Wilson Solicitors LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Wilson Solicitors LLP
697 HIGH ROAD
TOTTENHAM
LONDON
N17 8AD
England

Living Wage

Employment > Immigration: human rights Tier 1

Providing ‘large-scale representation in immigration and asylum cases at consistently high quality’, Wilson Solicitors LLP is a reputed group of immigration lawyers in the field of asylum, human rights and deportation. The group has notable expertise in detention issues and cases before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission, and represents a broad range of clients, including victims of trafficking and modern slavery and asylum seekers from countries such as Somalia, Afghanistan and Ukraine. The practice is led by ‘insightful and strategicAnita Vasisht, an expert in complex asylum and national security cases, and supported by Ana Gonzalez, who specialises in all aspects of asylum and personal immigration, and Muhunthan Paramesvaran, who regularly litigates in the higher courts. The group also includes Matthew Davies, who focuses on complex immigration issues, ‘true trailblazerMichael Hanley, who specialises in complex nationality work as well as work at the intersection of immigration and family law, and ‘strategic lawyerMarcela Navarrete, head of the firm’s detention service. Chris McKendry is key contact for political and national security cases.

Practice head(s):

Anita Vasisht; Ana Gonzalez; Muhunthan Paramesvaran

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Wilsons is almost unique in providing large-scale representation in immigration and asylum cases at consistently high quality. Its solicitors are at the forefront of the law, standing up for vulnerable clients in the most difficult circumstances.’

‘Wilson Solicitors has a very strong immigration team and possibly the standout firm in the UK. The quality of their solicitors is excellent across all levels, from partner to trainee. They are competent, diligent, and obtain very high levels of successful outcomes for clients.’

‘Anita Vasisht is a ally insightful and strategic senior solicitor. Excellent client care skills.’

‘Marcela Navarrete extremely experienced, and has excellent tactical instincts. She gives straight, clear advice, and fights for her clients. A good strategic lawyer, able to see the broader trends appearing.’

‘A very competent, proficient and high energy team that delivers.’

‘The Immigration team is second to none. They are extremely knowledgeable, efficient and build good working relationships with their clients.’

‘Michael Hanley is a legend in this area of work, a true trailblazer and a brilliant lawyer.’

‘Ana Gonzalez is extremely knowledgable and precise. She is fast, clear and thorough. A leader in immigration law.’

Work highlights

  • Successfully represented two of the claimants in the high-profile Supreme Court case challenging the lawfulness of the policy of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda.
  • Successfully represented, in the High Court and Court of Appeal, numerous Afghan judges challenging the Home Office policy on the admission and resettlement of Afghan refugees following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban.
  • Achieved rare successes in the Special Immigration Appeals Commission acting for individuals deprived of their citizenship on national security grounds.

Public sector > Civil liberties and human rights Tier 3

Delivering for clients the highest standard of work’, Wilson Solicitors LLP regularly brings significant public interest test cases challenging the actions of public bodies, acting in judicial review applications, unlawful detention matters, social care issues, and police failures to protect victims of modern slavery. The practice is led jointly by Nina Rathbone Pullen, who is sought after for her expertise in human trafficking and unlawful detention cases, and Katy Robinson, who is seasoned in community care and migrants’ rights. Managing partner James Elliott is considered ‘the bible on unlawful detention’, while Nusrat Uddin has led pioneering supply chain forced labour claims, and Jed Pennington offers ‘incredible knowledge’ in immigration detention challenges.

Practice head(s):

Nina Rathbone Pullen; Katy Robinson

Other key lawyers:

James Elliott; Nusrat Uddin; Jed Pennington; Rebecca Ives; Serena Fasso; Lizan Ghafoor; Katya Novakovic; Katie Schwarzmann; Danny Bayraktarova

Testimonials

‘Wilson Solicitors has an exceptional team and is well placed to take on a broad range of work, on each occasion delivering for clients the highest standard of work.’

‘Nina Rathbone Pullen is very experienced in civil claims for false imprisonment and cases involving trafficking. She is particularly sought after in cases where there is a crossover between the two.’

‘Katy Robinson leads a phenomenally talented team. That the team is uniformly excellent – with their own specific interests and expertise – is a real credit to Katy’s brilliant leadership.’

