Firms To Watch: Immigration

Danielle Cohen Solicitors, led by founder Danielle Cohen, has seen notable growth, including the hiring of associate Laura Ralph from Wilson Solicitors LLP in January 2023.
Collyer Bristow LLP has significantly bolstered its immigration offering as part of its private wealth department with the hire of senior associate Charles Avens as head of immigration in September 2022.
Reiss Edwards has enhanced its business and personal immigration offerings through the expansion of its team and the opening of a new central London office to better serve clients.
Led by Matthew Cranton, Teacher Stern LLP is a key contact for HR departments on the management of sponsor licences and duties.
Founded in 2021 by Jacqueline McKenzie, Leigh Day has already had success in a number of complex cases around asylum and deportation.

Immigration in London

3CS Corporate Solicitors

With a strong regional client base in Asia, particularly China, Japan, and South Korea, 3CS Corporate Solicitors possesses a notable track record in inbound work for a number of high-profile international companies, advising in the relocation of senior employees, securing sponsor licences, and assisting in matters relating to sole representatives. Practice head Thomas Miles covers both immigration and wider employment in his work, able to advise clients in matters where the two intersect, including TUPE transfers, immigrant redundancy, and corporate restructures. Senior associate Samuel Njogu utilises his experience in human rights immigration to assist in contentious business immigration work.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Miles


Other key lawyers:

Samuel Njogu


Testimonials

The solicitors we work with at 3CS stand out as providing very well-thought-out and comprehensive advice and guidance and, most importantly for us, are very responsive on time critical issues. In terms of innovations, 3CS recently provided us with in-house training, which they were able to tailor to our business and make relevant to the issues and questions our HR team have experienced. It received great feedback from attendees.’

Thomas Miles is unique in often offering face-to-face meetings where possible, which has helped to build the relationship we have with them, and he’s able to tailor advice to us based on his thorough knowledge of our organisation.’

The team is reliable and matters are dealt with in a timely and courteous manner. They understand our company’s structure and business needs, and provide excellent service.

Work highlights


  • Registered a corporate entity 100% owned by the South Korea government with the Companies House and added Intra Company Transfer route to its sponsor licence.
  • Successfully supporting an exceptional circumstances application to the Home Office to allow a mother applying for a work visa to bring her son as her dependant.
  • Obtaining what will be one of the earliest UK Expansion Worker visas and sponsor licence, following the introduction of this new visa route for the UK.

A Y & J Solicitors

A Y & J Solicitors provides ‘excellent advice on all employment immigration matters‘, and, having recently formed a human resources compliance pack, the team is well placed to assist companies seeking to recruit from overseas in securing skilled worker sponsor licenses. Practice head Yash Dubal has a broad client base that encompasses high-skilled individuals in the tech industry and UK-based companies recruiting non-EU skilled workers.

Practice head(s):

Yash Dubal


Testimonials

It has been a pleasure for my company to receive excellent immigration support and advice, and I have not felt any pressure on my shoulders; all the load has been taken care of by the team of experts, and I have been provided excellent advice on all employment immigration matters for recruiting someone from abroad.’

A Y & J Solicitors are the best in their field. Overall, my experience with the solicitors has been positive, and I appreciate the professionalism and expertise demonstrated by their team. I would like to commend the solicitors for their prompt and clear communication throughout the process. I found them to be knowledgeable and attentive, addressing my concerns and providing comprehensive explanations. Their professionalism instilled confidence in me, making the legal proceedings less daunting.’

They have been incredibly responsive and supportive helping us overcome any hurdle in the application process. One of our recent applications was particularly urgent. They understood how critical this was, and guided us through the procedure to follow for a successful accelerated application.

The team encapsulate the perfect balance between professionalism and flexibility. They have been exceptionally helpful in every instance.

Work highlights


  • Assisted a CQC-registered care provider with bringing over multiple carers under the Skilled Worker Health and Care route.
  • Assisted a Middle Eastern airline in securing a sponsor licence.
  • Acting for an IT company expanding its services into the Middle East in securing a sponsor licence and sponsoring a senior individual through the Skilled Worker route.

Armstrong Teasdale

Armstrong Teasdale provides clients with access to both US and UK immigration advice, with a broad offering in the latter that straddles sponsorship, settlement, and nationality issues. Ben Xu is the head of the practice and utilises his experience in corporate and commercial law to provide valuable insights into the immigration needs of his corporate clients.

Practice head(s):

Ben Xu


Testimonials

‘Armstrong Teasdale’s immigration practice offers a first class service. They are knowledgeable, tenacious, but pragmatic about the advice they deliver. The recent arrival of Ben Xu as a partner has endorsed their commitment to grow and thrive in this area.

Ben Xu is a stand-out partner; with a wide-ranging knowledge base, bags of charisma and a strong commitment to achieving his client’s objectives, he has developed an expansive and loyal cohort of professional clients who refer high quality work. He also has an extensive international network which he draws upon to offer a world-class service. His encyclopaedic knowledge and highly acute judgement has seen him act as an expert to the High Court in immigration matters.’

The service and collaboration is absolutely great; quick turn around, knowledgeable and professional. We have a dedicated partner as our account manager and if there is an urgent need or problem then they will go out of their way to sort it.

Ben Xu is our immigration solicitor: fantastic service level, accommodating and professional. We have managed to cut down our visa application processes by many weeks, sometimes even months, compared to before.’

The most unique part of Armstrong is its people. Their team comprises highly knowledgeable and experienced people who specialise in immigration law. This expertise allows them to navigate the complexities of these legal areas with confidence and provide clients with top-notch counsel. They value the unique perspectives and experiences that a diverse team brings and recognise that it leads to more well-rounded and innovative solutions.’

As a client of Ben Xu, I have been consistently impressed by his professionalism, expertise, and unwavering commitment to achieving optimal outcomes. From our very first interaction, it was evident that Ben possess a deep understanding of the complexities of immigration law. ‘

The immigration team is dedicated, friendly, and provides a world-class legal service.

Ben Xu is a dedicated and experienced immigration lawyer.

Key clients

Lavazza Coffee


Brocket Hall


Flo Group


Singleton Birch


Strand Palace Hotel


Planet Smart City


Stablehouse


Leon Bara


Econet Investments Ltd


Work highlights


  • Worked on the acquisition of Singleton Birch by Mississippi Lime Company and subsequent transfer of employees from Mississippi Lime Company to Singleton Birch.
  • Adviser for Reply Ltd, making over 100 visa applications in the last 12 months alone and assisting in sponsorship compliance matters.
  • Advising Wimbledon Championships with their players’ and technical staff’s visa applications for many years.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie is noted for the depth of its global resources, its ‘stable team’, and its numerous high-profile, multinational clients, working on a range of complex applications relating to board directors, senior executives, and technical staff. Senior associate Tony Haque heads up the practice, advising both multinational corporate clients and HNW individuals and with a particular focus on Brexit-related work. Fellow associates Ying Li and Richard Mills are also of note, especially in relation to the diverse array of sectors that they have experience in.

Practice head(s):

Tony Haque


Other key lawyers:

Ying Li; Richard Mills


Testimonials

It is a stable team, and they have been servicing my clients together for a long, long time and through the life cycle of the immigration process.’

It is great that we can communicate with them in Japanese. Not everyone speaks Japanese in the team, but it is nice to know that we can ask questions that might be difficult for us to understand in English in Japanese.

They have great knowledge.’

Work highlights


Bates Wells

Bates Wells stands as ‘one of the top immigration firms in the country‘ through the depth of its expertise, and is able to handle the full range of complex immigration matters for personal, business, and HNW clients. The firm’s corporate practice, headed by the ‘helpful, efficient, and incredibly friendly’ Chetal Patel, who also heads the wider immigration practice, is noted for its immigration strategy and diverse client base that includes SMEs, large corporates, and charities. Senior associates Aisha Choudhry and Smruti Jeyanandhan are key contacts for business immigration matters. The human rights, appeals, and overstays work is focused primarily on Article 8 and families mandates, and includes a range of complicated appeals. Tim Barnden heads up this area, and has a reputation for handling matters relating to LGBTQ+ individuals, while associate Matthew James focusses on EEA nationals and their families. Solicitor Alice Bennington acts across the full range of the firm’s offering.

Practice head(s):

Chetal Patel; Tim Barnden


Other key lawyers:

Aisha Choudhry; Matthew James; Alice Bennington; Smruti Jeyanandhan


Testimonials

Bates Wells is one of the top immigration firms in the country, and its reputation as an industry leader is very well deserved. The team always offers an excellent service in a wide range of complex personal immigration matters.’

Tim Barnden is fantastic and always a pleasure to work with. He puts his legal expertise, creativity, and empathy with clients to excellent use in achieving consistently brilliant results in complex cases. Alice Bennington is a superb addition to this specialist team with her friendly manner and attention to detail. She is showing great promise in this competitive field. Matthew James is an excellent immigration solicitor, offering a reliable and effective service to his clients.’

Tim Barnden is the star turn in a highly effective team dealing primarily with the inbound immigration needs of high net worth individuals, celebrities and sportspersons – including those facing sanctions or with criminal convictions and the employment visa needs of large businesses and charities. The team has a combined experience and expertise of many years and is effective at securing good results pre-litigation.’

Tim Barnden has particular expertise in serving the immigration needs of the LGBTQI community and has particular skill and sensitivity in representing non-traditional families in adoption and surrogacy, same-sex relationships, and naturalisation/citizenship matters. He has an informal, friendly exterior which he combines with laser focus on detail and unrivalled nous. He also has great contacts in the home office, which helps.

