• Our practice deals exclusively with British immigration and nationality law. You can, therefore, rely on our up-to-the-minute knowledge of the latest changes in this rapidly evolving field.

• We cover the entire range of immigration and nationality work, but with particular emphasis on those cases involving human rights and civil liberties issues.

• The firm is also noted for its work on behalf of foreign lesbians and gay men seeking to remain in the United Kingdom on the basis of long-term, committed relationships with British-based partners.

140 Lower Marsh LONDON SE1

• Other specializations include student and employment visas, applications under the points-based system, family reunion, political asylum, advocacy for people affected by HIV and AIDS, women who are victims of domestic violence leading to the breakdown of marriages which form the basis of their right to remain in the United Kingdom, and unaccompanied minors.

• The firm has fought successfully a large number of cases under the Human Rights Act since it was implemented in October 2000.

• This firm was established in 1995. It was founded by Wesley Gryk, UNHCR's former deputy representative and legal adviser, and former deputy head of Amnesty International's research department, who was awarded a Stonewall Equality Award in 1997 for his work in the field of lesbian and gay immigration.

• Chambers Guide names Wesley Gryk Solicitors LLP as one of the top three personal immigration practices in London, with Wesley Gryk himself named one of the top four individual practitioners. Wesley Gryk, it comments, is:

  “a specialist in same sex cases, his tenacious and analytical style has proved popular and he is said to have been instrumental in formulating Government policy in this area.” (Chambers Guide 2002-2003) and “an ‘extremely articulate and highly tactical,’ lawyer, who has the desire ‘to do more, to take immigration in new directions’ and who ‘motivates everyone else around him’. ” (Chambers Guide 2004-2005). “He just has an immense knowledge of immigration law... as a lawyer, he is all you could hope for; clients are lucky to have him on their side.” (Chambers Guide 2005-2006). “A first-class lawyer...shrewd and insightful.” (Chambers Guide 2006-2007). “A hugely respected practitioner who ‘recognises that the issues go far wider than the doors of the tribunal and the courts, and he lives and breathes the developments of the law for the protection of vulnerable individuals.’ ” (Chambers Guide 2007-2008). “Clients continue to recommend him for the full range of immigration matters.” (Chambers Guide 2008-2009)

  “Tim Barnden, Barry O'Leary and Alison Hunter are also praised by sources, with commentators feeling that in addition to Gryk's leadership, the trio's work is an illustration of the team's strengths.” (Chambers Guide 2008-2009).
  
  Alison Hunter is noted for her specialism in EU free movement law and:

  her “expertise covers the interplay of European and UK immigration law”, (Chambers Guide 2008-9) and “her commitment to her clients' interests.” (Chambers guide 2003-2004). She “brings a real advantage to immigration work, having trained in a commercial law firm.” (Chambers Guide 2004-2005). She is “ ‘an excellent practitioner’ and often praised for her involvement in cases concerning unaccompanied minors.” (Chambers Guide 2006-2007). “Energetic and dedicated...” with “specialist expertise in handling cases with a European law dimension.” (Chambers Guide 2005-2006).

  Barry O'Leary is noted for developing asylum work in same-sex relationships, and, it says:

  “He is willing to ‘go the extra mile for his clients,’ who applaud his ‘passionate advice,’ saying: ‘He gives so much to all of his clients and is generous with his time and energy’. ” (Chambers guide 2004-2005), and “is considered a specialist in immigration work concerning same-sex relationships.” (Chambers Guide 2005-2006). He displays “considerable expertise in dealing with the immigration concerns of same-sex couples”, taking an “energetic and dedicated stance.” on cases. (Chambers Guide 2006-2007). “interviewees believe that ‘he has fire in his belly’. ” (Chambers Guide 2007-2008). He “is particularly well regarded for his counsel on same-sex relationships and asylum and human rights claims on the basis of sexual preference.” (Chambers Guide 2007-2008).

  Tim Barnden who joined the firm in March 2005, is noted as:

  “clear, knowledgeable and committed” (Chambers guide 2004-2005) and “impressing interviewees with his ‘dedication and imaginative drafting skills’. ” (Chambers guide 2005-2006). He has “settled in incredibly well” handling “all aspects of immigration.” (Chambers Guide 2006-2007). [He] “counsels on Article 8 matters, and sources find him keen to ‘push the envelope with new ways at looking at cases.’ ” (Chambers Guide 2007-2008).