‘Rebecca Ives is outstanding, working across a range of public law, immigration, and community care claims. She is diligent, effective, and approachable, and highly experienced at working with vulnerable clients.’

‘Serena Fasso is an excellent solicitor. She is highly experienced in representing vulnerable clients both in immigration and community care matters. She is approachable, effective, and creative, and always has a positive resolution and the best interests of each client at the forefront of all of her work.’

‘Lizan Ghafoor is such a delight to work with. You know your client is in the safest hands and that everything will be prepared perfectly. Just brilliant.’

‘James Elliott is the bible on unlawful detention. He is the go-to person in false imprisonment claims. A pleasure to work with, and immensely experienced.’

‘Jed Pennington is a brilliant lawyer. Particularly known for unlawful detention and false imprisonment cases – incredible knowledge in that area.’

Key clients

GPS tag challenge Mark Nelson

Migrants Organise and 14 individual clients given notice to move to the Bibby Stockholm barge

35 individuals detained at Manston Short-term holding facility

Wong v Basfar

Work highlights

  • Acted in claims for damages for 35 individuals who were detained in very poor conditions at the Manston short-term holding facility in 2022.
  • Represented Migrants Organise and 14 individual clients in potential challenges to the Home Office’s proposed use of the Bibby Stockholm barge to accommodate asylum seekers.
  • Represented a victim of trafficking in a ground-breaking Supreme Court case successfully establishing that a diplomat is not immune from civil claims of trafficking and domestic servitude.

Employment > Immigration: personal Tier 3

Praised as ‘a leading firm in a highly competitive and fast-changing sector‘, Wilson Solicitors LLP has a well-established personal immigration offering. In addition to an exceptional practice in the field of asylum, human rights and deportation work, the group has considerable expertise representing EU nationals applying for settled status for themselves and family members, as well as handling family visa applications, citizenship issues and Global Talent visas. Anita Vasisht leads the group, supported by Ana Gonzalez, a ‘wonderful solicitor and advocate‘ who specialises in all aspects of asylum and personal immigration, and Muhunthan Paramesvaran. Matthew Davies, who has a broad personal immigration practice, is also a key contact, and senior consultant Michael Hanley also contributes to the practice.

Practice head(s):

Anita Vasisht; Ana Gonzalez; Muhunthan Paramesvaran

Other key lawyers:

Matthew Davies; Mala Savjani; Shahailya Stephenson; Michael Hanley; Penny Brownbridge

Testimonials

‘Extremely responsive. I could not have been more impressed.’

‘Ana Gonzalez is a wonderful solicitor and advocate.’

‘I have not encountered a more proficient firm like Wilson Solicitors LLP. Ana Gonzalez, who is very eloquent, deals with all clients in a very professional manner and will leave no stone unturned.’

‘Mala Savjani’s professionalism, coupled with her clear communication of complex legal matters, made the process stress-free.’

‘Shahailya Stephenson is a first class solicitor. Her knowledge is second to none.’

‘Wilson Solicitors LLP has maintained its position as a leading firm in a highly competitive and fast changing sector. The firm does cutting edge cases, challenging the law and government policy on immigration and human rights as well as offering a first-class service to clients in individual cases.’

‘Penny Brownbridge is a highly intelligent and knowledgeable specialist solicitor who achieves success for her clients in a range of immigration cases.’

‘They are committed and can be relied upon for their expertise and ability to provide advice in challenging situations.’

Private client > Family Tier 4

A fantastic law firm‘ which is particularly noted for its ‘ability to deal with more complex and vulnerable clients’, Wilson Solicitors LLP’s family team is headed up by ‘standout solicitor’ Aysen Soyer. The group's work with vulnerable clients includes representing clients with severe mental health or learning difficulties; Patricia Beckett is particularly recommended for this work. Amna Khaliq handles international child abduction matters, and Baljit Bains specialises in both private and public children law applications.

Practice head(s):

Aysen Soyer

Other key lawyers:

Patricia Beckett; Amna Khaliq; Baljit Bains; Felicity Jones; Ian Whitbread; Harry Clayton; Sarah Edwards

Testimonials

‘Wilson Solicitors LLP is a fantastic law firm. They are especially notable for ability to deal with more complex and vulnerable clients, and have an unparalleled knowledge of cultural issues that can arise in family law dynamics.’