Tim Barnden is excellent. He is a strategic old hand at this, and has great judgment and client care.

Aisha Choudhry is knowledgeable on legal issues and has given us helpful guidance on some complex cases. She is quick to reply and will go out of her way to make sure applications are submitted on the timeline we had proposed.

Chetal Patel continues to support us in a helpful, efficient, and incredibly friendly and engaging manner.’

Potential clients should be assured that they will not only work with Tim or a senior member of the team but also at least one junior member, which ensures that emails and calls will be responded to promptly in the preparation of their case. They will also want to know that the team are very experienced in terms of making applications and the success rate on appeal is excellent. They are a leading private client firm in this area of work, and I personally refer clients to them for this reason.

BDB Pitmans

BDB Pitmans employs a multidisciplinary approach to immigration, drawing upon the wider firm’s employment, corporate transactions, and private wealth teams to advise clients. Practice head Tim Hayes acts across the full span of the firm’s offering, with experience in sponsor licences and training for business clients and a track record in critical immigration matters for the firm’s numerous personal clients. Associate Chris Greep, working from Southampton, has a similarly broad practice.

Practice head(s):

Tim Hayes


Other key lawyers:

Chris Greep


Testimonials

Very professional, accurate, and comprehensive support. Anticipative advice with explanations of all possible results. Really appreciate their work.

BDB Pitmans has a great team, providing high quality service, both front and back office. There is nothing they haven’t been able to solve for me, be it an immigration question or a billing query.’

Tim Hayes has on all occasions been extremely helpful. He’s always available and has time after time provided excellent service.

We were highly impressed with both team members. They were knowledgeable, supportive and excellent at communicating. They had to do some specific investigating and undertook this with great professionalism. Nothing was too much of a problem.

Nothing was too much trouble for them.’

‘The advice and support is always clear and concise. The support is turned around in a timely manner and is always accurate first time. They support with problem-solving in unique cases and always work with our business to find the best possible solutions.’

‘The individuals are approachable and professional at all times. No query is too big or too small.’

Work highlights


Bindmans LLP

Bindmans LLP draws on complementary practices within the firm to provide comprehensive assistance for a range of clients, and has particular strength in crime and extradition. The ‘exceptionally skilled, knowledgeable, effective, tenacious and organised’ team is noted for their bespoke solutions across the full gamut of immigration work. Co-head Alison Stanley is noted for her ‘unparalleled experience and real client commitment’, and is experienced in immigration litigation at all levels. She works alongside co-head Liz Barratt, whose practice encompasses a range of complex issues arising from nationality, and is highly active on behalf of Turkish clients. Senior consultant Tanya Goldfarb leads the team in business immigration matters, working across all sectors but with substantial experience in the creative sector. Roberta Haslam is a crucial contact for asylum, human rights, and deportation issues, while Karma Hickman specialises in family matters, particularly those involving surrogacy. Solicitor Elisabeth Attwood, who joined the firm in May 2022, is noted for the complexity of her litigation work.

Practice head(s):

Alison Stanley; Liz Barratt; Tanya Goldfarb


Other key lawyers:

Roberta Haslam; Karma Hickman; Elisabeth Attwood


Testimonials

‘Roberta Haslam is a force to be reckoned with. She is always on top of the case, and always listens to your needs. She is also very compassionate and considerate towards the emotional well being of client.’

I have been advised by Karma Hickman, who I really felt understood my situation and wanted to help.

One of the key strengths of this team is their deep expertise in their respective fields. Each member of the team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and they work collaboratively to provide clients with the highest level of service. Additionally, the team is highly responsive and always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that clients feel supported and valued. Overall, I would highly recommend Bindmans LLP to anyone in need of legal services.

The firm is very responsive and fast acting. They have depth in resources and experience. The whole resource contributes to the case in hand.’

Liz Barratt is a very experienced solicitor. Her long experience and strategic thinking are evident in her work and advice. Liz evaluates all aspects of the case, and from her long experience she anticipates counterparty actions, and also the Judge’s possible views and judgements. She has a fantastic personality and confidence that can put clients at ease, knowing they are in safe hands.

All members of the team are excellent, from Alison Stanley down to the junior members. Clients would like to know that they will receive an excellent service and that the team can be relied upon to be entirely on top of the relevant law.’

Alison Stanley has unparalleled experience and real client commitment. Liz Barratt is super bright, has excellent strategic skills in litigation and is very pro client.  Roberta Haslam has learned from the best, and so demonstrates superb client commitment and compassion in all she does.

In my experience, Bindmans are second to none in my areas of practice (asylum and immigration, with a protection / human rights focus). All of their lawyers are exceptionally skilled, knowledgeable, effective, tenacious and organised.

Work highlights


Bird & Bird LLP

Bird & Bird LLP prioritises bespoke immigration services for key clients over high-volume work, and has developed a strong specialisation in advising clients in various sectors within the wider tech industry; the firm advises a number of major multinational clients, but the firm’s core clients are innovative businesses operating in fintech, videogames, AI, medicine, and telecoms. Legal director Yuichi Sekine heads the practice, and is experienced in acting for tech-focussed start-ups, unicorns, and established multinationals, reflecting the focus of the wider firm. Jonathan Goldsworthy is noted for his strength in assisting US companies wishing to relocate key talent to the UK or EU.

Practice head(s):

Yuichi Sekine


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Goldsworthy


Testimonials

‘The Bird & Bird immigration team is highly skilled and efficient. They work well as a team, and alongside me, to streamline and optimise the immigration process. They have a deep understanding of immigration laws and procedures. The team provides guidance to applicants and ensures compliance with immigration requirements.’

‘The team demonstrates expertise, knowledge, proactive problem-solving, strong communication, professionalism, adaptability, and collaboration.’

Work highlights


Bonheur Legal

Bonheur Legal bolsters its European capabilities by utilising its presence in the US and Hong Kong to assist in work relating to America and Asia. Thierry Hervet heads the team, spearheading the practice’s growing strength in relation to HNW individuals, and both inbound and outbound African immigration issues.

Practice head(s):

Thierry Hervet


Testimonials

‘It’s a small firm, which helps it provide a really good level of collaboration.’

‘Thierry Hervet is calm, professional, friendly and always available when you need him. His track record is very good with many successful applications, and he knows how to make his clients feel comfortable.’

‘The team are very approachable, and understand our requirements. They have great industry expertise and know what is expected in terms of lead time, process, support and collaboration.’

‘We worked with Thierry Hervet in several cases and every time we approach him he gives us the right directions and support for getting sponsorship licences and managing sponsorship duties.’

Key clients

Hamlet Hotels


Larkfield Hotels


Skillnet Solutions


Bureau Veritas


Work highlights


  • Advised Larkfield Hotels on the new sponsorship licence and TUPE.
  • Advised Markor Securities on urgent Skilled Worker visa application.

Carter Thomas Solicitors

Carter Thomas Solicitors is noted for both its sector strength in education, working across businesses, independent schools, and universities, and its offering in relation to sponsor licences, utilising a sponsor licence platform to consistently ‘provide up-to-date information for clients‘. Operating out of Sheffield, the firm also possesses capabilities to advise private clients, assisting a mix of tech, fashion, and creative entrepreneurs. Nichola Carter heads the practice, and is both ‘one of the foremost experts on sponsor licensing law’, and highly experienced in handling immigration mandates for education clients. The team has been bolstered with the promotion of Nick Gore to partner in April 2023, bringing his expertise in working on behalf of fashion designers and musicians. Associate Irfan Ali leads on business immigration services, including the sponsor licence platform.

Practice head(s):

Nichola Carter


Other key lawyers:

Nick Gore; Irfan Ali


Testimonials

Nichola Carter is exceptional! Always provides amazing response time, and clear and lucid advice. Nick Gore gives excellent responses and lucid, practical advice and is well versed in all relevant, rules, regulations and practices.

First class sector knowledge. Always available and responsive.

Nichola Carter’s advice is always pitch perfect. Constant communication and always available when needed.’

An exceptional team to work with. Very skilled, very polite.’

Nick Gore is extremely skilled and knowledgeable. His assistance was excellent and exceptional.’

As a team, Carter Thomas make great efforts to provide up-to-date information for clients in the form of regular legal updates via email and also webinars where individuals go through topics of relevance. The guidance received is always comprehensive and practical, including an element of hand-holding when it comes to submitting visa applications for both the employer and the employee. They help to make the complex manageable.’

Nichola Carter is rightly regarded as one of the foremost experts on sponsor licensing law and the go-to lawyer when sponsors have problems.’

I work primarily with Nick Gore, now a partner at Carter Thomas. He has always been the epitome of calm reassurance, offering practical advice and guidance on a variety of situations facing our company in the ever-increasingly complex post-Brexit world. I never hesitate to seek advice, and the responses I receive are always helpful.

Work highlights


Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is well-placed to serve major international clients through its large global network of partner firms and growing international presence, in addition to the strength of its cross-service offering. The team’s existing capabilities in China have been bolstered with the opening of a new office in Singapore, and the firm has established a track record in assisting US-based start-ups and HNW individuals operating in the Middle East. The firm’s wider corporate offering, including the corporate tax and private wealth teams, are well integrated with the immigration practice, providing a comprehensive service for relocating HNW individuals. Rose Carey heads the practice, applying her ‘in-depth technical and industry knowledge’ to her impressive Chinese HNW client base, and has cultivated close relationships with a number of US firms. Kelvin Tanner is noted for his specialism in inward investment for companies establishing a presence in the UK.

Practice head(s):

Rose Carey


Other key lawyers:

Kelvin Tanner


Testimonials

The immigration practice provides high level and comprehensive advice. All members of the practice are very responsive and take the time to understand the client’s specific needs.

