Karen joined Wilsons as a trainee solicitor and our first ever Justice First Fellow in partnership with Rainbow Migration, with whom she works for one day a week.
Prior to joining Wilsons, Karen spent 27 years as an immigrant rights and anti-racist activist before deciding to retrain as a solicitor. She gained substantial experience working with LGBT asylum seekers including supporting Ugandan Lesbian PN in her case to return to the UK after being removed in 2013 under the now unlawful fast-track procedure.
Alongside LGBT asylum, Karen also has extensive experience of working with immigration detainees, in particular those subject to deportation on charter flights. Her work on the deportation of Jamaican nationals via charter flight gained significant media attention in the UK and in Jamaica. She has worked on strategic litigation including four cases which sought to challenge the exclusion of Windrush descendants from the Windrush Scheme.
Professionally Karen’s background is as a mental health and disability adviser and support worker in the education and charity sector. In 2016, as a mature student she graduated from the University of the Arts London with a BA Fina Art Sculpture, Frist Class Honours.
In 2019 Karen decided to qualify as a solicitor after many years of witnessing the difficulties people faced securing good quality, ethical immigration representation. She obtained her Post Graduate Diploma in Law from London Southbank University in 2021 with distinction. She went on to complete her Legal Practice Course at the University of Westminster in 2023, also achieving a Distinction.
While studying at the University of Westminster Karen volunteered in the Immigration Clinic at the Law School’s Free Legal Advice Clinic, she went on to become a caseworker in the immigration casework clinic. She then obtained a staff role as Student Experience Coordinator where she supervised 150 student volunteers across 6 free legal advice clinics. In 2023, driven by a passion to expose students to the wealth of opportunities in the social Justice Sector, Karen organised the first ever Social Justice Law Fair.
Interests: singing, wild swimming, musical theatre and fantasy fiction
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 is a real name and is definitely one to watch"
mala 5
CHAMBERS 2023
“Mala is incredibly bright. She leaves no stone unturned and is very client-focused.”
MALA 3
CHAMBERS 2023
“Mala Savjani is very strong on EU or post-Brexit matters, and immigration matters relating to families.”
MALA 2
CHAMBERS 2024
“Mala Savjani is one of the bright stars of the new generation; particularly good on EU Settlement Scheme issues.”
MALA 1
LEGAL 500 2024
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
Patricia Beckett has been particularly supportive, reassuring and highly diligent in her handling of my case providing excellent legal and practical advice, always in a highly professional, yet friendly and respectful manner.
Patricia Beckett - 4
Patricia Beckett is unrivalled in her diplomatic approach to opponents, her patience with clients and professionals alike and her practical approach to resolving matters in the best interests of her clients.
Patricia Beckett - 3
Patricia Beckett is absolutely outstanding. She is always prepared to go the extra mile. She is highly adept at representing parents in non-accidental injury cases. She combines a razor-sharp brain with pragmatism and compassion
Patricia Beckett - 2
‘excellent’ and ‘able to quickly identify the key point in each case’.
Patricia Beckett - 1
Thank you for helping me in my life’s most difficult moments and standing by me.
Sophia Poliviou 5
You are probably the best solicitor I have worked with. Keep doing what you do best.
Sophia Poliviou 4
I have used Sophia Poliviou twice with the same result for my family matters. Sophia is the person to go to.
Sophia Poliviou 3
Sophia was amazing, I couldn't be happier withher work. She went above and beyond to assist in my matter. Thank you so much!
Sophia Poliviou 2
THANK YOU SO SO MUCH! I really do appreciate all your help on getting this matter dealt with. You really are a superstar!
Sophia Poliviou 1
My permanent resident application was handled with utmost commitment by Wilsons Solicitors in the person of Emma Terenius. Her professionalism is second to none! Im very grateful to her the way she meticulously handled all issues, and the results were quick and positive. I recommend this practice to anyone. Once again, thank you Emma.
136-comment
After a very long battle with the Home Office, I finally received positive results. Many thanks to Colin Gregory (who took my case when no one else would and fought very hard!), Siobhan Foulner and Tim Davies (who took my case to the finishing line!). I am forever indebted. Will definitely use Wilson solicitors next time!
137-comment
Wilson Solicitors are the best in London. They have offered my family the top service in Family Law and we are ever so grateful for their help and support for the past two years. Without their professional input, we could not have succeeded. Special thanks to Ian Whitbread . Highly recommend...
135-comment
Wow......My Journey with solicitor Ana Gonzalez at Wilson Solicitors LLP what a journey it has been. We really should write a book. From Over stayer, detention, signing on, court appearances to Refugee status then the icing on top British Citizenship was a lot of work and this was done with one lawyer - Ana Gonzalez. Thanks Ana i can never repay you for all the hard work you have done for me. I am finally FREE.
134-comment
I just want to say thank you so so much. Specially to Michael Goldin and Rachel Henson. You have been so supportive and so helpful. Words cannot explain how grateful I am. I was facing guaranteed deportation as I have served 18 months prison sentence. I do not think anyone else could of won the case for me. Wilson Solicitors are the only firm that can fight a guaranteed deportation case and win.If anyone reading this who is going through the stress of fighting deportation or immigration cases let me assure you from experience, Wilson Solicitors are expert at this. If it wasnt for them I wouldnt be here in this country.