‘Aysen Soyer is a standout solicitor. She is very client-focused without losing sight of what the realistic outcomes are for her clients.’

‘Baljit Bains is an excellent solicitor. She is always very well-prepared for her cases and is a good court advocate as well as litigator.’

‘Sarah Edwards is amongst the very best of children law solicitors . Her attention to detail is second to none. Her efficiency and understanding of the right strategy in complex matters is extremely impressive.’

‘I cannot praise Patricia Beckett enough for her commitment, passion and excellent client care skills. A true powerhouse partner in family law.’

‘Wilsons has established a strong reputation in the field of international family law. It has a stellar team working in this area. They are all super efficient, hard-working and know how to deal with the complexities of the most difficult cases.’

‘Amna Khaliq particularly stands out. She is extremely impressive, very smart and an excellent tactician. She is a real expert in the field and a go-to lawyer in international children work.’

‘Harry Clayton is extremely detail-oriented and always has a superb understanding of the issues in any given case.’

Work highlights

  • Advised a mother in complex care proceedings, including on an appeal to the court of appeal regarding the removal of the children to foster care.
  • Advised a mother in care proceedings where the issues relate to drug use, domestic abuse, and learning difficulties.

Public sector > Administrative and public law Tier 4

Wilson Solicitors LLP is a claimant-focused practice that regularly acts for children, individuals with disabilities, and victims of trafficking. The team is co-led by Nina Rathbone Pullen and Katy Robinson. Pullen focusses on cases relating to human trafficking and unlawful detention, while Robinson advises on migrant rights. Jed Pennington is recommended for his capabilities with judicial reviews concerning unlawful treatment within the immigration system.

Practice head(s):

Nina Rathbone Pullen; Katy Robinson

Other key lawyers:

Jed Pennington; Serena Fasso; Danny Bayraktarova; Nusrat Uddin

Testimonials

‘They are very strong and respected players in the field of immigration and human rights.’

‘Jed Pennington is outstanding; a committed but realistic and highly effective lawyer.’

‘Nusrat Uddin has excellent contacts amongst NGOs and a real drive to make a difference to society. She is doing really ground-breaking work at the intersection of administrative and procurement law.’

‘Danny Bayraktarova is establishing a practice in police law and accountability on the side of the victims. She is thoughtful and takes on cases where others can’t see the way through – and wins.’

‘Katie Robinson is brilliant and has a strategic mind.’

‘Danny Bayraktarova really stands out. She is a superb junior solicitor, incredibly dedicated to her clients, and very hard-working.’

‘Serena Fasso is truly excellent. She is highly experienced in representing vulnerable clients both in immigration and community care matters. She is approachable, effective, and creative.’

‘A phenomenal team and the real leaders in migrant support law.’

Key clients

Medical Justice

All the Citizens

 

Work highlights

  • Acting in a judicial review concerning 10 individuals who were detained at the Manston detention facility.
  • Acting for Migrants Organise, as well as individual clients, in potential challenges to the Home Office’s proposed use of the Bibby Stockholm barge to accommodate asylum seekers in Portland.
  • Acting for a victim of trafficking in a Supreme Court case, in which the client successfully established that a diplomat is not immune from civil claims of trafficking and domestic servitude.

Wilson Solicitors became an LLP in April 2010. Prior to then, the firm was called Wilson and Co and was founded in 1989 by the late Andrew Wilson and current senior partner Michael Hanley.

The firm: The firm has grown from a small legal aid firm into a substantial 13-partner practice employing 90 people with a national reputation for excellence. The firm receives the vast majority of its work through personal recommendation from satisfied clients, or specific referral from other professionals.

The firm has four key practice objectives: to provide effective legal advice at a competitive cost; deliver a quality professional service; sustain and grow the firm’s reputation; and use law to promote and defend human rights.

Types of work undertaken: The firm provides advice and representation in three broad areas of law:

Immigration: the firm has one of the largest immigration law departments in the UK with 25 specialist solicitors. The firm’s clients come from a wide range of backgrounds. With thorough preparation, many applications are successfully resolved on initial submission to the Home Office. The firm has a “get it right first time” approach. As the immigration rules steadily grow in complexity careful preparation of applications is essential. Where cases run into difficulties the firm is highly experienced in conducting appeals and judicial review. Wilson Solicitors LLP has acted in many high-profile cases in the Supreme Court. The firm appears regularly before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission in cases involving national security. All the firm’s lawyers are accredited by the Law Society Asylum and Immigration Law Accreditation Scheme. Two of its partners were appointed as part-time judges in 2006 and sit in the FTT (Immigration and Asylum Chamber).