Kelvin Tanner was always very thorough in assessing our needs and provided us with excellent legal advice. He was very responsive in regard to any query. His advice was comprehensive, and he kept us up to date on future legislative developments with potential impact on our case.’

CRS are very responsive, knowledgeable and proactive, with proven experience in handling all types of cases whether it’s simple or very complex. The team works with their various complementary departments, such as tax planning, to provide a comprehensive package to the client before they immigrate to the UK. The team also maintains a good relationship with the Home Office to keep abreast with their new and updated immigration rules and regulations, and to advise clients of any changes that may affect their visa status.

CRS have proven to be extremely knowledgeable in this area, with the ability to provide proactive advice where needed.

Kelvin Tanner provides a personal service on a commercial turnaround.’

Rose Carey is excellent and an outstanding leader, as she has the in-depth technical and industry knowledge and can react very quickly to the continually changing visa landscape and requirements.’

‘A very smart outfit which delivers brilliant service, rapidly and without compromise.’

‘Rose Carey is a legend. Organised, informed, influential and supremely well-connected.’

Key clients

Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe


Entain


Brasserie Bar Co


Work highlights


Clarkslegal LLP

Operating from Reading, Clarkslegal LLP advises a number of corporate clients, including both those based in the UK, and overseas businesses entering the UK market. Incoming clients also benefit from the firm’s multidisciplinary business support services relating to inward investment, providing international investors, and companies establishing operations, with complete support. Monica Atwal leads the team, and is experienced in director-level employee transfers, as well as in assisting entrepreneurs, investors, and overseas entities through the immigration implications of investing in the UK.

Practice head(s):

Monica Atwal


Key clients

Jardine Motors Group UK Limited


Tetra Tech Inc


Mishipay Ltd


Work highlights


  • Acting for leading Australian geotechnical engineering firm Tetra Tech Inc. by providing full immigration support and training.
  • Advising Jardine Motors Group UK Limited on various immigration issues, including the international transfer of members of staff from Hong Kong to the UK.
  • Advise Mishipay on skilled worker visa applications for overseas software engineer recruits and obtaining an extension of Skilled Worker visas for existing staff members.

Clintons

Clintons combines a specialism in transatlantic transfers, assisting UK companies with establishing operations in the US and vice versa, with a track record in the media, entertainment, and marketing sectors. Co-head and principal Diana Okoeva, ‘one of the top US immigration lawyers in the UK‘, is dual-qualified in the US, and England and Wales, and possesses immigration strengths in entertainment and tech. Associate Natasha Hotson co-heads the team, employing her ‘grounded, realistic, and extremely commercial‘ approach.

Practice head(s):

Diana Okoeva; Natasha Hotson


Testimonials

Very responsive immigration team who are very knowledgeable and up to date on the law.

Natasha Hotson is a very knowledgeable UK immigration lawyer, and delivers a no-nonsense approach to her advice. Clients appreciate her responsiveness. Diana Okoeva is a fantastic US immigration resource to have in London, and is very on top of her game.’

Natasha Hotson has the ideal combination of pragmatism with legal knowledge and expertise. She does not resort to legal point scoring, but rather looks to what will actually benefit the client. She is grounded, realistic, and extremely commercial.

A very focussed team with some key individual providing excellent service.’

Natasha Hotson provides excellent technical and practical advice with trenchant commercial acumen. A really stand-out lawyer.’

Diana Okoeva is one of the top US immigration lawyers in the UK. She provides clear, cost-effective advice and is especially helpful to emerging technology companies.’

Work highlights


Clyde & Co

Clyde & Co leverages the international footprint of the wider firm to provide a strong immigration offering for its numerous blue chip, multinational clients across the finance, energy, retail, and real estate sectors. The team, led by Jonathan Chaimovic, is described as being ‘incredibly knowledgeable, incredibly responsive.’ Chaimovic himself leads on the firm’s Brexit offering, and otherwise works with the firm’s multinational client base in relation to their business critical immigration mandates.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Chaimovic


Testimonials

This team is incredibly knowledgeable, incredibly responsive, and they successfully handle every single issue that I face.’

Very responsive, and no matter is too large or too small. The quality of work is very high, and they have a practical sense of risk assessment.’

They respond very quickly and let us know very clearly what we need to do in step-by-step instructions.’

Work highlights


DavidsonMorris

DavidsonMorris integrates its immigration team with the broader employer-focussed employment practice, combining immigration expertise with broader capabilities in HR and employment matters. The firm’s immigration offering boasts sector strengths in energy, health and social care, hospitality, and tech, with a track record in sponsor licence applications, expirations, and compliance. Associate Demetris Demetriou heads the practice and manages the firm’s sponsor licence management service. Demetriou has particular expertise in advising entrepreneurs and HNW individuals, and providing compliance advice on M&A transactions. Anne Morris works with a number of major corporate clients, providing board-level advice on compliance risk management and migration strategy.

Practice head(s):

Demetris Demetriou


Other key lawyers:

Anne Morris


Testimonials

Everyone is extremely competent, helpful and capable.

Experts in their field.

Anne Morris has built up an unparalleled business immigration and employment function that I can recommend to my HNW clients at any time without any concerns. I know they will receive the best advice.’

Key clients

SERCO Group Plc


AXS Europe


Hitech Grand Prix Ltd


Scuderia Torro Rosso Formula 1


STATS Group


Subsea 7


Travellanda


Expro North Sea


Offshore Helicopter Services UK Limited


Capital.com


Work highlights


Deloitte Legal

Deloitte Legal excels in both the depth of its bench and the breadth of its global footprint, as the practice has the capacity to deploy teams of immigration experts internationally to handle mandates for major multinational clients. Jurga McCluskey heads the team in both the UK and Europe, working for a number of blue-chip clients in a range of different issues including corporate governance, global compliance, and emergency evacuations. The firm’s capabilities have been further enhanced by the promotion of Melanie Carr and Alison Hutton to partner in June 2022, bringing experience in strategic immigration planning and multi-jurisdictional corporate matters. Katrina Cooper is part of the global immigration team and utilises her dual-qualification in the UK and Australia to assist in global projects. Emily King is responsible for the firm’s immigration technology, and acts across a range of sectors including finance, engineering, real estate, and tech.

Practice head(s):

Jurga McCluskey


Other key lawyers:

Katrina Cooper; Emily King; Alison Hutton; Melanie Carr


Testimonials

We have worked with Deloitte for 5 years for our UK immigration needs. The team are well informed, helpful, responsive and provide clear advice on any immigration queries. Their case management system Cobalt provides a secure environment to protect the highly sensitive data involved in visa applications. They advocate on behalf of their clients to influence government policy makers on the challenges we face with employment immigration.’

The team are great to work with. They are interested in our organisation and how they can support us fulfil our talent agenda goals. They are all experienced and knowledgeable on their subject matter. Alison Hutton is particularly helpful as our engagement lead, providing expert advice on complex matters or to help us navigate significant changes in the immigration rules.’

Work highlights


Dentons

Dentons provides comprehensive strategic and compliance advice to a range of major multinational clients in relation to a number of complex immigration issues, providing end-to-end support as part of an integrated immigration service combining the resources of its practices nationwide. Practice head Sarah Ingles-Carlyle is noted for her immigration work with international clients looking to establish a UK presence or hire new workers into existing UK branches, and has a demonstrated capacity in providing strategic advice on the risks of mobilising global talent. Senior immigration manager Oliver O’Sullivan provides valuable support, working with a number of blue chip companies in relation to their global workforce.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Ingles-Carlyle


Other key lawyers:

Oliver O’Sullivan


Testimonials

‘The main and essential asset as far as we are concerned is the regular updates on the latest immigration changes and the thorough follow-up and reminders (visa renewals, processes, etc.) for ongoing cases. This saves our company potential issues such as rejections, and we know that our house is in order, so to speak.’

‘The team we work with is very thorough, and they always reply to our queries and messages. If they can’t assist right there and then, they get back to us straight away to arrange a date and time to pursue.’

‘Dentons understand our ways of working and what is expected from them in support of our expats and hires. Their team of qualified, experienced immigration professionals recognise the service we need is not always one size fits all, and they have the flexibility to adapt to provide the service we need. They provide robust case working support as well as guidance and ad hoc support on out-of-scope questions/scenarios that arise from time to time.’

Key clients

NBCUniversal International Limited


Mitie


Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce


Hunter Boot Limited


Virgin Atlantic Airways


Acro Aircraft Seating Limited


Ceridian Europe Limited


Altus Intervention


TC BioPharm Limited


Upfield UK Services Limited


HiFix


Clearglass Limited


Senning (UK) Limited


Solinq Holding Limited


Work highlights


  • Supports Altus Intervention on all of their UK inbound visa applications.
  • Supported NBC Universal with all of their UK and Europe inbound visa applications as well as providing strategic immigration advice across these regions.
  • Supported the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce with all of its UK inbound visa applications.

Doyle Clayton

Doyle Clayton delivers ‘the high quality of immigration service demanded by their clientele’ in both the routine and more complex immigration mandates. Anita de Atouguia heads the practice, leading primarily in relation to the firm’s business offering, yet with additional significant experience in asylum and human rights immigration issues, she is well-placed to advise clients with their complex matters. Malini Skandachanmugarasan leads in the firm’s personal immigration work, with a track record in cases reliant on Home Office discretion and experience in global mobility for business clients. Alfreda Joubert joined the team from Magrath Sheldrick LLP in April 2023, and has a specific focus on global corporate clients and SMEs across a range of sectors. Also of note are senior associates Adam Cotterill, who has experience handling international adoption and surrogacy cases, Anna Blackenden, who has a sector focus in education, and Elisabeth Kynaston, who has dual immigration and employment law practice.

