Top Ranked in the Chambers guide to the legal profession for 2021

We are very proud that all three of our departments – immigration, family and public law – have all been ranked in Chambers 2021. This is one of the premier guides to the UK legal profession.

Here is what they say ……

The Family Law Department

Well-regarded family practice noted for its specialism in public law cases involving the welfare of children. Regularly represents parents, guardians and children in complex care proceedings, including those involving sensitive mental health issues, and allegations of non-accidental injury. Public law expertise augmented by a strong immigration and Court of Protection offering.

Sources describe the team as “excellent” and say: “The firm is well run from top to bottom. They are very friendly and professional.”

Market commentators note: “The work is consistently of a high standard. The statements of evidence drafted are comprehensive, clear and address the issues in the case. Their overall strength is that they work as a team. They are efficient, the work is of a high standard and their clients have confidence in them.”

Congratulations to all the family law team on being ranked in Chambers 2021. You are excellent.

The Public Law Department

Capable of advising marginalised groups, including victims of trafficking, vulnerable individuals and children. Lawyers also have experience advising charities and NGOs. Significant expertise in migrants’ rights, immigration detention and acting on behalf of bereaved families.

A source notes: “They have an excellent reputation, particularly for legal aid work.”

Another comments: “They are a great firm, they are brilliant. They think about novel points and push the law forward.”

Congratulations to all the public law team on being ranked in Chambers 2021. You are brilliant.

The Immigration Department

For our human rights and asylum work; Advises both self-funded and legal aid clients across the whole spectrum of immigration law, including asylum, trafficking and human rights cases. Especially notable for its work for vulnerable refugees including victims of religious persecution. Advises on cases before courts at all levels of the domestic system, including SIAC.

Sources say: “They are tireless in their aim to succeed and very communicative and patient.”

Another adds: “They are one of the best in the business for legal aid work. They provide an excellent service in judicial review and appeal work.”

And for our Personal Immigration work; Impressive team offering a wealth of experience across personal immigration. Noted for its advice to EU nationals seeking settled status in the UK post-Brexit. Also regularly works on applications for families for indefinite leave to remain, and on visit visas. Particularly adept at handling sophisticated judicial review proceedings.

Sources say: “Everything was to the highest standard and exceeded expectations, with humanity and common sense at the heart.”

Another adds: “They always maintain a high standard of professionalism, they work quickly and they always keep you fully informed of progress.”

“They are a top firm for personal immigration work – they’re incredibly comprehensive in the way they represent clients and prepare cases,” comments another.

Congratulations to all the immigration team on being ranked in Chambers 2021. You exceed expectations, and with humanity.

Notable practitioners

Chambers also singles out some individuals and ranks them. Congratulations to all our lawyers who have been ranked this year. And we are very pleased that two of our best lawyers have been ranked for the first time.

Muhunthan Paramesvaran has a solid reputation for personal immigration matters and often advises on entry clearance and citizenship applications. He has an excellent track record in the higher courts and considerable experience in judicial review challenges.

“He is an incredibly effective and efficient solicitor and he gets to the heart of complex cases quickly.”

“He is totally committed, focused and up to date on the law. He always goes the extra mile for his clients.”

Nusrat Uddin is a well-regarded practitioner recognised for her work on behalf of vulnerable clients, including trafficking, migrants’ rights and Terrorism Act cases.

“She’s very impressive and very collaborative; I really felt like we could bounce ideas off her,” reports a source. “She was really good at communicating with the clients.”

And four of our immigration partners continue to be ranked – the team is in the top band.

Ana Gonzalez is frequently sought out by clients for complex asylum claims on the grounds of religious persecution. She stands out for her expertise in nationality law and EU free movement matters. Recent work includes applications for discretionary leave to remain and applications for British citizenship based on double descent.

“She is very impressive – her professional skills, efficiency and compassion are inspiring. She is very realistic and honest about possible outcomes and very pragmatic. She is a joy to work with.”

“She is brilliant; she does some really good work and fights really hard for her clients.”

“She is very knowledgeable and approachable.”

Head of Immigration Department Anita Vasisht formerly worked in Amnesty International’s legal office before qualifying as a solicitor. She is particularly experienced in complex national security matters relating to the Middle East and Chechnya, including SIAC cases.

“She is passionate and optimistic and has a very good understanding of the bureaucracy at the Home Office. She is very good at supporting clients while their applications are being processed, and her attention to detail is second to none.”

“She is outstanding; working with her is wonderful. She is perceptive, analytical and very fast.”

Managing partner Matthew Davies advises on an array of immigration matters from asylum and human rights cases to Brexit-related issues. He has a diverse client list and acts for both local authorities and private individuals.

“Matthew is incredibly committed to his clients and this area of work. He has encyclopaedic knowledge of immigration law, incredible attention to detail and a very tactical mind.”

“He is quick to respond, friendly and insightful. You feel completely at home working with him.”

And finally, our Senior Partner, ranked in the highest band….

Michael Hanley is a leading immigration practitioner noted for his expertise in complex asylum and nationality cases. He often acts for vulnerable individuals, including victims of trafficking.

“He is absolutely excellent.”

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