Wesley Gryk Solicitors LLP
Advising clients across immigration, asylum and nationality matters, Wesley Gryk Solicitors LLP is particularly noted for its capabilities in cases that involve LGBTQI+ migrants and asylum seekers, victims of domestic abuse, and international surrogacy arrangements. Co-head of the practice Barry O’Leary has strengths in all of these specialist areas, being noted as ‘the standout immigration and nationality lawyer when it comes to surrogacy arrangements’, in addition to experience in handling applications on the basis of partnership and families. Alison Hunter is another co-lead and has expertise in EU free movement and the EU Settlement Scheme, in addition to a niche practice relating to intercountry adoption matters. Co-lead Diana Baxter covers the full range of the complex nationality work for which the wider firm is known, and also covers family-related matters engaging human rights, where she is ’on top of the case law and knows how to use it to ensure success for her clients‘. They are joined by the newly promoted Katie Dilger who made partner in 2023, bringing her specialism in family-related matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Absolutely fantastic team, very experienced and knowledgeable, clear and timely communication, provided consistent and structured guidance taking into account and understanding my particular circumstances. This team that values diversity and is very respectful of each other and the clients.'
- 'Diana Baxter is honest, responsive, and always able to engage with their clients. We feel supported by her. She thoroughly explains the different aspects of your case and keeps you informed. She always seeks to achieve a positive outcome for you.'
- 'We find they are a trustworthy, knowledgeable, professional firm that understands the nuances of British nationality laws and can advise and provide workable solutions for you, their clients. We have no hesitation in recommending them.'
- 'Wesley Gryk are one of the best in the field for privately paying asylum and immigration. They are meticulously well-prepared and on top of their game in terms of client management and case strategy.'
- 'I have worked recently with Diana Baxter, and she is brilliant. She is extremely clever and on top of the case law and knows how to use it to ensure success for her clients.'
- 'An all round excellent firm for immigration work, particularly cases with an LGBT element. They are very well known for applications arising from surrogacy arrangements overseas.'
- 'Barry O'Leary is the standout immigration and nationality lawyer when it comes to surrogacy arrangements. He gives pragmatic advice and can think creatively in the most difficult of cases to find solutions for his clients.'
Work highlights
- Advised on complex citizenship applications based on historical legislative unfairness following changes to the British Nationality Act 1981, amended by the Borders and Nationality Act 2022.
- Completed a successful judicial review against the refusal to reconsider refused entry to a victim of transnational marriage abandonment who remained separated from her young British child.
- Completed a successful deportation appeal for client who had resided in the UK since childhood and who retained protection from deportation under EU law post-Brexit.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Alison is a partner at Wesley Gryk Solicitors LLP. Her practice covers all areas of immigration and nationality law, with a particular emphasis on the European Settlement Scheme and immigration law in international adoptions.
Next Generation Partners
Katie is a Partner at Wesley Gryk. Her practice covers a full range of immigration and nationality matters. She has a particular specialisation in complex family cases under the Immigration Rules and on the basis of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the right to family and private life. Named as an Associate to Watch in Chambers UK and a Rising Star in the Legal 500.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Alison Hunter, Barry O’Leary, Diana Baxter