Watkins Solicitors, specialising in Conveyancing. Cari completed her LLB and Legal Practice Course in 2018, which laid the foundation for her legal career. She has since gained extensive experience in Property Law, working as a conveyancer for nearly two years before beginning her training contract.
Prior to her current role, Cari spent four years as a Personal Injury Paralegal, where she honed her skills in managing complex legal matters and providing excellent client care. Her early legal experience also includes volunteering with Citizens Advice and offering witness support at Cardiff Crown Court, roles that deepened her commitment to accessible legal services.
Outside of her professional life, Cari is a dedicated mother of two young boys. Her love for animals, nurtured during her upbringing on a farm, continues today as she and her family care for chickens, dogs, and a pony. During weekends, they enjoy traveling in their motorhome, exploring new places, and Cari often indulges her passion for baking, specializing in cupcakes.
Cari is committed to advancing her legal career and is working towards qualifying as a Solicitor in the near future.
Job Titles:
- Head of Domestic Abuse Unit
- Head of Domestic Abuse Unit / Hereford
Catherine qualified as a solicitor in 2016 after completing her BPTC, and LPC, which she passed with distinction, at the BPP University Law School in Leeds.
She joins Watkins Solicitors, having spent the previous two years working as a domestic violence advisor for West Mercia Women's Aid, advising specifically on family court matters, and giving legal support to victims of domestic abuse. Catherine has experience in dealing with a wide range of family matters, including emergency injunctions and private child law cases.
Before her stint as a domestic violence advisor, she worked as an associate solicitor in residential property law with over five years of experience before deciding to take her career in a new direction. "I have always loved working in the legal profession," says Catherine, "but when I became a Mum, I felt I wanted to pursue something that I was passionate about. I decided to take the leap and begin working for a domestic abuse charity where I could help victims of abuse fight for justice and protection. I wanted to show my children that it is important to follow your passion and to fight for justice."
Catherine has obtained a level 2 qualification in counselling skills and a distinction in the SafeLives Independent Domestic Violence Advisor Foundation Training course.
Interesting fact: Catherine was nominated for the Modern Law Award in 2018 and 2019 in the "Rising Star" category.
Outside of work, Catherine is a Mum as well as a proud Labrador owner. Hobbies include hiking and dog walking, baking and enjoying days out with the family.
Job Titles:
- Family & Education Solicitor
Celine has completed her Law Degree, LPC and LLM qualifications. Celine qualified as a solicitor in January 2024, having spent the previous two years as a Trainee Solicitor in both the family and education law departments. Celine will continue to assist people with both their family and education law issues.
Celine assists with divorce and matrimonial finances, as well as all aspects of the EHC Plan process, including appeals to the SEN Tribunal.
Chloe joined Watkins Solicitors in 2022 and is kept busy dealing with the legal aid side of billing. Outside of work she enjoys yoga, walks and time spent with her family.
Job Titles:
- Education & Judicial Review Paralegal
- Paralegal in the Education Department
Chrisdeana ("Deana") Spilletts is a Paralegal in the Education Department at Watkins Solicitors. Prior to joining the firm, Deana gained valuable experience as a SENDIASS practitioner and as an Education Law Paralegal with the UK's oldest dedicated children's charity. In these roles, she developed her skills across various areas of Education Law, with a focus on supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Daisy joined Watkins solicitors in January 2024 as a Family Paralegal working in the Domestic Violence Department.
Daisy obtained a Masters in Law from the University of Law in 2023 and she is now studying the BPC on a part time basis alongside working for Watkins. Prior to working at Watkins, Daisy volunteered as a general adviser at Citizens Advice and for the National Centre for Domestic Violence.
Job Titles:
- Conveyancing Admin Assistant
Most capable, Dan has become the firm's ‘go to guy' when you can't find what you are looking for. Despite his imposing figure (and impressive beard) Dan is an unassuming, polite and friendly individual, who is always happy to lend a hand should it be required. This has led to Dan becoming a very popular member of staff, indeed, many would agree that he is an integral part of the office in Fishponds.
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor - Family
Emily completed her undergraduate degree in Broadcast Journalism, before transitioning to Law in 2020 by gaining her Masters at the University of Bristol. Immediately following this, Emily joined the Family team at Watkins in June 2022.
Having been a committee member of Lawyers Without Borders , Emily is keen to use her academic background to assist those who would otherwise be unable to access legal support. In her role as a family paralegal ,where she predominantly works with clients involved in care proceedings, she is able to do just that.
Aside from her work in Public Family Law, she also assists fee earners with other matters including International Care Cases, Divorce and Private Child Law.
