Paul Watkins, Solicitor

Whether you manage a school or an academy, it’s vital to have a trusted education law specialist to turn to when needed. I provide all kinds of schools with advice and offer support when they’re faced with challenging and complex complaints or issues, including data protection and GDPR, freedom of information, compliance, inspection and regulation, special educational needs, and equality. I work closely with Kristine Scott, Head of Education.

Before joining Harrison Clark Rickerbys, I was part of the in-house legal team for UCAS, where I gained a deep understanding of the legal challenges faced by schools and universities. I use this knowledge to quickly establish the issues that need to be resolved, and to determine the most cost-effective way of doing so. I’m committed to seeing clients achieve a successful outcome, and provide advice that’s tailored to each school and their unique culture.

My passion for education extends well beyond the workplace, and I enjoy learning new languages and discovering other cultures. I’m also a keen runner, and completed the Manchester Marathon in 2017.