Business Details
37 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Specialist Criminal & Family Law Solicitors in Middlesbrough
Established over 34 years ago, Paul J Watson Solicitors have built an enduring reputation as a trusted family-run legal practice in Middlesbrough. Our dedicated team specialises in criminal defence, family law, and fraud cases, providing robust representation and compassionate support to clients across the UK. With Legal Aid contracts in both criminal and family law, we ensure accessible justice regardless of financial circumstances. Our solicitors are available 24/7 for police station interviews, offering immediate assistance without charge under Legal Aid provisions. We maintain membership with the Law Society's Criminal Litigation Panel, demonstrating our commitment to professional excellence. Through hundreds of positive client reviews and multiple industry awards, we have consistently proven our ability to achieve optimal outcomes for our clients. Our communication approach prioritises clarity, ensuring clients understand every procedural step. While maintaining traditional values of personal service, we combine modern legal strategies with decades of accumulated expertise to deliver results-driven advocacy in both magistrates' and crown courts.
Services
Criminal Law
Family Law
Fraud Cases
Driving Offences
Legal Aid
Served areas
- Middlesbrough & Stockton
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- Family-run practice with 34 years' local legal expertise
- Hundreds of verified positive client reviews
- Multi-award winning legal team recognition
- Legal Aid contracts in both criminal and family law
- 24/7 availability for police station interviews
Associations and certifications
- Law Society's Criminal Litigation Panel
What people say
Highly recommended
Supportive team
Excellent client reviews
Robust representation
Clear communication
Services
Criminal Law
Our criminal law specialists provide immediate 24/7 representation for police station interviews and court proceedings. We handle serious charges including murder, sexual offences, and firearms cases. With Legal Aid contracts in place, our solicitors offer accessible justice while maintaining aggressive advocacy to protect client interests throughout Teesside and nationwide court systems.
Family Law
Specialist family law services include care proceedings, domestic abuse protection, and child arrangement orders. Our legally aided and private client teams provide sympathetic guidance through complex family disputes. We represent clients in matters involving parental responsibility, grandparents' rights, and forced marriage injunctions with consistent client satisfaction.
Fraud Cases
Experienced fraud defence team handles complex cases under the Fraud Act 2006. We represent clients facing charges of conspiracy to defraud, benefit fraud, and money laundering. With expertise in Proceeds of Crime Act matters, our solicitors provide strategic defence against Serious Fraud Office and Crown Prosecution Service investigations.
Driving Offences
Specialist representation for all driving offences including drink driving and penalty points. Our solicitors advise on legal options and court procedures for motoring offences. We provide fixed-fee services with transparent pricing structures to help clients maintain driving privileges and avoid disqualifications.
Legal Aid
We offer Legal Aid for eligible clients in criminal and family law matters. Police station interviews are automatically available under Legal Aid without means testing. Court representation eligibility depends on financial circumstances, with fixed fee options available for privately funded cases.
Questions
Is Legal Aid available for my case?
Yes, we hold Legal Aid contracts for both criminal and family law matters. Police station interviews are automatically available under Legal Aid without means testing.
Do you handle cases outside Middlesbrough?
Our solicitors represent clients nationwide, not limited to Teesside courts. We provide legal services across the UK for criminal, family, and fraud cases.
What are your emergency service hours?
Our criminal defence team is available 24/7 for police station interviews and urgent court representation throughout the year.
How do you charge for services?
We offer Legal Aid where available, plus competitive hourly rates and fixed fees for privately funded work, with staged payment options.
What experience do your solicitors have?
With over 34 years established and Law Society panel membership, our award-winning team has extensive experience in complex criminal and family law cases.
Reviews (18)
Michelle Jenney
May 13, 2022
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Absolutely fantastic. I am so grateful for what melanie has done. Happy tears. I have recommended her to one of my friends.
Lorraine F.
Feb 24, 2022
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Needed some advice on a child access matter, was luckily enough to be put in contact with Melanie who went above and beyond to help us. Provided excellent legal advice and was always there if we needed to speak to her. Thank You so much. Would defiantly recommend
John D.
Feb 09, 2022
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A huge thank you to Malanie for all she has done for us. Out of all the solicitors we contacted Melanie was the only one up front with the fee structure. Some solicitors were wanting us to pay for a initial consultation just to find out what the fees are. Melanie was professional and showed empathy through the whole process. She has a vast knowledge and understanding of family law. We highly recommend Melanie and Paul J Watson solicitors. Thank you John & Debbie
Joe Gardener
Nov 24, 2021
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Had the pleasure of meeting Ross and having him handle my case. he was knowledgable and very clear in everything and kept me level headed throughout.always on hand to help and cant thank him enough for his efforts as not only a solicitor but also a listener. thanks again 100 times over.
David Morrison
Nov 10, 2021
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Ellie from Paul J Watson Solitor's shared great advice & reassurance when called upon in relation to a false allegation made against me. It can be a particularly stressful experience when responding to allegations (especially when unfamiliar with police process'). Highly recommend Ellie to anyone who finds themselves in a similar unfortunate circumstance :)
Jack S.
Oct 28, 2021
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I had Ell Boyd as my solicitor and she was brilliant from start to finish. Extremely professional and talked me through things making them easier to understand. I would definitely use her and the firm again in the future.