Practice head(s):

Anita de Atouguia; Malini Skandachanmugarasan


Other key lawyers:

Alfreda Joubert; Anna Blackden; Adam Cotterill; Elisabeth Kynaston


Testimonials

My lawyer was Adam Cotterill. He was outstanding, consistently professional and reassuring. My experience with him was extremely positive and resulted in the best outcome I could wish for.

The immigration team have always been very professional in approach, with an excellent understanding of client need. The team are readily available to discuss issues and to offer advice and support.’

The team at Doyle Clayton are the best I’ve used. They provide detailed advice but give that edge of making it easy for the layperson to comprehend.

Those individual team members that I’ve had the pleasure of working with are all extremely professional, whilst having that human element of making you feel at ease and comfortable in asking any relevant question (no matter how obvious it might be!).

Anita’s team is helpful, responsive and dependable, as they are always within reach, and consistently follow through their commitments made. The team gives clear, up-to-date information and advice to help clients navigate the complexities of visa requirements and issues. The team is also great at giving alternative solutions/workarounds to visa challenges.’

What most impresses me about Doyle Clayton’s approach, led by Anita de Atouguia, is that it is quality driven. Client’s interests are properly assessed, and the best solution offered, rather than the easiest. Anita’s leadership ensures that the entire team are supported to deliver a seamless and commercial service for their clients, and go the extra mile.’

Anita de Atouguia is a leader. She has built the Doyle Clayton team, orienting them to deliver the high quality of immigration service demanded by their clientele. Never one to rest on old understanding, she constantly liaises with the Home Office to ensure that advice is based on current Home Office practice and policy.

I was impressed by the speed of response and the level of expertise and resources that Malini Skandachanmugarasan and her team were able to offer. Moreover, Malini and her team listen well to the clients’ needs and make the clients feel really valued.’

Work highlights


  • Obtaining ILR in the UK for a victim of domestic violence despite a historical conviction for an offence committed under coercion by their partner.
  • Applying for discretionary leave to remain for an individual who became seriously unwell while visiting the UK and needs vital private medical treatment.
  • Navigated the UK immigration system to reunite a British-Afghan family when they were separated after the Taliban takeover.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

With a niche specialism in immigration judicial review cases engaging human rights in relation to removal, unlawful detention, suitability of immigration accommodation, and civil liberties, Duncan Lewis Solicitors leads in many of the most high-profile challenges of government departments and decisions. Asylum, protection, deportation, and modern slavery are among the firm’s other strengths in this area, and Toufique Hossain is a leading figure in this work. The firm has a large and capable team, with James Packer, Ahmed Aydeed, Bahar Ata, Claire Ryan, and Rohena Wallace all noted for their expertise in this area. Tamana Aziz heads the firm’s business immigration practice, and is ‘a fountain of knowledge and experience’, with a practice which straddles individuals and businesses with particular experience in complex appeals, applications under EU law, and training in immigration issues. Aziz works alongside Vicash Ramkissoon who works for international businesses and HNW individuals.

Practice head(s):

Tamana Aziz; Vicash Ramkissoon; Ahmed Aydeed; Angela Sandhal; Bahar Ata; Claire Ryan; Darren Middleton; Gergana Pentcheva; James Packer; Jenna McKinney; Nazia Khan; Pardeep Somel; Rohena Wallace; Satvir Sahota; Toufique Hossain; Vilash Gami


Testimonials

They go out of their way for each and every client.’

Their ability to identify the problem and its cause straight away means they will be able to act efficiently and in the client’s best interest.  Duncan Lewis prioritise the client’s needs and will go above and beyond to assist, whether that be as formally instructed or on a pro bono basis.

Tamana Aziz leads a strong team of skilled and knowledgeable business immigration lawyers. They are well-liked by clients and work well as a team with counsel to provide an effective and affordable service.

Tamana Aziz is a fountain of knowledge and experience. She is fully engaged with her clients and their cases and provides a personal and high quality service.

One of the many things that impresses me about the team at Duncan Lewis is differing levels of input and oversight into every case. Every case is handled by a team of people that take responsibility rather than an individual case owner. There is always a senior member of the team involved with every aspect of the case. If the primary caseworker is not available, there is always someone who you can speak to and knows about the case. That is reassuring for clients and other professionals involved.

Tamana Aziz has always been responsive to our questions, and these responses have been thorough and considered. Tamana has always been supportive and consistently professional in our dealings with her. My partner has referred Tamana to a wide range of friends and associates in London. Tamana has a vast knowledge of immigration and as such is able to realistically provide the correct information.’

Vicash Ramkissoon and Tamana Aziz are experienced practitioners and supervisors, offering strong backup and quality assurance across the department’s work.’

Particular mention must go to Toufique Hossain.

Key clients

Honey Rose Products Ltd


Public and Commercial Services Union


Care 4 Calais


Detention Action


Women for Refugee Women


Hareth Brothers


Work highlights


  • Challenged the SSHD’s ‘Rwanda policy’ to remove asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda, ultimately resulting in no individuals being removed to Rwanda.
  • Challenged the Manston detention facility over unlawful detention of thousands of asylum seekers, with the Manston facility ultimately being closed.

Farrer & Co

Farrer & Cois very highly regarded in acting for HMW individuals in complex matters’, bringing the full-service offering of the wider firm to its immigration mandates for both domestic and international clients. The firm’s wider litigation capabilities make it well-placed to assist in contentious matters, and the firm is noted for its track record in relation to politically sensitive matters. The team continues to grow with the hire of senior counsel Adam Hoefel from Gherson LLP, who is experienced in handling complex applications for HNW individuals. Practice head Elena Hinchinhas unparalleled experience, strategic judgment, and is excellent with clients’, and similarly focusses primarily on handling mandates for HNW and UHNW individuals, senior executives, and family-based applications. Counsel Lee Jackson is also a key contact for this work.

Practice head(s):

Elena Hinchin


Other key lawyers:

Lee Jackson; Adam Hoefel


Testimonials

‘A great team that does the job. Very responsible, caring and efficient at both partner and associate level.’

Ease of communication, descriptive responses, scenarios explained and a warm attitude.’

The immigration team is very highly regarded in acting for HMW individuals in complex matters.’

Elena Hinchin leads the team and is a leading practitioner. She has unparalleled experience, strategic judgment and is excellent with clients.’

Elena Hinchin is just a great partner and leader of this collection of legal practitioners. It is very easy to recommend her in the UNHW individual space.

Very knowledgeable team that always have experts on hand across multiple specialisms to ensure that advice considers all aspects of an issue.’

The team was very transparent about the actions, documents and process overall. They were helpful and very punctual in delivering the results.’

Always available to deal with immediate issues and work through an issue from beginning to end.

Work highlights


Fieldfisher

Fieldfisher is led in its immigration work by director Joanna Hunt who brings her ‘world-class expertise‘ to the firm, advising businesses and HNW individuals in respect of global mobility, sponsor licences, and prevention of illegal working. The wider firm’s full-service offering and global reach are boons to the immigration offering, as is senior associate Gillian McKearney who works across tech, hospitality, retail, and life sciences.

Practice head(s):

Joanna Hunt


Other key lawyers:

Gillian McKearney


Testimonials

Joanna Hunt has built a very strong, internationally recognised and well respected practice.

Joanna Hunt combines world-class expertise with practical insights.’

The team at Fieldfisher are natural problems solvers who balance legal advice with the commerciality that businesses required. They have a depth of skill and experience that I’ve not seen before.’

Joanna Hunt is a natural collaborator, and detailed and passionate about what she does. She manages to balance the commerciality of our business alongside the advice she is giving. She and her team are hard-working, and deliver an incredible experience for our team members.

Key clients

Charlotte Tilbury


Lawcadia


St Mary’s Place, Andover


Wunderkind


Work highlights


Fox Williams LLP

Fox Williams LLP has particular strength in handling immigration issues for professional services, acting for a number of overseas law firms, as well as financial services and fintech clients. The team has a track record in providing corporate support, TUPE assistance, and global mobility route advice, being led by the ‘professional, expert, and efficientSacha Schoenfeld, who brings her extensive immigration experience to the practice. Associate Yawar Abbas is also a key point of contact.

Practice head(s):

Sacha Schoenfeld


Other key lawyers:

Yawar Abbas


Testimonials

Sacha Schoenfeld has been excellent in navigating immigration matters in a professional, expert, and efficient way.’

The team I dealt with consisted of Sacha Schoenfeld (partner) and Yawar Abbas (Associate). Both were seasoned practitioners in the law of immigration, gave clear and reliable advice, and were efficient and easy to deal with.

Sacha Schoenfeld performed the partner role one would expect. She attended the first and last meeting. She gave good advice, which was implemented successfully by Yawar Abbas. Yawar Abbas attended efficiently and sensitively to all the detail. He was well versed in the law and regulations. He gave prompt and helpful responses to enquiries.

Key clients

Vorys Sater Seymour & Pease


Banco Sabadell


Ocorian


Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati


Sevenoaks School


Actis


Castleton Commodities


Mercaux


Beamery


Market Axess


Volaris


Work highlights


Freemans Solicitors

Freemans Solicitors has a strong reputation in nationality and citizenship matters, unlawful detention cases, and other complex immigration matters that interface with human rights and asylum. Oluwole Osibona heads up the team, and is described as ‘a brilliant lawyer and a great personality‘, with substantial experience in human rights and sports law. Immigration advisors Katarzyna Jurkun, Meg Omolayole, and Lorraine De Guzman are also of note.

