Partner
Head of
Immigration LawMarcela is ‘extremely versatile’. ‘Marcela Navarrete has excellent tactics in complex judicial review litigation and appeals. Very collegiate to work with, and her experience shines through. Has done excellent work on Afghan judiciary judicial review work. ‘
LEGAL 500
Marcela studied English and French at the University of Sussex. She joined the firm in 2008 and qualified as a solicitor in 2010. She was made a partner in 2018 and currently supervises a team of solicitors, trainees and caseworkers.
She practices a range of immigration law, including asylum and human rights cases, EUSS applications and family migration applications under Appendix FM and outside of the rules, advising legally aided and private clients. She has extensive experience of preparing appeals at all levels as well as complex Judicial Review applications. She has had conduct of a number of cases in the High Court, Court of Appeal. She also has experience of advising and representing clients refused naturalisation due to national security considerations (SIAC cases).
In recent years Marcela has also focused on representing clients from Afghanistan, both within the UK and those remaining in Afghanistan. She has brought challenges involving the ARAP (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy) scheme and other schemes introduced by the UK Government as a response to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Previous strategic challenges include the challenge to the Detained Fast Track system and later represented one of the test claimants in a challenge to the Detained Asylum Casework process which was brought in following the suspension of the Detained Fast Track process.
Marcela is an accredited supervisor and accredited to Advanced level (level 3) under the Law Society Immigration Law Accreditation scheme. She was also a finalist at the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards in 2017 in the Immigration and Asylum category. She is a Peer Reviewer in the immigration category for the Legal Aid Agency.
Interests: Reading, politics and music.
Ana is a fantastic, passionate, intelligent, empathetic and wonderfully skilled lawyer. Her knowledge and work ethic are admirable.
AG 8
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
I am very happy with the service provided by Ana. She is very active, friendly and capable enough to handle any situation.
AG 7
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Ana is a very articulate solicitor who never gives. She is extremely knowledgeable, gives quality advice and supports you throughout.
AG 6
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Marla is absolutely fantastic; she really engages with the legal issues.
MALA 4
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
She's excellent.
MALA 3
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Mala's expertise, dedication and professionalism were exceptional. We are immensely grateful for her outstanding support and would highly recommend her to anyone facing immigration challenges.
MALA 2
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
She is extraordinarily dedicated to vulnerable clients. Her enthusiasm and determination is inspirational.
ITO 5
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Imogen thinks deeply about the law, and has strong judgement.
ITO 3
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
She is a warrior for her clients; she will fight every battle for them.
ITO 1
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Aisling has wealth of experience, she is somebody who really understands the landscape of immigration law.
ANC 4
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Aisling is a committed, hardworking and inspiring immigration solicitor who fights for vulnerable clients.
ANC 3
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Her judgement is meticulous.
ANC 1
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Anita sees the big legal points in all of the cases and makes sure that cases are run effectively. She also goes into the detail to make sure correct legal points are run.
AV 2
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
As well as being committed to the client, she does a lot of work for LGBTQI migrants above and beyond the case itself.
ANA 6
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
She engages with her clients professionally and on a human level, with empathy.
AG 6
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
She is a really safe pair of hands for any immigration case.
AG 3
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Baljit is a very strong advocate in court and an excellent lawyer.
BKB 5
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Baljit is a collaborative, compassionate care lawyer and someone whose judgement I trust.
BKB 4
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Baljit is a very diligent, experienced lawyer with excellent judgement.
BKB 3
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Patricia works with great professionalism, honesty and compassion. Her knowledge of family law and her dedication inevitably resulted in a positive outcome and I will always be grateful.
PLB 4
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Patricia is superb at client and time management. She meets all deadlines and gives efficient and clear advice.
PLB 2
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Amna was absolutely brilliant in her knowledge of the subject and the experience and advice she gave me helped me through my case.
AMNA 3
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
She is a very good strategist and as cool as a cucumber. Nothing rattles her, nothing surprises her - she takes everything in her stride.
ak 2
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Amna Khaliq particularly stands out. She is extremely impressive, very smart and an excellent tactician. She is a real expert in the field and a go-to lawyer in international children work.
AK 1
LEGAL 500 2025
I cannot praise Patricia Beckett enough for her commitment, passion and excellent client care skills. A true powerhouse partner in family law.
PLB 1
LEGAL 500 2025
Sarah Edwards is amongst the very best of children law solicitors . Her attention to detail is second to none. Her efficiency and understanding of the right strategy in complex matters is extremely impressive.