132-comment
Matthew was fantastic in guiding us through the visa process!
131-comment
Wilson solicitors is an exceptional solicitor firm in London, they are very professional and supportive. My damages claim case was handled by Jennine Walker, she is very committed and understanding person. My case was a very complex one but thanks to her superlative knowledge and skills I got the desired result. I was regularly updated on the case and she respond to my mails as soon as possible. My sincere gratitude to Wilson solicitors especially Jennine Walker, I am eternally grateful.
130-comment
Rebecca Ives from public law was absolutely phenomenal. She did incredible work on my case. I am very happy any highly satisfied with her work. Everyone in that place is very nice and friendly, I would highly recommend.
129-comment
Michael Hanley and his team was complete professionals who delivered exceptional results in a very complicated matter. Michael was always responsive, patient, knowledgeable and understanding. He was an terrific legal strategist and plotted a careful yet creative path to achieve my desired end results. I cannot say enough positive things about my multi-year experience with Michael and the entire Wilsons team.
127-comment
'Wilson Solicitors are a very professional, approachable and friendly team. Penny Brownbridge was exceptionally compassionate, empathetic and helped me tremendously to deal with my residency mix up. She was always available to answer my enquiries, fast to act and get the job done in an excellent manner! I couldn't recommend them more!'
126-comment
Ana González is the best!!!!! Her patience, effort, time and knowledge of the immigration sector is second to none! Thank you Ana and Wilson solicitors for you help. Greatly appreciated.
125-comment
Amna acted for me on a very complex family matter. She did a fantastic job, and achieved the desired result. She was very professional and supportive throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend her for any complex matters.
124-comment
I would recommend Felicity Jones. She does not give up on her clients and does the job really well.
118-comment
Wilson solicitors is an exceptional solicitor firm in London, they are very professional and supportive. My damages claim case was handled by Jennine Walker, she is a very committed and understanding person. My case was a very complex one but thanks to her superlative knowledge and skills I got the desired result. I was regularly updated on the case and she responded to my mails as soon as possible. My sincere gratitude to Wilson solicitors especially Jennine Walker, I am eternally grateful
121-comment
The thing that I take away most from my experience with Wilsons is that I felt valued and that they were on my side and fighting hard for me. This restored my faith in immigration lawyers after having a previous bad experience. My overall assessment of Wilsons is that, they have great customer service. In addition, I felt valued as a client and a person as if they truly identified with my situation and didn't see me as another number in the queue.
122-comment
Juanita Kareer was very professional and helpful, her advice and solutions made my divorce process less traumatic.
119-comment
I would recommend any person to this firm as they are very good and patient with good listening skills. For me and my family I am always happy to get help from this firm. Keep up the good work. Thank you.
120-comment
Yvette
The Best Legal Team!!!! Family Law? Felicity Jones is the lady for you!!!
117-comment
On behalf on my mother, we would like to thank Ian Whitbread for all his help with her divorce. He provided a very exemplary service and more importantly he kept us up to date and well informed throughout the process. We would highly recommend his services.
116-comment
Very polite staff and in my opinion, the best firm of Solicitors
114-comment
I was pleasantly surprised to see Mr James Elliott. He kept me informed every step of the way. He was helpful, professional and knowledgeable. I would certainly recommend him.
115-comment
I just want to say a big and massive thank you to Wilson Solicitors, especially my solicitor Nina Rathbone-Pullen. Thanks to everyone including the receptionist!
113-comment
I would recommend everything about Wilsons and Mr James Elliott who has been excellent and perfect!
110-comment
Great Job! Total satisfaction. I was recommended to Nina Rathbone-Pullen by Room to Heal.
112-comment
Staff were very understanding and compassionate in my case. I am a stroke patient. I was very satisfied and would recommend them.
111-comment
An incredibly supportive law firm, their advice, knowledge and level of professionalism at every stage was the very highest standards. I would recommend Shahailya Stephenson, especially the Immigration and Family law teams who are very hard working and their whole process is very transparent especially as to cost and price of their services.
109-comment
Rebecca Morris, words cant describe your determination just to make sure that I have my stay after a long battle. Youre always in my prayers. Wilsons solicitors the only solution to your problems! I will recommend anyone to them. Excellent service.
108-comment
Highly recommend Wilsons! My husband and I have had a bad experience with other solicitors. Ana from Wilsons came with recommendation and it was the best decision we made. Ana dealt with our case extremely professionally and with a high level of care. Ana understood our case was exceptionally difficult however she was dedicated and made sure we covered everything that could possibly come our way. I cant recommend enough!
107-comment
My life was turned around from hopeless immigration issue to fulfilment by working with a professional and dedicated team at Wilson Solicitors. They helped me through every process. From booking an appointment for diagnostic with Marcela Navarrete to representation by Rachel Henson and my very best caseworker Michael Goldin. These professionals listen carefully, gave honest advice and ensure everything is right from start to getting a favourable decision from Home Office, I am indeed grateful for the exceptional service accorded us and on going. I recommend the Wilson Solicitors LLP without hesitation.
