About us

Fatma Cayir is an immigration lawyer and entrepreneur with more than twenty years of experience advising private clients, entrepreneurs and corporate institutions on UK immigration matters. She holds a Master’s degree in Law and founded Bridge Partners in 2011, building the firm into a well-established practice recognised for its work across relocation, settlement and long-term immigration planning.

Her clients are international and span a wide range of sectors, from high-net-worth individuals and family offices to growing businesses and global employers. As a business founder herself, Fatma brings a practical and commercially minded perspective to her work, particularly when advising entrepreneurs and companies navigating the UK immigration system.

Fatma regularly speaks at industry events on UK immigration policy, compliance and practice. Clients value her ability to combine technical expertise with sound judgement: understanding when the rules provide a clear route forward, when a more nuanced approach is required, and how to translate complex legal requirements into practical advice that clients can act on with confidence.

Sibel Cayir is the Managing Director of Bridge Partners. With a background in law and global compliance, she brings extensive experience in financial regulation, international advisory services and client relationship management. Before joining Bridge Partners in 2019, Sibel spent five years at a New York Stock Exchange-listed asset management firm, where she worked with corporate institutions and key stakeholders.

Earlier in her career, Sibel worked with high-net-worth individuals and international families, providing support in relation to family office solutions, fiduciary services, licensing and offshore tax planning. This experience has given her a strong understanding of the complex legal, financial and practical considerations involved when individuals and businesses establish themselves in a new jurisdiction.

Having experienced the immigration process personally, Sibel is passionate about helping individuals, families and businesses relocate to and establish themselves in the UK. Since joining Bridge Partners, she has successfully supported a wide range of private and corporate clients with their immigration and relocation needs.

Erhan Raif is Executive Director at Bridge Partners, bringing extensive experience in strategic leadership, international business development and relationship management. Having previously served as CEO of two banks, he has worked closely with entrepreneurs, corporate institutions and international stakeholders across multiple markets.

With a strong commercial background and global perspective, Erhan supports the firm’s continued growth and long-term vision. He works closely with the leadership team to strengthen strategic partnerships, expand corporate relationships and support the development of the firm’s private and business immigration services.

His experience working with international clients and businesses allows him to understand the commercial and personal challenges that often come with global mobility and relocation.

James is a seasoned immigration lawyer with over a decade of experience, having practised since 2012. He began his career at a boutique immigration firm in Mayfair, where he developed deep expertise and currently has the highest level of accreditation with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA).

James specialises in corporate immigration matters, including Sponsor Licence applications, compliance audits, and Global Business Mobility routes. He also has a strong track record in advising on complex family visas, human rights cases and all other applications under the points based system.  Renowned for his meticulous approach and strong advocacy skills, James represents clients in complex appeals and hearings before the First-tier and Upper Tribunals (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). He is a committed member of the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association and is dedicated to delivering high-quality, client-focused representation by being a strategic advisor both private and corporate clients.

Lauren is a qualified Immigration Advisor and works closely with corporate and private clients. She spent just under four years at a city law firm working with various teams such as, Private and Corporate Immigration, Commercial Litigation, Employment, Pensions and Private Wealth. 

With extensive training and first hand experience in a wide range of immigration applications, Lauren can quickly adapt to complex needs of our clients. Her natural empathy, diligent, and professional approach means clients receive personalised and reliable guidance throughout their immigration journey. Lauren is actively involved in professional development. She is a dedicated member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association, contributing her expertise and staying abreast of industry developments.

Nicol is our senior solicitor and has extensive experience in all areas of immigration, from corporate matters, private matters and family applications, as well as administrative reviews, appeals and judicial reviews. She is bi-lingual and speaks English and Arabic.

Nicol qualified as a solicitor under the UK solicitors regulation authority (SRA) in May 2020, having completed her legal practitioners course, with a commendation at Westminster University. Prior to this, Nicol originally graduated from Bournemouth University with an English Language and Literature degree, then undertook a conversion degree to complete her Graduate Diploma in Law. Nicol is also a member of Immigration Law Practitioners Association (ILPA).

Ceren is a seasoned and result-driven Business Development Manager with a passion for driving growth for our business. As an entrepreneur herself, Ceren understand what it means to build lasting relationships with our clients. Before joining Bridge Partners, she successfully established and scaled several thriving businesses in the UK, Turkey, and the USA. Having built an excellent network over the years, Ceren has a deep understanding of these markets and is continually supporting our HNW and UNHW clients in the regions. She stays at the forefront of industry developments, ensuring that her knowledge is always up-to-date to secure a competitive advantage for our firm.

Ceren’s holds a Masters degree in Foreign Languages and Literature from Sorbonne University, Paris. Additionally, she has perfected her culinary skills at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris, achieving the prestigious title of Masterchef. With Ceren leading the way, Bridge Partners guarantees exceptional service and support for all your queries about life in the UK.

Seren is a Sociology graduate from the University of Surrey and is an integral part of the dynamic team at Bridge Partners. She plays a vital role in providing support to the senior members of the team. Her strong attention to detail and ability to manage diverse tasks with efficiency make her invaluable to each client’s case. Seren brings a deep understanding of social dynamics and client needs, allowing her to provide thoughtful and tailored support. Dedicated to delivering exceptional service, she ensures that each client receives personalised assistance. As a bilingual professional fluent in English and Turkish, she enhances our ability to serve a wider client base, fostering strong relationships across diverse backgrounds.