With sought-after expertise in the sustainability and charity sectors, the group at Bates Wells is praised as ‘second to none’ and advises companies and institutions on the full range of corporate immigration matters. As a full-service firm the team can provide a holistic service to clients and is accordingly skillful in work that overlaps between business and personal immigration. The practice is led by Chetal Patel who is a ‘simply fantastic’ business immigration specialist. Aisha Choudhry advises clients on issues including sponsor license applications and compliance, as does Alice Bennington who is experienced in a broad range of business and personal immigration issues. Smruti Jeyanandhan ‘goes above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction’ for a broad range of corporates, and is especially experienced in self-sponsored routes.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Bates Wells are on top of their game. Very proactive and so reassuring.’

  • ‘Knowledgeable and up-to-date on immigration law, excellent communication with clients, dedication to their casework and thorough in their approach and case management.’

  • ‘I would strongly recommend the Bates Wells Team. They are an impressive group of immigration specialists doing high quality work and getting amazing results for their clients. This team are second to none and rightly deserve their reputation for excellence in this highly competitive sector.’

  • ‘Excellent client interaction - proactive and knowledgeable, trusted and well-balanced advice.’

  • ‘Chetal Patel is exceptional - the advice she provides is accurate, comprehensive and concise. She understands us as a company so her advice is always tailored, which is very much appreciated.’
  • ‘We have worked with Chetal for several years and will continue to do so as she is simply fantastic. Approachable, knowledgeable, prompt and efficient sums up the way in which she works with her clients and provides excellent advice.’
  • ‘Chetal Patel and Alice Bennington have given invaluable advice on several immigration situations; they have been very professional, efficient and available when I needed to ask even the simplest of questions.’
  • ‘Smruti Jeyanandhan goes above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction - always quick to respond, helpful and practical in her advice.’

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Chetal Patel

Other key lawyers

Aisha Choudhry, Alice Bennington, Smruti Jeyanandhan