Our solicitors

Muhammad Akhtar is the Director and Senior Immigration Advisor at Ashleigh Solicitors. With more than 20 years’ experience in UK immigration law, Muhammad Akhtar provides clear, practical advice and representation across visas, settlement, nationality, human rights and complex casework.

As an OISC-regulated immigration adviser, Muhammad Akhtar undertakes specialist casework and advocacy — including Immigration Tribunal appeals and administrative reviews — and is known for combining professional expertise with genuine care for clients and their families.

Whether you need help with a family or work visa, settlement, nationality, sponsor licensing, or a refused application, Muhammad Akhtar and the team at Ashleigh Solicitors will guide you from first instruction through to completion.

Payal Patel is a Director and Solicitor at Ashleigh Solicitors. She is authorised to practise as a solicitor in England and Wales and holds a current practising certificate.
Payal has experience across a range of practice areas including litigation, personal injury, family law, immigration, probate, and property matters. She also has a strong background in financial and regulatory compliance, with prior professional experience in audit and governance roles within both private practice and the public sector.
Her approach to legal practice is structured, analytical, and risk-aware, ensuring matters are conducted in accordance with applicable regulatory frameworks, professional standards, and client care obligations.
Payal is involved in the delivery of regulated legal services at Ashleigh Solicitors and supports the firm’s compliance, governance, and quality assurance processes.