Diamond King
Oct 11, 2021
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I would highly recommend Paul J Watson Solicitor the dedication and support I have received from Melanie Black from the moment they took on my case. Melanie is always works to a full professional level goes above and beyond. Melanie is always there to listen and advice, Melanie works to the best of her ability, they are fast on response to any e, mail or phone calls. i could not thank Melanie enough for all she has done to support me, i would recommend them to anyone.
Tamary A.
Sep 30, 2021
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I've recieved such informative, compassionate and sensitive all around care from solicitors at this firm namely Melanie Black who also liased with Ross to ensure that all my needs were covered. Nothing has been too much for Melanie, she has been a shoulder to cry on and a great sound support (with excellent application of the law). She has relentlessly advocated on my behalf making sure to challenge any issues identified.
I've unfortunately for her contacted her several times outside her working hours but she always returns messages promptly. I have felt her compassion and empathy, this has enabled her to advocate on my behalf (using her expert legal knowledge) with the care, drive and sensitivity she would use if this were a personal matter. I would not wish needing her services on anyone, but I would recommend her to those who find themselves in need.
I've unfortunately for her contacted her several times outside her working hours but she always returns messages promptly. I have felt her compassion and empathy, this has enabled her to advocate on my behalf (using her expert legal knowledge) with the care, drive and sensitivity she would use if this were a personal matter. I would not wish needing her services on anyone, but I would recommend her to those who find themselves in need.
Martin Landers
Jul 22, 2021
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The service I received from Paul J Watson Solicitor's was absolutely excellent. The legal process is complex but thankfully we were assigned a young dynamic, intelligent and knowledgeable Solicitor called Ellie, who I would highly recommend. She constantly kept us updated and advised on the case and we are especially thankful to her for recommending a very experienced and impressive barrister that didn't cost the earth. The outcome was far better than we could ever have dreamt of and we are truly grateful to this firm and it amazing staff. Would highly recommend.
Ben Davison
Jul 02, 2021
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I had need of Pauls services in a delicate situation. Paul and his team handled my problem with professionalism and empathy. I would like to thank Paul, Gary and Ellie for their excellent work in making a bad situation bearable and helping me out of a mess. Special thanks to Ellie for always being available for advice, would recommend the service.
Phil Lynn
Apr 23, 2021
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Ross Tismond handled my case and provided an exceptional service, what an excellent experience. He is very knowledgeable, professional and extremely helpful. He was very clear and I never felt rushed throughout my interactions. Well done and thank you.
Elisha Hardman
Apr 28, 2020
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Emma William's was a brilliant solicitor she was really professional but friendly and understanding at the same time. She made sure everything was clear to understand and that I felt at ease and comfortable throughout the family court situation which can be really stressful and upsetting. She was always happy to help with any questions or worries I had and would get back to me straight away. I would highly recommend her!
Rachael Bruce
Oct 27, 2019
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Represented by Paul Watson whom was very attentive, caring, professional and educated in his profession. He made me feel like I wasn't just a number in the system and appeared to really care about my case and gave me great first hand advice. Fortunately, I only needed representation for a police interview however without a doubt if I needed further assistance I would not have hesitated to have Paul by my side during the process. Thank you very much Paul and best wishes to you and your team in the future.
Jessica Rose
Nov 16, 2016
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I worked with Damion when visiting here I couldnt of asked for a better Solicitor! He went above and beyond to make sure I was ok and everything was organised! He even checked in with me after it was all over to make sure I was ok! I would highly recommend Paul J Watson especially Damion to anyone who needs representing!
Qype User Jonjon
Apr 12, 2011
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I used Paul Watson Solicitors in Middlesbrough for my accident. They were very understanding and explained the process from start to finished. It was a difficult time for both parties, but they handled it quickly and effectively. I'm currently looking for a new home and will used their services again when I'm ready to buy my new home. Thanks Paul and co
Jonathan G.
Dec 24, 2010
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Paul J Watson solicitor's did my house sale and purchase when I moved home in Middlesbrough. They were everything I expected from a solicitor, fast, reliable and the communication was great. They have a text alert service so when they up dated my file I got notification. I would definitely recommend them to any one in Middlesbrough and would use them again if I had any other legal matters
Mab S.
Thanks Paul for handling my family case in the paper for slavery and we have had a good result, thanks again.
Lauren Saville
We needed a good criminal lawyer for a family member. The initial firm we were with had done nothing for us so I called Paul Watson solicitors. From that first call onwards we felt like the team cared. Everyone that we spoke to was professional, honest with us and responsive. We were informed on every stage. Even when there was no update we were contacted at least once a week so we never felt forgotten.
From our family members side, instead of being treated like a criminal, he felt he was treated with respect and listened to. Paul Watson was a credit to the case and I honestly think it is because of himself and his team that we received the best outcome possible. I cannot do enough to thank them all and would highly recommend Paul Watson Solicitors to anyone looking for a solicitor.
From our family members side, instead of being treated like a criminal, he felt he was treated with respect and listened to. Paul Watson was a credit to the case and I honestly think it is because of himself and his team that we received the best outcome possible. I cannot do enough to thank them all and would highly recommend Paul Watson Solicitors to anyone looking for a solicitor.