Faye has been working at Watkins Solicitors since 2018, working in the accounts department.
She assists all departments within the firm, ensuring all the relevant information is uploaded, dealing with payments in and out, assisting the conveyancing department with completions and dealing with any queries relating to invoices, bills and payments. Faye said, "I enjoy my role as it is varied and keeps me busy."
Job Titles:
- Practice Manager
- Member of the Institute of Legal Finance
Gina Grohmann is the firm's Practice Manager. She has now been working with Watkins Solicitors for several years and understands exactly what it is that makes the firm so successful. However, her role encompasses far more than just being responsible for the firm's compliance, finances and internal management.
In a sector that is rapidly changing and developing, Gina also looks ahead to the future, ensuring that Watkins Solicitors are more than capable of meeting those challenges ahead.
‘I regard it as a privilege working here,' says Gina. ‘This is a genuinely dynamic practice with a great core ethos that everyone works to. We have great lawyers working here. It is part of my job to ensure that they have all the support and back up that they need so that their time is concentrated on looking after our clients.'
In addition to her AAT qualifications, Gina is also a member of the Institute of Legal Finance and Management.
Job Titles:
- Judicial Review Solicitor
- Solicitor in the Judicial Review and Regulatory Department
Gregg Burrough is a Solicitor in the Judicial Review and Regulatory Department at Watkins Solicitors, bringing significant experience from several large national law firms where he specialised in Education Law and Judicial Review. He has a strong background in advocating for children and young people, with extensive experience representing clients in Special Educational Needs (SEN) Tribunals.
Before joining Watkins, Gregg was a Senior Education Solicitor at Coram Children's Legal Centre (CCLC), where he focused on helping clients navigate the complexities of education law. In 2023, he was awarded a fellowship from Queen Mary University Legal Advice Clinic in recognition of his work co-running an Education Legal Advice Clinic, where he guided students in supporting parents of children with SEN through tribunal processes.
In addition to his SEN expertise, Gregg has represented clients in Permanent Exclusion Appeals, Independent Review Panel Hearings, and School Admission Appeals. Known for his conscientious approach, he strives to work collaboratively while ensuring local authorities are held to account regarding their obligations and decision-making.
Outside of work, Gregg is an avid runner and football enthusiast. He manages an 11-a-side football team at weekends and participates in several half marathons each year, with the Great North Run as a personal favourite. He is also preparing to run the Brighton Marathon in April 2025.
Gregg holds a degree in Law and French and spent a year studying in France as part of his degree programme.
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor - Family
Hannah joined Watkins in 2022 as a family paralegal. Hannah graduated with a law degree from the University of Lincoln in June 2021 and went on to complete the SQE preparation course and Law Masters at Nottingham Trent University. She works predominantly in the areas of private and public children law and is now a trainee solicitor.
Job Titles:
- a Family Paralegal
- Family Paralegal
Isabel Hughes joined Watkins Solicitors as a Family Paralegal in June 2024. She studied Social Policy and Crime at the University of Leeds in 2022, and went on to achieve a Post-Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of Law in Bristol in 2024.
Isabel is in the early stages of her legal career but is enthusiastic about building her expertise in family law. She is dedicated and conscientious, with a strong desire to support clients through challenging times.
Outside of work, Isabel enjoys travelling and reading. She plans to take the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) in the near future, with the goal of starting a training contract and ultimately qualifying as a solicitor specialising in family law.
A bit of a Jack of all trades (master of some...), Jonathon oversees the firm's social media and marketing. He also manages the website. Something of a problem solver, he utilises his creativity to develop imaginative solutions to whatever obstacles he encounters.
Formerly the Practice Manager of Brain Sinnott & Co, Jonathon switched vocations when Watkins Solicitors incorporated the firm in 2015. Before that, he worked for over a decade in the Music Industry, initially as a Singer/Songwriter, signing to a record label in his early twenties. Jonathon counts headlining festivals and supporting a Grammy nominee as some of the highlights. Following that, he worked as a Producer and Sound Engineer.
Kimberley joined Watkins Solicitors in May 2023 and works part-time as a paralegal in the Conveyancing Department.
Kimberley has a background is in Marketing and Communications. She is enjoying the new challenge and hopes to pursue a career in law.
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor - Conveyancing
Job Titles:
- Advanced Conveyancing Paralegal MCILEX / Hereford
Job Titles:
- Partner - Head of International Family Law
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor - Family
Job Titles:
- Partner & Head of Conveyancing
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor - Family
Job Titles:
- Personal Assistant - Wills & Probate
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor - Family
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate - Family Solicitor