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
Profile
Work Department
Immigration
Position
Chetal is a Partner and the Head of Immigration at Bates Wells. She is recognised as a leader in UK business related immigration matters and advises businesses, senior professionals and high-net-worth individuals on UK immigration strategy, with a particular focus on complex, business-critical issues.
Whether it’s the recruitment and relocation of senior leaders, navigating sponsor licence compliance during restructures, supporting film productions with cast and crew mobility or arranging business visits for C-suite executives and family offices, Chetal provides clear, pragmatic solutions tailored to each unique situation.
Her particular interests lie in sponsor related matters, the post-Brexit landscape and the wider impact of the government’s ‘hostile environment’ policies. Chetal regularly conducts in-depth immigration audits and has extensive experience advising on licence suspensions and successful reinstatements.
Beyond client work, Chetal regularly delivers training sessions on business immigration related topics to fellow practitioners and organisations and frequently speaks at international events. Chetal also contributes commentary on business immigration developments to the media.
Career
Partner, Bates Wells, 2018
Senior Associate, Bates Wells, 2016
Associate, Bates Wells, 2015
Solicitor, Bates Wells, 2013
Solicitor, Gherson, 2011
Solicitor, Birketts LLP, 2009
Admitted as a Solicitor, 2009
Trainee, Birketts LLP, 2007
Memberships
Member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association
Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association GMS Steering Committee
International Associate member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association
Member of the International Bar Association’s Immigration and Nationality Law Committee
Immigration Consultation Board for Practical Law
Ambassador of the Bates Wells’ Race and Ethnicity Network
Bates Wells Foundation Trustee
Praxis Community Projects Trustee
Trusted Advisor Member
ParadiGM Community Member
Fellow at The Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce
Education
The College of Law, Legal Practice Course, 2006
Swansea University, LLB (Hons) Law and Business Studies, 2002-2005
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.’