SARAH 1
LEGAL 500 2025
Baljit Bains is an excellent solicitor. She is always very well-prepared for her cases and is a good court advocate as well as litigator.
BKB 1
LEGAL 500 2025
Aysen Soyer is a standout solicitor. She is very client-focused without losing sight of what the realistic outcomes are for her clients.
AOS 1
LEGAL 500 2025
Penny Brownbridge is a highly intelligent and knowledgeable specialist solicitor who achieves success for her clients in a range of immigration cases.
PBB 1
LEGAL 500 2025
Shahailya Stephenson is a first class solicitor. Her knowledge is second to none.
SST 1
LEGAL 500 2025
Mala Savjani's professionalism, coupled with her clear communication of complex legal matters, made the process stress-free.
MALA 1
LEGAL 500 2025
I have not encountered a more proficient firm like Wilson Solicitors LLP. Ana Gonzalez, who is very eloquent, deals with all clients in a very professional manner and will leave no stone unturned.
AG 3
LEGAL 500 2025
Ana Gonzalez is a wonderful solicitor and advocate.
AG 2
LEGAL 500 2025
Ana Gonzalez is extremely knowledgable and precise. She is fast, clear and thorough. A leader in immigration law.
AG 1
LEGAL 500 2025
Michael Hanley is a legend in this area of work, a true trailblazer and a brilliant lawyer.
MH 1
LEGAL 500 2025
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.
MN 1
LEGAL 500 2025
Anita Vasisht is a ally insightful and strategic senior solicitor. Excellent client care skills.
Anita 1
LEGAL 500 2025
Harry Clayton is extremely detail-oriented and always has a superb understanding of the issues in any given case.
harry 31012025
LEGAL 500 2025
James is an outstanding lawyer.
JE 4
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
He is very knowledgeable and immensely experienced.
JE 2 30012025
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
She's extremely dedicated and knowledgeable.
NUD 4 30012025
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Nusrat Uddin is really productive and committed.
NUD 3 30012025
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Jed Pennington has a deep wealth of knowledge.
JED 5 30012025
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
Jed Pennington is a brilliant lawyer. Particularly known for unlawful detention and false imprisonment cases – incredible knowledge in that area.
JED 2 30012025
LEGAL 500 2025
James Elliott is the bible on unlawful detention. He is the go-to person in false imprisonment claims. A pleasure to work with, and immensely experienced.
JAMES 30012025
LEGAL 500 2025
Lizan Ghafoor is such a delight to work with. You know your client is in the safest hands and that everything will be prepared perfectly. Just brilliant.
LIZAN 30012025
LEGAL 500 2025
Serena Fasso is an excellent solicitor. She is highly experienced in representing vulnerable clients both in immigration and community care matters. She is approachable, effective, and creative, and always has a positive resolution and the best interests of each client at the forefront of all of her work.
serena 30012025
LEGAL 500 2025
Rebecca Ives is outstanding, working across a range of public law, immigration, and community care claims. She is diligent, effective, and approachable, and highly experienced at working with vulnerable clients.
RIV 30012025
LEGAL 500 2025
Serena Fasso is truly excellent. She is highly experienced in representing vulnerable clients both in immigration and community care matters. She is approachable, effective, and creative.
SERENA 30012025
LEGAL 500 2025
Nusrat Uddin has excellent contacts amongst NGOs and a real drive to make a difference to society. She is doing really ground-breaking work at the intersection of administrative and procurement law.
NUSRAT 30012025
LEGAL 500 2025
Mala's expertise, dedication and professionalism were exceptional. We are immensely grateful for her outstanding support and would highly recommend her to anyone facing immigration challenges.
mala 24012025
Chambers 2025
Sophia Poliviou @ Wilson Solicitors is truly a credit to her role. A professional with high integrity, empathy, great attention to details and is willing to go the extra mile.
Sophia 03012025
Jed Pennington is outstanding; a committed but realistic and highly effective lawyer
Jed 3
Legal 500 2025
Jed is terrific, keeps the show on the road and does it extremely well
jed 2
Chambers and Partners 2025
Jed is the go-to person for policy challenges and detention.
Jed 1
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2025
"Imogen thinks deeply about the law, and has strong judgement."
imogen judgement
Chambers & Partners 2025
"She is extraordinarily dedicated to vulnerable clients. Her enthusiasm and determination is inspirational."
imogen dedicated
Chambers & Partners 2025
“She is a warrior for her clients; she will fight every battle for them."
