Providing ‘large-scale representation in immigration and asylum cases at consistently high quality’, Wilson Solicitors LLP is a reputed group of immigration lawyers in the field of asylum, human rights and deportation. The group has notable expertise in detention issues and cases before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission, and represents a broad range of clients, including victims of trafficking and modern slavery and asylum seekers from countries such as Somalia, Afghanistan and Ukraine. The practice is led by ’insightful and strategic‘ Anita Vasisht, an expert in complex asylum and national security cases, and supported by Ana Gonzalez, who specialises in all aspects of asylum and personal immigration, and Muhunthan Paramesvaran, who regularly litigates in the higher courts. The group also includes Matthew Davies, who focuses on complex immigration issues, ’true trailblazer‘ Michael Hanley, who specialises in complex nationality work as well as work at the intersection of immigration and family law, and ’strategic lawyer‘ Marcela Navarrete, head of the firm’s detention service. Chris McKendry is key contact for political and national security cases.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Wilsons is almost unique in providing large-scale representation in immigration and asylum cases at consistently high quality. Its solicitors are at the forefront of the law, standing up for vulnerable clients in the most difficult circumstances.’

  • ‘Wilson Solicitors has a very strong immigration team and possibly the standout firm in the UK. The quality of their solicitors is excellent across all levels, from partner to trainee. They are competent, diligent, and obtain very high levels of successful outcomes for clients.’

  • ‘Anita Vasisht is a ally insightful and strategic senior solicitor. Excellent client care skills.'

  • 'Marcela Navarrete extremely experienced, and has excellent tactical instincts. She gives straight, clear advice, and fights for her clients. A good strategic lawyer, able to see the broader trends appearing.'
  • ‘A very competent, proficient and high energy team that delivers.’

  • ‘The Immigration team is second to none. They are extremely knowledgeable, efficient and build good working relationships with their clients.’

  • 'Michael Hanley is a legend in this area of work, a true trailblazer and a brilliant lawyer.'

  • ‘Ana Gonzalez is extremely knowledgable and precise. She is fast, clear and thorough. A leader in immigration law.'

Work highlights

  • Successfully represented two of the claimants in the high-profile Supreme Court case challenging the lawfulness of the policy of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda.
  • Successfully represented, in the High Court and Court of Appeal, numerous Afghan judges challenging the Home Office policy on the admission and resettlement of Afghan refugees following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban.
  • Achieved rare successes in the Special Immigration Appeals Commission acting for individuals deprived of their citizenship on national security grounds.

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Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Anita Vasisht, Ana Gonzalez, Muhunthan Paramesvaran

Other key lawyers

Matthew Davies, Michael Hanley, Marcela Navarette, Chris McKendry