Practice head(s):

Oluwole Osibona


Other key lawyers:

Katarzyna Jurkun; Meg Omolayole; Lorraine De Guzman


Testimonials

Diverse team with a strong client oriented skill set and good technical knowledge and preparation.’

Osibona has a strong grasp of the immigration law, giving real practical advice for his clients.’

They are all highly competent, very friendly, approachable, and efficient. Oluwole Osibona, head of the department and managing partner, is always a pleasure to work with, as are Lorraine de Guzman and Katarzyna Jurkun.

Excellent communication and clarity all through the process. Friendly staff who are very accommodating.’

Mr Oluwole Osibona is an exceptional individual. Very knowledgeable and thorough in all processes. Gives the best advice and has a way of reassuring and calming one down. All round a good, honest and trustworthy person. You can’t get a better person than this genuine man.

They are attentive, organised and diversified in knowledge and people.’

Mr Oluwole Osibona is a brilliant lawyer and a great personality. He has a calming influence and provides spot on advice.’

Freemans Solicitors has a proven track record of highly professional legal service. Their attention to detail is clear from the moment of first contact, and the expertise of the team is evident. They have a profound ability to put their clients at ease, regardless of the nature of the legal complexity involved in any case; with clear and sound advice given at all times.

Work highlights


Freeths LLP

Freeths LLP has proven capabilities in compliance, training, and sponsor licence work, and undertakes immigration due diligence in support of the wider firm’s corporate practice, in relation to major transactional mandates. Emma Brooksbank heads the national work from Leeds, and Shradha Virji is a key contact in the London practice.

Practice head(s):

Emma Brooksbank


Other key lawyers:

Shradha Virji


Testimonials

Excellent support from the Freeths team, in particular Emma Brooksbank. They have been able to answer all of our queries and provide the best advice in the given situation.’

Emma was quick and efficient. She was confident and clear and undertook the application without delay. It was reassuring to be able to rely on her. I have referred colleagues on to her and will definitely instruct her again.’

Key clients

University of Leeds


Costa Limited


CNC Inversiones


Optimo Limited


Halcyon Care Group Limited


Villa Care Limited


Metka- EGN Limited


Asite Solutions Limited


Sofidel UK Ltd


Celsa Manufacturing UK Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised Halcyon Care Homes on a £10.2 million takeover which revealed several immigration breaches, undertaking an extensive audit, training and put new policies in place.
  • Advised the University of Leeds on immigration compliance, with a secondment to undertake a right to work compliance review and advise international staff.
  • Advised Sofidel Limited on immigration compliance and right to work compliance, undertook audit work, advised the UK and international group companies.

Gherson LLP

Gherson LLP draws on the substantial experience of its founder, and eminent practitioner in the immigration space, Roger Gherson, to provide bespoke solutions to the complex matters of its predominantly HNW individuals client list. The firm’s business immigration offering is headed by senior solicitor Denise Osterwald and has been combined with the private client practice, making it well-placed to handle work for individuals seeking global talent, sole representative, or innovator and start-up visas. Solicitor Lisa Uttley is a key contact for this work. Charles Burnett takes a lead on much of the firm’s human rights and appeals work, handling a range of politically sensitive and complex work for HNW individuals. Both Burnett and the firm as a whole have extensive experience across the full gamut of related issues, with capabilities across extradition, sanctions, human rights, and asylum claims. Solicitor Amalia Gherson is noted for her work on novel issues arising from this practice.

Practice head(s):

Roger Gherson; Denise Osterwald; Charles Burnett


Other key lawyers:

Lisa Uttley; Amalia Gherson


Testimonials

The team works very efficiently. Client communications and prompt, polite, and informative.

They have a very professional team.’

Very professional team and outfit.

They have got the best team, with the knowledge and understanding to deal with the issues of their clients.’

I have worked with the Charles Burnett and Amalia Gherson; they have both got more experience, knowledge and patience to deal with the issues of the clients than any of their competitors.’

Lisa Uttley was outstanding.

‘Lisa Uttley was excellent. Very responsive and proactive.’

Work highlights


Harbottle & Lewis LLP

Harbottle & Lewis LLP is led by Sarah Gogan, who has significant expertise in handling complex and politically sensitive asylum cases concerning high-profile individuals, with a specific interest in the interplay between extradition and asylum. The wider practice reflects this, with capabilities in handling cross-border mandates and handling matters that have issues of human rights and international protection. The team operates within the wider private client and tax practice, with the firm’s numerous HNW clients being able to benefit from the firm’s strong offerings in these areas.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Gogan


Testimonials

Excellent and resourceful.’

Sarah Gogan is a brilliantly innovative and thorough solicitor.’

The immigration team at Harbottle & Lewis is excellent. They were bolstered significantly when Sarah Gogan joined from Fladgates two years ago.’

Sarah Gogan is exceptional in her field. My firm does not have an immigration offering, so I send all of my immigration work to her. She is incredibly efficient and client friendly. She always makes time to listen to the problem and strategise from the ‘get go’, making it a smooth referral, and no matter how complex the case, she always finds a solution with the client.

Sarah Gogan is great.’

Work highlights


ITN Solicitors

ITN Solicitors has a particular strength in handling deportation cases, working closely with the wider firm’s crime department, and a track record in matters engaging national security, asylum, judicial review, and vulnerable clients. Practice head Syed Naqvi has a ‘high level of care and skill in advancing his client’s interest‘ on top of his significant experience in complex contentious immigration work, having worked on a number of cases before appellate courts.

Practice head(s):

Syed Naqvi


Testimonials

Tenacious lawyers who really care about their clients.

ITN clients know that they will go that extra mile for them.

The work of Syed Naqvi shows a high level of care and skill in advancing his client’s interest.’

Work highlights


  • Advised Mr Mujahid in his test case where the Court of Appeal held that refusal of ILR did not amount to refusal of human rights claims.

JMW Solicitors LLP

JMW Solicitors LLP has a broad practice comprised of different specialist teams, handling immigration mandates through its corporate specialist, personal immigration, and project and industry groups. The corporate team has care, construction, energy and food production as sector specialisms, and the firm as a whole has strength in sport related matters. Dipesh Shah heads the practice, acting in relation to the full range of corporate and personal immigration matters, and works alongside Hateem Ali, who joined in July 2022 from GSC Solicitors LLP, Nisha Patel, who joined in March 2023 from Russell-Cooke LLP, and the firm’s in-house barrister, Bahvini Bhatt.

Practice head(s):

Dipesh Shah


Other key lawyers:

Hateem Ali; Bahvini Bhatt


Testimonials

Whilst the practice is large, it is very flexible with less layers and quick decision-making. The team is well experienced, qualified and gives practical advice in a jargon-free manner. They have been great to work with.’

We have worked with Dipesh Shah, head of immigration at JMW Solicitors, for our firm’s work permits and immigration matters. We have always received a first class service, all their client matters are partner-led, and we have always been satisfied with their effort and knowledge in the field. We have also recommended their services to our clients and associates, as we know they will deal with their matters diligently.

Work highlights


Keystone Law

Keystone Law covers the full range of business immigration work, with the firm possessing the capacity to assist in the relocation of senior staff, handling HNW individuals, and supporting other law firms that lack their own dedicated immigration offering. The firm has a large team of immigration specialists to draw upon, with key figures being Tsige Berhanu, Sharmila Mehta, Jayanti Mitra-Valdes, Nicola Richards, Christine Chiew, and Dhruti Thakrar with a range of specialisms.

Other key lawyers:

Tsige Berhanu; Nicola Richards; Jayanti Mitra-Valdes; Sharmila Mehta; Tsige Berhanu; Jayanti Mitra-Valdes; Christine Chiew; Dhruti Thakrar


Testimonials

‘Good collection of individuals with various strengths, and they always reach out to expert counsel to get the perfect legal team in place.’

‘Jayanti Mitra-Valdes has very good knowledge of sponsor licence issues.’

‘High quality of expertise and client service.’

‘Very personalised, bespoke level of service and excellent attention to detail. Quick, efficient and clear communication. It feels like the team genuinely care about their clients.’

‘I only have worked with Sharmila Mehta, who is a stand-out lawyer in the immigration field. Highly accomplished, technical but mixed with fantastic personal skills.’

Nicola Richards has been the perfect guide for a new company making its first hires, and some of those being non-UK nationals. Her detailed knowledge and friendly support made the potentially daunting task of becoming a sponsor and gaining work visas quite straightforward.’

Keystone Law has consistently offered a great service to us. At one stage we had multiple visa applications every month, and they were always handled smoothly, quickly, and we were always kept up to date with the process. In addition, we feel they are proactive about compliance.’

We’ve worked with Nicola Richards for a few years, and we feel she has always gone above and beyond for us. In particular, her efficiency, communication and knowledge is unmatched from any legal partner we’ve worked with in the past. Nicola is super responsive to any queries we have, not matter how big or small, and we feel a sense of comfort knowing that she offers sound advice.’

Key clients

Carelight Limited


CellVoyant Technologies Limited


Stuart Delivery Limited


Unitary Limited


Intership


Xin Zhou


Work highlights


Kingsley Napley LLP

One of the core strengths of Kingsley Napley LLP‘s immigration practice is its ability to leverage the resources of the firm’s broad offering, with human rights, appeals, and overstay matters being run out of the firm’s international protection group, and the business immigration team calling upon related offerings in real estate and private client. Nicolas Rollason heads the ‘very large‘ practice, and has ‘exceptional knowledge and experience.’ Key contacts for business immigration are Ilda De SousaMarcia Longson, and Kim Vowden, who advise the practice’s client base of major financial bodies and multinational companies. They are also noted for their work in relation to human rights, appeals, and overstays, where they work alongside the ‘outstandingKatie Newbury and associate Oliver Oldman, who head up much of the firm’s specialist immigration private client work.

