Employment
The ‘very experienced and specialist team’ at Bates Wells stands out for its expertise in matters involving the EU Settlement Scheme and the implications of Brexit, family immigration and supporting LGBTQ+ clients with partner applications. Chetal Patel heads the firm’s immigration department, while Tim Barnden leads the personal and human rights practice, offering ’first-class advice’ on family immigration and human rights issues concerning families and EEA nationals. Barnden also maintains a robust surrogacy and adoption practice, working closely with British nationality law expert Alice Bennington. Matthew James has developed a particular specialism in issues arising from relationship breakdowns for migrants, as well as providing guidance to employers and individuals on the EU Settlement Scheme.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Work Department
Immigration
Position
Matthew is a Senior Associate in the Immigration Department at Bates Wells. His work bridges personal and business immigration, advising on applications based on family relationships alongside Global Talent, investor, entrepreneur and innovator applications.
Matthew has built up a particular expertise in advising employers and individuals on the implications of Brexit and the EU Settlement Scheme.
Matthew has also spoken at a number of events for the Creative Industries Federation and the Immigration Industry Association and provided training for ILPA. He has provided commentary for LexisNexis and the wider media.
Career
Senior Associate, Bates Wells, 2024
Admitted as a solicitor, 2017
Trainee Solicitor, Bates Wells, 2015-2017
Paralegal, Bates Wells, 2012 - 2015
Joined Bates Wells, 2011
Memberships
Member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association
Education
Nottingham Law School, Legal Practice Course, LLB, 2010
Nottingham Law School, Graduate Diploma in Law, 2009
University of Nottingham, BSc (hons) Physics, 2007
Content supplied by Bates Wells
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘As someone who hadn’t had any experience with working with lawyers, this firm was so professional and reassuring. They were beyond helpful with our successful visa application. We are so happy that we found this firm with the amazing people there.'
- 'Bates Wells is a welcoming, open-minded firm with highly skilled and professional people who care and want to help.’