Immigration: Personal: London

THE FIRM Bindmans boasts a superb reputation for personal immigration work and receives work via a number of local authorities and charities.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alison Stanley is praised for “the completeness of her expertise and the thoroughness of her approach,” and is recognised for her skill in complex cases involving the interplay of immigration and asylum with extradition. Liz Barratt is recognised for her work with legally aided clients. She has particular expertise in cases involving trafficked women.

THE FIRM This firm has a widely lauded personal immigration practice, covering the full range of issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Wesley Gryk“has been doing this for longer than most people have had hot dinners,” and counsels clients across the range of personal immigration concerns. Barry O'Leary's practice is noted for its emphasis on immigration applications based on same-sex relationships. Tim Barnden is described as “simply a great immigration all-rounder.” He is a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association’s (ILPA) training subcommittee. Alison Hunter has a particular strength in cases involving EU free movement law.

THE FIRM Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Wilson & Co remains the largest personal immigration practice, with a team of 30 people now operating out of the firm’s north London offices. The group excels at both publicly and privately funded work.

Sources Say: “A very good service.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Matthew Davies is one of the standout names in an impressive team. He and senior partner Michael Hanley are described by peers as “genuine lawyers' lawyers.” James Elliott is best known for his expertise in Somali refugee claims, while Ana Gonzalez's clients acknowledge her growing expertise in cases involving trafficked women. Kay Everett receives glowing praise for her “thorough and diligent approach.” 

THE FIRM Bates Wells & Braithwaite is one of a handful of firms that maintain a strong practice in both personal and business immigration.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Randall is a widely respected practitioner who benefits from more than 20 years of experience of personal immigration practice. He is a former chair of the ILPA and handles a range of immigration and asylum cases.

THE FIRM This team is renowned for handling immigration cases with a civil liberties flavour. Peers are especially keen to point out the group’s leadership in Special Immigration Appeals Committee cases that involve alleged terrorists.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sonia Routledge and Nigel Leskin are the group’s two outstanding immigration practitioners, and win praise for their work in the sector.

THE FIRM The team is well regarded for its expertise across the gamut of personal immigration issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Vicky Guedalla is one of the practice’s most experienced and best-respected practitioners. She is especially noted for her work on cases concerning minors.

THE FIRM Fisher Meredith recently expanded its immigration team to now include 13 members. The majority of the group’s work is publicly funded, although in keeping with trends within the firm, the privately funded practice continues to grow.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The excellent Stefan Vnuk continues to lead the practice and sources hail his success in cutting-edge High Court litigation.

THE FIRM This group deals with the full range of personal immigration issues, and benefits from its links with the firm's business immigration practice.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roger Gherson is the key contact here.

THE FIRM Luqmani Thompson & Partners has established a reputation for tackling complex and controversial cases.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jawaid Luqmani and Sally Thompson are lauded for their sector knowledge and experience.

THE FIRM This group is active across the gamut of publicly funded personal immigration matters, and peers applaud its staunch commitment to legal aid work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Annette Elder “is only interested in results for her clients – and she achieves them superbly.”

THE FIRM The tightly knit team at Glazer Delmar maintains a well-respected personal immigration practice.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jacqueline Peirce heads the group. An asylum and human rights specialist, she is widely recognised for her work within the ILPA.