Leaders List interview: 60 seconds with Jayesh Jethwa, Quastels

Date: 29 Nov 2023

Ashleigh John

This week’s 60-second piece is dedicated to Jayesh Jethwa, Partner at Quastels.

Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.

I am a Partner and Head of Immigration in the Corporate and Private Immigration team at Quastels LLP. 

On the corporate side, I advise companies both foreign and domestic as to their effective operation in the UK. A significant proportion of my work is focused on launching hyper-innovative companies. 

I also advise private individuals often, (U)NHWIs as to residency and nationality in the UK. I act for clients on contentious and non-contentious matters, including judicial review, appeals, and extradition-related matters.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A mixture of client meetings, internal management, and business development. 

Where possible, I dedicate the early part of my day to proactive BD-related activities, which can include filming a video with our media team, writing an article, or prospecting new clients. The latter part of the day is ‘focus time’ which includes managing my cases and handling enquiries both internal and external. 

I spend a lot of time floating ideas with other members of the firm, usually during impromptu catchups in our break-out areas at Quastels HQ.

Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions.

One of my clients is launching his start-up in the UK. The idea is highly innovative and is likely to significantly disrupt the market it operates in. I am responsible for facilitating the move to the UK, which consists of relocating the innovator and his family to the UK. I will be preparing the endorsement application, which is fundamental to the success of the entity launching in the UK. This area of my work is particularly interesting as I get to meet the individuals who are truly shaping technology on the global stage.

I am also acting for a food-to-go chain and have developed their global mobility solution. It has been enjoyable to watch the company grow in such a short space of time and to see a company within the hospitality industry overcome the shortage of labour issues we are currently facing in the UK.

I am advising a HNWI as to the rights of his child and the ability for his child to acquire nationality (by registration) in the UK under complex nationality law. The matter has been in dispute for some time; however, recent changes to the families’ circumstances mean that the child has a greater prospect of being granted.

What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?

Relocating as an individual or an entity is one of life’s biggest decisions and inherently comes with challenges. Often, clients aspire to move or expand their businesses but struggle to identify when the optimal time to move is. In recent years, the geopolitical landscape has been one of the biggest influences for individuals.

I spend a great proportion of time with clients preparing a detailed legal strategy with the intention of distilling my advice into clear, practical steps that can be implemented with minimal disruption.

Frequently, this piece of advice will take into account variables such as the personal circumstances of the family, the political landscape, and projecting a sufficient amount of time to achieve a client’s objectives. The purpose of this exercise is to provide clients with as much certainty as possible so that they can make a calculated decision

What is your proudest professional achievement?

Several years ago, I was acting for an individual who was injured in a war abroad. The individual was rescued by a humanitarian charity. I was instructed to assist with the individual’s asylum claim. I was instructed that the individual lost all his family as a result of the conflict.

Several months later, I secured the individual asylum status in the UK. Approximately ten months later, I received a phone call requesting a meeting with the client, to which I agreed.

In front of me was my client, a lady, and a young child. It transpired that my client’s mother and young brother survived the attack and were reunified in the UK. Beyond the legal work, it was a special moment to see my client smile for the first time and for the family to have reunited. 

What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?

A leader must possess a variety of attributes; a key attribute is relationship building. Leaders with strong, trusting, and authentic relationships with their teams can create the foundation required to build a successful team. I also think being accountable to the same degree that you expect your team to be accountable creates authenticity and trust within a team. 

Who do you most admire and why?

In general, people I can learn something from and those who have mentored me both professionally and personally. 

Personally, my mother and father, who have taught me important life lessons and values, and have sacrificed to allow me to have the right environment to grow/ I am thankful for their continuous support.

Professionally, David Quastel, Managing Partner at Quastels, has provided me with mentorship, professional support, creative freedom to grow, and a willingness to embrace change. He is a confidant and friend to many and has an immense work ethic, which astounds me.

Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?

Work: Lisbon, Portugal. Quastels Culture Club arranged for 55 members of staff to spend a weekend in Lisbon. We had a wonderful time dining out, baking, and exploring the city.

Pleasure: Dubai, UAE 

If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?

I have always been interested in technology and business. I imagine I would have set up a tech-based web/PR agency targeted at businesses looking to grow their revenue and exposure.  

How do you relax after a long day?

Exploring a new restaurant, having a glass of wine, and switching off emails.

You can view Jayesh’s profile on the Leaders List here.