106-comment
Shahailya Stephenson was helpful and responsive to all our questions and concerns and she was with me every step of the way. She negotiated on my behalf and was tough when needed. Overall, it was a pleasant experience.
105-comment
I came back to Wilson Solicitor after a couple of years and found that they still maintain the highest standard of professionalism. I have no words for them other than gratitude especially the young professional, Daniel Merriman. I am very satisfied with their service and I highly recommend them.
104-comment
We are very satisfied with our lawyer, Mr Chris McKendry. He was very well informed and honest. He was also supportive and kind. He responded on our every email and text that we got questions and concerns and we got answers. Thank you once again on doing a great job. We would recommend him and his firm!
101-comment
We cannot recommend Wilson Solicitors highly enough. Elizabeth Ruddick provided us with excellent legal assistance in our application for our Leave to Remain as a Partner visa application, was incredibly knowledgeable when we requested guidance and we got a very quick and positive outcome. Thank you.
103-comment
My partner and I were very impressed by the excellent work of Laura Ralph in preparing his FLR visa application against a tight deadline. Expert, detailed knowledge, of course, resourceful in the best way of presenting a few complicated areas of the case, fast and hard-working, quick to respond to emails, careful and friendly. Laura wrote a compelling and lengthy covering letter to accompany the copious documentation. Even the UK Border Premium Centre said they were impressed! We are very grateful to Laura.
102-comment
Thank you very much Mathew Davies. You guys are truly professionals. I will always recommend Wilson Solicitors.
99-comment
Osita Oguejiofor
I can say without any shadow of doubt that this law firm really believe in Justice for all... Its not just a Tagline or a mission statement, its actually a culture. I came to the UK completely broken, vulnerable, lost and discouraged. I didnt know what to do nor which way to go; but I can count myself fortunate to have met a solicitor from Wilson Solicitors who helped me through. she was not only Competent with a great Professionalism but also, she did not hesitate to lend me her ears whenever I needed to talk. She listened to me with a lot of attention and interest, shown empathy and provided words of encouragement and the appropriate advice when needed.I am more than satisfied with their services and will not hesitate to recommend them to anyone in need. And personally, i will definitely go back to them in the future when needs arise. Thank you ever so much
98-comment
Akosiwa Agbouko
The legal services of Michael Hanley and his team were fantastic. The Home Office threatened to separate my family. Before Wilsons Solicitors, we went through two other legal firms that let us down. Michael, however, turned our luck around. He was sympathetic to our case and extremely proactive and helpful, often working on a moments notice when necessary. Each step of the way felt like Michael was truly on our side and sincerely wished us the best, and he won the case for us. We owe the unity of our family to Michael and his team. We have already recommended the services of Wilsons Solicitors to a friend in a similar unfortunate position, and we highly recommend their services to anyone else out there.
93-comment
Natalia Heritage
I must say this is the best solicitor across London. Very professional and an outstanding service that provided to myself and my mother. I would like thanks everyone and especially our solicitor Siobhan Foulner she has been very professional and helpful details was explained to us very well and everything was done accordingly. Many thanks
90-comment
Sahar Adan
Testimonial *me and my family received such great care and advice and where granted the visa we needed thanks to penny from Wilsons.we are eternally greatful and would recommend anyone seeking results to use them!we certainly will be when the time comes again!
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Jodie
My case was a tough one but Wilson solicitors made me realise that tough time do not last but tough people does, All thanks to the Wilson Solicitors who has made everything to go smooth and easily and my special thanks goes to Muhunthan Paramesvaran , who gave me all the necessary support and made my case a special one and a good story to be told . A beautiful and remarkable ending . Thanks
82-comment
Ola Shitta-bey
Superb professionals.. Great knowledge.. Turned my life completely... Customer satisfaction is their main motto .. Highly recommended
79-comment
Nav Nawaz
Really excellent service and very experienced/professional individuals.
77-comment
Asim Warraich
Wilson solicitors are the best solicitors in the UK.
78-comment
Zaky Ahmadzai
Worth every penny!
76-comment
Hugo Campus
I cannot recommend Wilson Solicitors highly enough. They truly live up to their slogan Believe in Justice for All.
74-comment
Nisrine Mansour
Undoubtedly the best Immigration Legal Firm in the UK.
75-comment
Tonia Ilia
This is a place where you feel you are in safe hands.
73-comment
Margaret White
Fantastic service provided by Wilson Solicitors. Outstanding help, support and guidance.
72-comment
Keeley Dempster
The entire process went smoothly with no issues at all. I will definitely seek their help in the future and strongly recommend them to others.
71-comment
Abdul Alasmari
It is a privilege to have Wilsons Solicitors LLP as your legal council. They are incredibly professional, detailed and supportive throughout the ups and downs of a case. My experience with Wilson Solicitors LLP is one cherished memory held eternally dear to my heart. Will recommend them and then some.
70-comment
Z Adutwum