Practice head(s):

Nicolas Rollason


Other key lawyers:

Ilda de Sousa; Marcia Longdon; Kim Vowden; Katie Newbury; Oliver Oldman


Testimonials

They are extremely responsive and very clear in their advice.

Katie Newbury is excellent in all immigration areas related to adoption and surrogacy. I have worked with her for years and trust her judgment from the immigration side of thing. She is knowledgeable and pragmatic.’

Kingsley Napley are at the top of their game for private immigration work. Their cases are meticulously well-prepared and well resourced. They are strategic in their approach, thinking in terms of, for example, publicity and press management as well as management of the case in court.’

I have worked closely this year with Oliver Oldman and Katie Newbury. Both have been outstanding in their approach, providing a service which was second to none. Their client case skills were outstanding. Oliver is meticulous in his approach to the law and case management. Katie is extremely clever and committed to her clients.’

The team is very large which means that clients can expect a partner or associate plus two junior members, ensuring prompt and efficient responses to calls, emails and a very high level of client engagement.

Nicolas Rollason has exceptional knowledge and experience. Katie Newbury and Oliver Oldman are both highly experienced in personal and business immigration and asylum matters.’

Extremely knowledgeable and very responsive!

Katie Newbury is an excellent partner and provided outstanding case management and team oversight. She ensured the team was always on track and that I was always fully appraised of what to expect. She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of immigration law and was very attuned to the nuances of the Home Office at the time. Her insights were invaluable and saved me both time and money.

Work highlights


Laura Devine Immigration

Laura Devine Immigration leverages the wide-ranging experience of its ‘exceptionally capable‘ team, which acts across the full gamut of immigration work, substantively working with immigration-related organisations ‘to achieve legislative and policy changes‘. Laura Devine heads the entire firm while Sophie Barrett-Brown leads the business practice, Barrett-Brown being described as ‘a stand-out individual and leader in the immigration law sector‘ for her work in personal immigration. Natasha Chell works at the intersection of business and personal matters, advising senior executives, HNW individuals, and families, while Christi Hufford Jackson heads the US immigration team in both New York and London, providing a market-leading US immigration service. The firm’s offering, particularly in relation to human rights, appeals, and overstays, has been strengthened with the promotion of Zeena LuchowaMatthew Wills, and Francesca Sciberras to partner in June 2023, with Luchowa and Wills now leading on work in this area.

Practice head(s):

Laura Devine; Sophie Barrett-Brown; Natasha Chell; Christi Hufford Jackson; Zeena Luchowa; Matthew Wills


Other key lawyers:

Francesca Sciberras


Testimonials

‘Sophie Barrett-Brown and Matthew Wills have unparalleled expertise in the matters of business immigration. I have consistently been impressed by Sophie’s and Matthew’s expertise, dedication and commitment to providing the highest level of service to me as their client.’

The team are very solution focussed and strong on dealing with all enquiries very promptly.’

Matthew Wills’ dedication to his clients is noteworthy. He always responds very promptly and always is calm and reassuring.’

‘Members of the LDI team are actively involved in the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (ILPA) and The Law Society. As part of these umbrella organisations and through their work directly advocating to the Home Office, they assist to achieve legislative and policy changes.’

Sophie Barrett-Brown is a stand-out individual and leader in the immigration law sector. She has a brilliant legal mind, which she uses to find optimal solutions for her clients. Matthew Wills is the go-to solicitor for any cases concerning the business, visitor and family provisions, including human rights appeals. He has a fierce intellect, which he combines with excellent client care skills.

Zeena Luchowa is a very impressive in her understanding of immigration law, but more importantly in her advocacy of how the law and policy should develop. Zeena pushes for solutions, utilising her diplomacy and superb communications skills to bring the Home Office into the conversation and achieving positive outcomes.’

Zeena Luchowa and her team are extremely knowledgeable about immigration law and keep themselves updated on any changes to the law. They have good contacts at the Home Office, so you know you are getting the best service. The team at this firm work very hard and always keep us updated on our client’s immigration application.’

The entire team is exceptionally capable.

Work highlights


Lewis Silkin

Lewis Silkin has particular strength in the sport and creative industries, but has the capability to handle the full range of immigration issues for multinationals, start-ups, private, and HNW clients. Andrew Osborne deploys his significant immigration expertise as practice head, actively lobbying on behalf of clients and providing advice on strategic and complex immigration mandates. Naomi Hanrahan-Soar was promoted to partner in March 2023, and has a base in the science and technology sectors, with a track record advising both HNW individuals and corporate clients. Supinder Sian works with a number of major corporate clients in relation to UK inbound immigration, global mobility programs, and broader pan-European immigration matters, with niche expertise in the International Agreement contractual service supplier sponsorship. Stephen O’Flaherty assists numerous tech clients, but is primarily noted for his aptitude in handling the transfer of players and coaches in the sports industry.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Osborne


Other key lawyers:

Naomi Hanrahan-Soar; Supinder Sian; Stephen O’Flaherty


Testimonials

‘Able to provide accurate and practical advice.’

‘Andrew Osborne is an authority on immigration law and has the practical know-how to back it up. He always delivers and somehow seems to get things through against challenging deadlines. Calm, responsive and practical, he is a stand-out immigration practitioner.’

Key clients

Deliveroo


Benevolent AI


Havas Media


Marks & Spencer


ASOS


Babylon Health


Work highlights


Macfarlanes LLP

Macfarlanes LLP advises a number of financial service providers and clients related to the technology sector in a range of immigration matters, with further capabilities in compliance, due diligence for transactions, and employment-related work. Edward Reed heads the practice, while senior associate Tom Marsom leads the firm’s global mobility work and is noted for his abilities in crisis management.

Practice head(s):

Edward Reed; Tom Marsom


Other key lawyers:

Jessica Yu


Testimonials

I cannot rate them highly enough. We are an incredible fast moving business and Macfarlanes are consistently responsive, more than helpful and highly knowledgeable. They don’t take the approach of ‘computer says no’ but instead take a very personalised view of a client’s queries and needs and help them understand what is acceptable but also general practice.’

I have not had the good fortune of working with anyone as knowledgeable as Tom Marsom. He is responsive, keeps himself totally abreast of what is going on in the market and genuinely listens to us as a client. I regularly feel he goes above and beyond with services provided to us, and would happily recommend him as an individual to any client looking for immigration and sponsorship advice.’

‘The immigration team has excellent expertise in its field.’

‘The team is extremely responsive, particularly Tom Marsom, Senior Associate, who is our main point of contact.’

‘ I have 100% trust in Macfarlanes. I know if I’m unsure or have a strange question they will listen, understand and help me find a solution.’

‘Excellent service from all team members.’

‘Tom knows our business and people extremely well. He is commercial, always available to speak to and knows his stuff.’

Work highlights


Magrath Sheldrick LLP

Magrath Sheldrick LLP has a strong global offering, with a proven track record in handling mandates concerning immigration outside the UK, drawing upon the firm’s international presence. With an office in Singapore and a range of services to assist global clients with compliance, coordination, and risk, the firm is well-placed to advise its clients, which include major financial service sector operators and HNW individuals. Ben Sheldrick heads the firm’s global immigration services and leads the work from the Singaporean office, advising on strategy for global mobility mandates and working with a range of HNW individuals and high-profile corporate clients. Chris Magrath, co-founder of the firm, is dual-qualified in the US and the UK, working alongside US attorney Aryanah Eghbal as part of the firm’s dedicated US immigration offering. Joanne Taylor is also of note for her work in the corporate immigration space.

Practice head(s):

Ben Sheldrick


Other key lawyers:

Chris Magrath; Joanne Taylor; Aryanah Eghbal


Testimonials

‘Quick responses to all questions whether it was from the HR team or the individual getting the visa. Always ready to jump on a call with our relocating employees and answer their questions. Invoices sent correctly and promptly!’

‘It’s a truly bespoke service. The team are all subject-matter experts in the locations we need them to be, and have dealt with various members in relation to various locations (APAC/USA/Europe etc). We have an excellent response time with our requests, and they keep us updated to any changes with the Home Office as well as other changes in other locations worldwide.’

‘I value all of the Magrath team that I have dealt with. They are very professional, friendly, approachable and do not use ‘jargon’; they use plain speak, so that there is no dubiety on what advice they are giving. They offer their opinion on some very complex matters, which has been invaluable.’

‘I’ve worked with other firms in the past and consider Magrath Sheldrick LLP is unusual in the continuity of its people working on our account; it gives them an excellent background of case history, which is so often useful in other instances. Their availability is excellent and someone is always prepared to have a call with me and colleagues if necessary and quite often at very short notice!

‘Joanne Taylor has worked with me on our account for 10 years. I know her better than some of my colleagues, and I know she will always read my email and assign the matter to one of her team if she is no longer able to handle it herself.’

‘I have found the team to be very approachable, responsive, experienced, knowledgeable and fantastic to interact with.’

‘The team is very professional and flexible to our needs.’

‘Always on hand for reliable, technical immigration advice and for more involved cases the team have been able to accurately quote, concierge and support visa application and international relocation processes.’

