Bates Wells

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.