Overseen by Chetal Patel, Bates Wells has ‘an impressive group of immigration specialists doing high quality work’ in the human rights field of personal immigration. The group advises on a broad range of complex asylum and deportation issues, in addition to having a seasoned human rights appeals practice. Praised as a ‘brilliant, creative and hugely experienced specialist immigration lawyer’, Tim Barnden has notable expertise with family immigration matters that engage Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. He regularly handles human rights claims both within and outside of the Immigration Rules for clients such as partners, elderly relatives, overstayers and children and is also able to advise on LGBTQ+ asylum cases. Matthew James and Alice Bennington are also key contacts for human rights matters, and both advise on a broad range of personal immigration and citizenship issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Mathew James did an excellent job in navigating a situation that fell outside the normal visa routes. His experience and skill was critical to the success of this application.’
‘Matthew James is very efficient and has an in-depth knowledge of the rules surrounding the application process.'
‘They are really very good and work very hard till they get what they are fighting for.'
‘Alice Bennington and Tim Barden were following up with me at every stage. I had easy access to them both. Alice was interested in my wellbeing, ensuring I didn’t give up, she supported me and never got tired of me. Whenever I speak to her, I feel reassured, I can sense genuine concern, it is more than a job to her.'
‘The level of commitment and dedication to my case is exceptional. Extremely knowledgeable and up-to-date on immigration law.’
‘Tim Barnden is the star and leader of this team, and it is dynamism and personal touch which makes it all work.’
‘They are an impressive group of immigration specialists doing high quality work and getting amazing results for their clients in a wide range of immigration and human rights cases. They put their clients first and ensure that they are advised and represented to the best of their ability in every single case they are instructed in. This team are second to none and rightly deserve their reputation for excellence in this highly competitive sector.’
‘Tim Barnden is excellent. A brilliant, creative and hugely experienced specialist immigration lawyer who get fantastic results that elude other representatives.'
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