Work highlights


Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP

Headed by Colin Senez, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP is a boutique law firm that focusses primarily on work around HNW individuals, with a fully integrated service that includes tax, domicile, and other relevant services. Ceris Gardner works alongside managing partner Emma-Jane Weider, who has a broad private wealth practice.

Practice head(s):

Colin Senez


Other key lawyers:

Emma-Jane Weider; Ceris Gardner


 


Testimonials

‘Brilliant, clever and thorough solicitors who leave no stone unturned.’

‘Top notch team.’

‘MTG is a constant. Reliable and dependable for the best and clearest advice.’

‘Colin Senez nails his advice intellectually. He is straight to the point and always pragmatic.’

Excellent team, good partners and suitable levels of assistants. Profound knowledge of the sector. Definitely a “go to” firm for the advice we sought. All advice was focussed and relevant to our needs. We were very pleased with the advice we received.’

Emma-Jane is quite exceptional. A brilliant co-ordinator of the data from which the advice we sought was presented to us, as well as excellent technical knowledge.’

‘The immigration team is very efficient and has a lot of experience in immigration for wealthy private clients.’

Work highlights


Meymand Maczynski Ltd

Meymand Maczynski Ltd specialises in the routes available for HNW individuals, with an established track record in innovator, entrepreneur, and global talent visas through a combination of acquired expertise and contacts. The team also has proven capabilities in handling graduate visas, and serves a number of fintech and fashion sector clients through its broader corporate offering. Sam Meymand leads the practice with his notable ‘experience, expertise and integrity‘, working alongside Olga Meymand.

Practice head(s):

Sam Meymand


Other key lawyers:

Olga Meymand


Testimonials

Truly dedicated management team that ensures they put together counsel and solicitor combinations that achieve the best possible results. They bring counsel on board at the earliest stage to ensure no stone goes unturned and that every available argument is developed to its fullest potential.

Sam Meymand does whatever it takes to get a result for his clients.’

This practice stands out due to its combination of professionalism, expertise, and trustworthiness while maintaining a tailored, open, and bespoke approach. They provide personalised services based on a client’s specific requirements, have a deep understanding of various legal disciplines, and can deal with complex cases.’

The individuals at this firm stand out due to their exceptional legal expertise, extensive industry experience, and unwavering commitment to client success. Partners Sam Meymand and Olga Meymand exemplify these qualities. Their ability to foster genuine, long-lasting relationships with clients, rooted in trust and transparency, sets them apart.’

The team at Meymand Maczynski are very proactive and have a strong client-centric approach to business. Good depth of knowledge in their field of expertise, which is UK business immigration.

Sam Meymand is a reliable, hard-working practitioner who always bears the client’s interest at heart. He is professional, thorough in his work and trustworthy. I wholeheartedly recommend him.’

This legal practice is very knowledgeable in their core practice area of immigration. They are very professional and have a sound grasp of the legislative and business framework, which is key to any client. Sam Meymand and his team are prompt and proactive at all times.

I have worked with Sam Meymand and find him very professional. He brings experience, expertise and integrity to all of his dealings in the practice.’

Work highlights


Mills & Reeve LLP

With experience across a range of sectors, including education, health, charities, sports, and private wealth, Mills & Reeve LLP is well-placed to assist clients in these industries with the full range of compliance matters and visa routes. Alex Russell, who has particular strength in the education sector, heads the national team. Russell works from Norwich alongside consultant Tracy Yates, who acts on the intersection of employment and immigration.

Practice head(s):

Alex Russell


Other key lawyers:

Tracy Yates; Mark Bennington


Testimonials

Good communication, helpful and able to provide guidance when needed.’

The Mills & Reeve team are very responsive and adaptable. They ask questions that quickly get to the nub of the issue. They take care examining the information to ensure that details aren’t lost, and then present a response in the agreed time frame. They will always endeavour to find practical and reasonable solutions that achieve your desired result.

The team at Mills & Reeve quickly build relationships without the sense that you are paying for that “social” aspect of the call or meeting. They are happy to share personal and relevant experiences to help build confidence. They are friendly and considerate and able to show care, realising that immigration process and procedure is time-consuming and at times frustrating.’

The team have always provided a great service over a number of years, with fast response times and excellent advice.’

We primarily work with Alex Russell and have built a great relationship. Alex has always provided a fantastic service in all areas and has a detailed understanding of the sector and the specific requirements of the organisation.’

Key clients

Triumph Motorcycles


King’s College London


Olympus


Anglo Beef Processors


Baxter Healthcare


Red Gate Software


Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust


Charles River


The Sainsbury Laboratory


Multiple private individuals


Work highlights


  • Advised a software development company on the sponsorship of staff for Skilled Worker visas.
  • Advised a bank in registering as a sponsor under the points based system.
  • Delivered immigration training to the HR team of a leading UK charity.

Mishcon de Reya LLP

Mishcon de Reya LLP is the ‘go to‘ firm in ‘complex, high-profile asylum work‘, and has a ‘market leading‘ offering across personal immigration for HNW individuals and business immigration for major companies. The wider firm’s capabilities across a range of practice areas provide added value for clients, with white collar crime, extradition, and cyber teams available for asylum clients just as corporate and employment assist in business immigration. Steven Bostock heads the practice, having qualified in the US and the UK to provide a specialised service in US/UK migration matters. Kamal Rahman is ‘an absolute authority‘ on private wealth, acting for major HNW families from a range of regions, Hannah Barnett advises on HNW and business immigration, and Maria Patsalos undertakes ‘first-rate‘ work across immigration matters and is particularly noted for her work in human rights, asylum, and the sports sector. Managing associate Natalie Loader is ‘a standout professional‘ with expertise in compliance, and fellow managing associate Neil Shanghavi has substantial experience in the financial services sector.

Practice head(s):

Steven Bostock


Other key lawyers:

Kamal Rahman; Maria Patsalos; Hannah Barnett; Natalie Loader; Neil Shanghavi


Testimonials

Very engaged individuals who go above and beyond to help their clients.

The team at Mischon is great, with good depth and breath.

Natalie Loader is a standout senior associate. Her knowledge on all immigration matters is phenomenal. Natalie offers a great service to her clients, and she has become the go-to person for all the latest changes in immigration law.

Natalie Loader is a standout professional who is always ahead of the curve in advising on developments and providing strategies which accommodate a client’s every need. She is extremely pragmatic and commercial yet also comprehensive.

‘The go-to immigration firm, in particular for complex, high-profile asylum work. First-rate legal work and client. Excellent facilities and resources. Sector-leading relations with the Home Office. Superb interdepartmental collaboration.

Kamal Rahman is the number one immigration solicitor in the UK. Steve Bostock and Maria Patsalos are also first-rate partners in the team, and Lucy Humphreys, Jess Good and David Deane are excellent associates who are rising stars.’

We work with Mishcon regularly and have found them to be well entrenched into the subject and market leaders in the space of employment, human rights and immigration space. They have an excellent infrastructure and set up to cater to the needs of customers worldwide.’

Kamal Rahman is an absolute authority on the subject, and we work closely with her on matters pertaining to immigration, asylum and employment.’

Key clients

Global Minds Ltd


Work highlights


  • Provide Global Minds Ltd with ongoing UK immigration assistance, ranging from right to work checks to sponsored immigration applications for its employees.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP‘s global immigration offering is run by the Washington-based Shannon Donnelly, who works closely with Matthew Howse as the practice head of the UK labour and employment team. The UK immigration practice is closely integrated with the wider employment offering as part of the firm’s holistic HR services. The firm acts for a number of high-profile multinational clients, with particular strengths in US-based entities, and has a core focus on media, tech, entertainment, and finance sector companies and executives. Associates Jennifer Connolly, Yvette Allen, and Carina Bryk are key contacts for London immigration work.

Practice head(s):

Shannon Donnelly; Matthew Howse


Other key lawyers:

Jennifer Connolly; Yvette Allen; Carina Bryk


Testimonials

‘The Morgan Lewis team are really responsive and give great advice’

‘Yvette Allen is oustanding.’

Key clients

Cameron Mackintosh Ltd


Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability


Hat Trick Productions


Work highlights


  • Advised Cameron Mackintosh Ltd for many years, securing work visas for a number of West End productions.
  • Advised the Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability, securing work visas for healthcare workers and supporting the hospital with their compliance obligations as a sponsor.
  • Provided urgent immigration advice to Eurovision winner Jamala to attend and perform at the live TV fundraising event produced by Hat Trick Productions.

NNU Immigration

NNU Immigration is a London-based US immigration firm that works exclusively on UK to US immigration mandates, working with a number of UK law firms and multinational companies to assist in their US inbound relocation matters. Practice head Nita Nicole Upadhye is highly experienced in this field, acting for a range of businesses and individuals.

Practice head(s):

Nita Nicole Upadhye


Testimonials

Very detailed and thorough.’

‘Nita as the managing partner is incredibly involved, knowledgeable and helpful. She makes sure every aspect of the work is completed thoroughly and properly.

The team at NNU Immigration Ltd is highly knowledgeable, with many years of experience among the members. Attention to detail and providing a high-quality, timely service are paramount.’

Osborne Clarke LLP

Osborne Clarke LLP has a demonstrated capability in handling a range of business critical immigration mandates for major multinational clients, with a particularly strong track record in assisting energy and tech related businesses. Practice head Gavin Jones works primarily in relation to inward investment and international companies looking to establish a UK presence. Bristol-based directors Adam Sinfield and Helga Butler provide support.

Practice head(s):

Gavin Jones


Other key lawyers:

Adam Sinfield; Helga Butler


Testimonials

I dealt with Gavin Jones, the head of immigration, and he was very calm and knowledgeable. Assisting me with resolving a difficult case was no problem for him.’