ITO warrior
Chambers & Partners 2025
Outstanding support, advice and expertise received. I went through and am still going through a very difficult divorce and I received excellent help and all the support I could get from Sophia Poliviou. Thank you.
Sophia 18072024
I highly recommend Sophia Poliviou who has helped me throughout my case, she was very professional, patient, and understanding. I am very grateful for all her hard work, and very satisfied.
Sophia 20062024
I highly recommend Sophia at Wilson Solicitors! Her exceptional work and service surpassed my expectations. Sophia provided invaluable assistance and delicate care throughout my family child arrangements case. I am truly grateful for her professionalism and support.
sophia 21032024
‘I can highly recommend Wilson Solicitors, and Penny Brownbridge in particular, for immigration matters, in my case a non-straightforward Permanent Residency application. Professional, positive, conscientious.’
pbb 3
‘Big thanks to Penny and Lorela for the excellent service they provided for me throughout the whole process. I couldn’t thank them enough for their service. Wilson Solicitors are very experienced and welcoming, would recommend a thousand times!’
pbb 2
‘I received excellent, prompt, open and straightforward services from Penny at Wilson Solicitors. I will recommend them anytime.’
pbb 1
"Mala Savjani is very strong on EU or post-Brexit matters, and immigration matters relating to families."
mala 5
CHAMBERS 2024
“Mala Savjani is one of the bright stars of the new generation; particularly good on EU Settlement Scheme issues.”
MALA 3
Legal 500 2024
“Mala is incredibly bright. She leaves no stone unturned and is very client-focused.”
MALA 2
CHAMBERS 2023
“Mala Savjani is a real name and is definitely one tow watch”
MALA 1
CHAMBERS 2023
I would again like to thank you for all your advice, support and help throughout my proceedings. You have done a fantastic job and provided amazing service over the last two years. I am so pleased that this has ended well for me and my children to be able to stay protected and safe.
HCL
Sophia has been fantastic throughout my case. She is very friendly, attentive and sensitive. Her support has been so appreciated. I would not hesitate in recommending Sophia. Thank you so much for your hard work on my case!
Sophia 24.11.2023
Marcela Navarrete has excellent tactics in complex judicial review litigation and appeals. Very collegiate to work with, and her experience shines through. Has done excellent work on Afghan judiciary judicial review work.
Marcela Navarrete has excellent tactics
LEGAL 500
Marcela Navarrete is extremely experienced and has superb judgement. She is reliable and efficient, and an absolute pleasure to work with.’
Marcela Navarrete is extremely
LEGAL 500
Sophia Poliviou is exceptional… and a pleasure to work with
SPO Legal 500
LEGAL 500
I have admiration for you and your team. As you know I had a few experiences with other firms, but I never found in any of them, the understanding, and the will to help I found with you. I really don’t have words to thank you enough for all the help and support in this long journey.
SPO
I need to thank you for the great job you are doing. I really appreciate that. Whether I get any support or not from my partner I will always have a good memory of what you have done and millions of thanks will never be enough.
SPO
Thank you very much for everything you have done for us so far and for being such a bright person.
SPO
All I can say is thank you for everything you did for me.
Sophia
As ever Alex I am incredibly grateful to have had you on my side. Thank you so much for all the work you have put in, and for your patience.
As ever Alex I am incredibly grateful to have had you on my side
Thanks for your support and guidance on what has been a very difficult time and for being responsive, timely and diligent every step of the way.
Thanks for your support and guidance
I’m very happy to highly recommend Alexandra Wilks who dealt with my divorce. With her diligence and patience we managed to complete negotiations without resorting to court (it was heading that way). Her advice was clear and sensible and I was made to feel comfortable and heard! She remained mindful of my financial situation throughout and I’m confident the outcome would have been very different without her.
I’m very happy to highly recommend Alexandra Wilks who dealt with my divorce
Can I first reiterate my thanks to you in helping to secure the agreed settlement. I know it was hard but without your help I do not believe we would have got to the position we did. Your hard work picking through the detail and highlighting potential pitfalls was crucial in getting [my former spouse] to move on her position.
Can I first reiterate my thanks to you in helping to secure the agreed settlemen
Words will never describe how thankful I am for your hard work and dedication. Seriously. Your work was so much more than what I could afford. Thank you so very much for that.
Words will never describe how thankful I am for your hard work and dedication
Once again thank you for your work and I appreciate your professional support and understanding in dealing with the case.