Family and children law: the firm has ten solicitors specialising in this work. The firm has three members of the Law Society Children Panel who are appointed to represent the best interests of children in care proceedings. The firm also has members of the Law Society Advanced Family Law Panel and of Resolution. It advises on all aspects of marriage and civil partnerships, from pre nuptials to divorce and dissolution, including domestic violence and ancillary relief. The firm receives referrals from a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies working with children. The practice has considerable experience in high-value financial disputes. The firm provides a highly professional service to private clients.

Public law: the firm has a dynamic department of eight specialist solicitors advising on all aspects of decisions taken by public authorities. The firm specialises in challenging unlawful detention, abuse of state power, especially in immigration removal centres, and securing financial compensation. There is also a particular commitment to community care cases. The firm has brought cases against local authorities, the police, the Home Office and the General Medical Council. The firm has legal aid contracts in public law, civil actions against the police and community care.

Department Name Email Telephone
Senior partner Michael Hanley
Head of Immigration Team Matthew Davies
Immigration Damian Hanley
Immigration Anita Vasisht
Immigration Michael Hanley
Head of Family Team Aysen Soyer
Family and children Patricia Beckett
Family and children Michelle Flynn
Head of Public Law James Elliott
Photo Name Position Profile
Baljit Bains photo Baljit Bains Partner
Patricia Beckett photo Patricia Beckett Patricia specialises in children and family law, and her areas of work…
Russell Blakely photo Russell Blakely Russell has a general practice in personal immigration, citizenship and EU law.…
Penny Brownbridge photo Penny Brownbridge Solicitor
Zoe Cooley photo Zoe Cooley Solicitor
Becky Cutler photo Becky Cutler Solicitor
Matthew Davies photo Matthew Davies Matthew is a partner in the immigration department with 20 years of…
Tim Davies photo Tim Davies Solicitor
James Elliott photo James Elliott Partner in the immigration department, specialising in immigration and asylum law, and…
Siobhan Foulner photo Siobhan Foulner Solicitor
Michael Goldin photo Michael Goldin Solicitor
Ana Gonzalez photo Ana Gonzalez Ana specialises in asylum and immigration. Her main areas of expertise are…
Michael Hanley photo Michael Hanley Senior partner specialising in all aspects of asylum, nationality and immigration law,…
Rachel Henson photo Rachel Henson Solicitor
Rebecca Ives photo Rebecca Ives Solicitor
Felicity Jones photo Felicity Jones Solicitor
Andrew Jones photo Andrew Jones Solicitor
Amna Khaliq photo Amna Khaliq Amna is a partner in the family department. She undertakes private and…
Rachael Lenney photo Rachael Lenney Solicitor
Chris McKendry photo Chris McKendry Solicitor
Daniel Merriman photo Daniel Merriman Solicitor
Rebecca Morris photo Rebecca Morris Solicitor
Marcela Navarrete photo Marcela Navarrete Solicitor
Aisling Ni Chuinn photo Aisling Ni Chuinn Solicitor
Muhunthan Paramesvaran photo Muhunthan Paramesvaran Muhunthan became a partner in 2010. He has a broad immigration and…
Kirsten Powrie photo Kirsten Powrie Solicitor
Nina Rathbone Pullen photo Nina Rathbone Pullen Solicitor
Katy Robinson photo Katy Robinson Solicitor
Aysen Soyer photo Aysen Soyer Aysen is a partner and head of the family department. She undertakes…
Shahailya Stephenson photo Shahailya Stephenson Solicitor
Imogen Townley photo Imogen Townley Solicitor
Nusrat Uddin photo Nusrat Uddin Solicitor
Anita Vasisht photo Anita Vasisht Newly appointed head of Wilsons’ immigration department, Anita leads our national security…
Ian Whitbread photo Ian Whitbread Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives
Number of UK partners : 13
Number of other UK fee-earners : 60