With a reputation as ‘one of the top firms in the immigration sector’, Bates Wells is well-positioned to advise on human rights matters, notably concerning asylum, deportation, and family immigration issues involving Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Chetal Patel heads the firm’s wider immigration practice, while the ’extremely knowledgeable’ Tim Barnden leads on personal and human rights immigration matters, with notable expertise advising LGBTQ+ applicants. Matthew James specialises in Article 8 claims, citizenship applications and issues concerning the EU Settlement Scheme. Leveraging a particularly strong human rights appeals practice, Alice Bennington is regarded as ‘one to watch’ in the personal immigration field.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Bates Wells justly deserves its reputation as one of the top firms in the immigration sector. They represent clients in the whole range of immigration matters. That they always do so to the best of their ability is demonstrated in their exceptionally high success rate. The team are very much high fliers, but that does not detract from their approachability and drive to meet their clients' specific needs in every case.’
‘Tim Barnden is absolutely fantastic. He stands out as one of the best specialist solicitors in a highly competitive field. He is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of immigration law and practice, forensic on the details, innovative about the evidence and always client-focused and approachable.'
'Alice Bennington is a talented solicitor with a lovely manner and determination to achieve the very best results for her clients in every single case. Her skills are going from strength to strength, and she is very much 'one to watch'.'
‘Bates Wells has a well-deserved reputation for expertise in immigration and human rights law.'
‘I valued Matthew James making the process clearer to me and for helping us navigate the vagaries of the immigration system and making sense of their vague responses to our initial application.’
‘They are a dedicated, knowledgeable and professional team that also has compassion and empathy.’
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Alice Bennington
Matthew James
Practice head
Chetal Patel
Other key lawyers
Tim Barnden; Matthew James; Alice Bennington