Once again thank you for your work
I would like to thank you for all the support. It is not easy to go through all that happened however I am very grateful that you were looking after my case and made the situation a little easier for me. Thank you so much again!
I would like to thank you for all the support
The service you have provided has far surpassed any in my experience. You have been amazing! The way you have represented and fought for [our client] has been amazing. In all my years of working with law firms I have never experienced anything like it.
The service you have provided has far surpassed any in my experience
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for the care and concern you have shown me and for working tirelessly to ensure that the law worked in our favour. If it wasn’t for your analytical skills and knowledge, the matter wouldn’t have been settled by now. Thank you once again for your legal advice, time, and efforts.
I need to thank you for the great job you are doing.
A huge thank you for all your hard work, and support with us. We really appreciate what you have done in helping with our situation.
Ornina Kassem - A huge thank you
May I say what a pleasure it was to receive such a well-prepared brief and instructing note.
Ornina Kassem May I say what a pleasure it was to receive such a well-prepared brief and instructing note
Counsel
Mo is very appreciative of your input and truly grateful for your support in providing this letter and in your daily work representing those who have arrived in the UK in very similar positions to Mo
From the agent of Sir Mo Farah, with Mo’s permission to publish on our website.
Sir Mo Farah
From the agent of Sir Mo Farah, with Mo’s permission to publish on our website.
Sarah took the time to really understand my situation and provided me with detailed, pragmatic and measured legal advice. With her generosity of time and her personal approach she was able to present my case well to my barrister, who said that the notes that Ms Edwards had produced during my hearing were invaluable. Without Sarah, I am not sure that my children and I would be in the positive place that we are in now.
Sara Edwards took the time to really understand
Sarah as a solicitor is very efficient, patient, sympathetic, understanding and is always happy to listen. She makes me feel comfortable to talk about my personal matters and always makes clear my position and advises in a respectful way.
Sarah Edwards as a solicitor is very efficient
With Sarah I know that I am genuinely listened to, my best interests are at the heart of actions, and there is someone to walk with me through an incredibly difficult journey. She has shown an extraordinarily passion for helping others on top of her competence and knowledge of the law, giving me confidence in navigating and working through complex legal challenges.
Sarah Edwards - genuinely listened
Thank you for the consistent support you have given me over the last 14 months. When I had virtually given up hope, in what had been a stressful mental ordeal, you were always a beacon of light and inspiration to what has culminated in a beautiful ending to the case of my siblings as they have received both of their visas.
Marcela - Thank you for the consistent support
Patricia prides herself in simplifying legal language and procedures for her clients to make the law accessible for all. She undertakes privately funded work, but maintains a firm commitment to Legal-aid work in addition.
Patricia prides herself in simplifying
Patricia Beckett is wonderful – she is excellent at what she does, and quickly instils confidence in clients. Her approachable and down-to-earth approach means that she cuts straight to the chase, quickly identifying and tackling issues in the case, no matter how difficult.
Patricia Beckett is wonderful
Patricia Beckett is amazing! She operates on ethical lines, is extremely knowledgeable, reassuring, realistic. Patricia Beckett was so thorough, persistent, fair and transparent. The best solicitor ever.
Patricia Beckett is amazing
Patricia is the gold standard when it comes to family matters. Patricia not only has a wealth of knowledge in this area, she is dedicated and works in a way that makes me feel that she has all the time in the world for my case, and that she truly cares. She is proactive in managing my case, responsive and always on hand with advice.
Patricia is the gold standard
Patricia Beckett is a wonderful, thoughtful and determined solicitor. Highly recommended.
Patricia Beckett is a wonderful, thoughtful and determined solicitor. Highly recommended
Patricia Beckett treated me as an individual and paid particular attention to all details.
Patricia Beckett - 5
Fluent Spanish and French
Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards 2017 - Finalist in the Immigration and Asylum category
Part of the team awarded ‘Highly Commended’ at The Lawyer Awards 2022 in the Pro Bono Initiative category for their joint work with Eversheds Sutherland, Mishcon de Reya and Garden Court Chambers.
Marcela is named as a ‘Next Generation Partner’ by the Legal 500.
S & Anor v Secretary of State for the Home Department & Anor [2022] EWCA Civ 1092
R (Hossain and Ors) v Secretary of State for the HomeDepartment [2016] EWHC 1331 (Admin)
KBL v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2023] EWHC87 (Admin)
AB v Secretary of State for the Home Department & Ors[2023] EWHC 287 (Admin)
JA (child – risk of persecution) Nigeria [2016] UKUT 00560(IAC)