Their expertise and knowledge is amazing.’

I have specifically dealt with Helga Butler regarding immigration. Helga is always willing to go the extra mile and has demonstrated this on a number of occasions. She will also seek solutions to ensure the end goal is met. She displays all the qualities you would want when seeking advice.

My experience in working with the team at Osborne Clarke has been very positive. They are extremely helpful and have assisted and continue to assist with a complex matter. Their expertise and helpful approach enabled us to progress our activities whilst mitigating any risk to the business.’

Good international links. They understand what the business is trying to do.

They are prepared to engage and to help.’

Osborne Clarke’s immigration team stands out by combining quality legal advice with genuinely excellent client service. The team’s advice is always commercial, clear and responsive; they cut through the detail and provide straightforward, actionable recommendations.’

Gavin Jones, who heads up the team, is a font of immigration law knowledge and a pleasure to work with. He is always responsive, clear and commercial in his advice; never afraid to offer a straightforward, practical recommendation. Gavin has worked with many different members of our team, and his communication skills enable him to get on with all of us.’

Key clients

Ovo Energy


Alloyed


E2Open


Infoblox


Metricstream


Neo4J


Plan.NR


Stability AI


Vertical Aerospace


Work highlights


OTS Solicitors

OTS Solicitors has capable landlord/tenant and family departments to provide valuable assistance for inbound individuals, in addition to an employment and human resources offering to assist businesses in establishing. For business immigration, the firm has experience assisting businesses secure staff in the care and hospitality sectors, and otherwise has acted in a number of complex appeals and applications. Oshin Shahiean and Teni Shahiean head up the entire firm, covering the full extent of immigration work with a shared expertise in human rights, while the ‘outstandingHans Sok Appadu leads on the business immigration work. Consultant Paul Gulbenkian brings both valuable experience and contacts to the business immigration practice.

Practice head(s):

Teni Shahiean; Oshin Shahiean; Hans Sok Appadu


Other key lawyers:

Paul Gulbenkian


Testimonials

OTS made the process as simple and streamlined as possible.’

OTS Solicitors came highly recommended as specialists in immigration law and the courts & tribunal process. They have a professional team that helped set me up for success during my immigration appeal process. They were clear and efficient with communication, transparent with billing, and help set clear expectations from the start.’

Hans Sok Appadu is the expert who immediately suggested the best route. It is impressive that he is on top of the rules and regulations and took the initiative to suggest these new options for me instead of just answering my queries on other visas.

What makes this practice unique is that they have a good method in linking cases with the appropriate solicitors. I think people’s needs are different. The right solicitor for you and your case is the first step towards a successful result.’

We worked with Hans Sok Appadu. He is well experienced, highly professional, and always answers his emails.

An experienced team always seeking innovative ways of advancing the client’s case. Always up to date on developments in the law.

Their aptitude for hard work and willingness to go the extra mile for clients. Teni Shahiean is an experienced solicitor and excellent tactician. Hans Sok Appadu has been outstanding for some time now and is simply brilliant at handling clients. His knowledge of immigration business law is second to none.

Very strong work ethic and provide great value for money, making them accessible to most clients. Able to work on complex appeals to achieve everything possible for a client.

Key clients

Bottles Group Ltd


Ballinger & Co Ltd


Detroit Pizza Ltd


Wiserfunding Ltd


OpsRamp UK


GENSYS Technologies UK Ltd


Hope Homecare limited


Payroll With Perks Ltd


iAM Capital


Duadata Ltd


Popcorn Group Ltd


Invasix Uk Ltd


Il Molino Ltd


Pointr Limited


Work highlights


  • Assisted Bottle Group with re-applying for a sponsor license following initial issues with documentation; they were granted a licence within ten working days.

Payne Hicks Beach LLP

Payne Hicks Beach LLP specialises in handling HNW and UHNW clients in relation to the full gamut of immigration matters, drawing upon its related services in tax, media, reputation, and family to fully service this client base. Kathryn Bradbury leads on the work relating to business immigration, working closely with the firm’s corporate team in advising a number of businesses in the finance and tech spaces in addition to a range of HNW individuals. Bradbury is noted for her ‘unequalled knowledge of the workings of the home office‘ and geographical breadth of her clients. Matt Ingham heads up matters concerning HNW asylum claims, and has technical proficiency across the commercial, political, and diplomatic dimensions of claims of this nature. Ingham has experience in all aspects of this work, with expertise that encompasses human rights issues, resisting extradition, challenging red flag notices, and corporate raiding, and associate Gintare Plistkovaite assists in relation to the full range of matters.

Practice head(s):

Kathryn Bradbury; Matt Ingham


Other key lawyers:

Gintare Plistkovaite


Testimonials

‘Kathryn Bradbury is exceptionally thorough in her approach; she has unequalled knowledge of the workings of the home office, considers all possible options for her clients, has excellent judgment, and, unusually for practitioners in firms who mainly represent high net worth individuals, she is expert in human rights and protection work and in immigration litigation.’

‘Provides a brilliant service.’

‘PHB’s immigration and human rights team provides a bespoke service to high net worth individuals who have exceptionally complex affairs, often defending multiple legal proceedings. The team know the law inside out and have strong strategic and tactical judgment.’

‘Matt Ingham leads on immigration and human rights litigation at PHB, and he really is a superstar. He has particular expertise in immigration cases with an extradition element, and where clients’ assets are being targeted in the civil courts.’

‘PHB’s business immigration team provides a bespoke service to high net worth individuals and businesses. They know the law inside out and have strong strategic and tactical judgment in dealing with the Home Office. The team are particularly good at collaborating within the firm, taking advantage of the firm being smaller than others in the marketplace.’

‘Kathryn is a highly efficient, strategic thinker who is solution focussed, and has really succeeded in building a team who provide a rounded, personal service to clients who have high expectations. The immigration team under Kathryn’s leadership has grown into a highly efficient group who can be relied on to provide top quality legal advice.’

‘One of the top firms in the UK for complex and high profile asylum work.’

‘Matt Ingham is one of the leading asylum lawyers – he’s brilliant. Kathryn Bradbury is also a first-rate immigration lawyer.’

Work highlights


Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP provides a full service immigration offering for a range of clients, but possesses particular sector strengths in relation to education, tech, and private wealth. As a freestanding immigration practice within a full-service law firm, the team is able to leverage both a genuine immigration specialism and wider offerings in related areas of tax, employment, and corporate law. The firm’s offering has been bolstered by the addition of the audit compliance and training arm to the immigration team. Practice head Pat Saini is also the co-lead of the firm’s India group, and deploys her substantial experience in education and tech to related matters. Hazar El-Chamaa leads on private wealth work, acting for clients from every part of the world, while senior associate Meghan Vozila works with HNW clients, particularly in creative industries. Associate Jen Parker joined from Bindmans LLP in September 2022, and brings expertise in private individual cases, namely those related to exceptional applications and engaging human rights.

Practice head(s):

Pat Saini; Hazar El-Chamaa


Other key lawyers:

Jen Parker; Meghan Vozila


Testimonials

Their advice was accurate, helpful and timely. We had a time deadline, and with their cooperation were able to meet the target time.’

They are approachable. No question is too small or too foolish. All of our queries have been answered thoroughly. Advice has been accurate.

Excellent service from start to finish. The whole team are very professional. I highly recommend them. They have been very punctual with appointments and prompt in their communications. Great service, fast, efficient and great value.’

They understood my requirements immediately and provided the required advice and accompanying documentation within a pressured timeline and for a reasonable fee. Highly recommended.’

Committed, responsive, practical, and judicious and persistent in the follow-up of applications with urgency considerations where appropriate.

Pat Saini, partner & head of immigration, is an expert at navigating the immigration process with the Home Office and other relevant ministries. She is knowledgeable and highly responsive to the needs of clients. Moreover, she delegates tasks effectively to subordinates to achieve the desired results in a timely manner.’

Pennington Manches Cooper LLP was easy to work with, and I always received necessary support.’

Pat Saini is a great leader with good judgment, and who responds swiftly and well to urgent situations.’

Key clients

Galileo Global Education


Regent’s university


Portsmouth University


S P Jain School of Management


Valero


Nexus Productions


The Oversight Board


Navitas


Student Circus


Dhani


Work highlights


RLegal Solicitors

RLegal Solicitors advise HNW individuals and start-ups in relation to compliance and sponsor licence matters, and has an established capability of challenging Home Office decisions through judicial review proceedings. Co-head of the practice David Robinson brings his broad and extensive expertise to the practice, with a client base primarily of SMEs and private individuals, as does co-head Evan Remedios, whose experience as a court advocate provides valuable insight in contentious immigration matters.

Practice head(s):

David Robinson; Evan Remedios


Testimonials

Experienced team focused on visa and immigration related legal matters.’

David Robinson is a trustworthy man. Always professional and fully caring service. The service is fully electronic, minimising loads of paper or commuting to an office. Always delivers what is promised, explaining the steps along the way.

David Robinson of RLegal is a reliable and understanding person. He always reassured us during the process. His kind, calm actions left us feeling we were in good hands. David always communicated with us, letting us know what to expect every step of the way.

Work highlights


Russell-Cooke LLP

Russell-Cooke LLP provides immigration support for major corporate transactions headed by leading US and UK law firms, advising on the immigration implications of acquisitions, divestitures, and restructures. For personal immigration, the firm undertakes complex work for HNW individuals, those seeking to establish start-ups, and a number of other individuals, and has an established niche in handling international surrogacy arrangements. Practice head Edward Wanambwa brings his experience in corporate law to the firm’s business immigration practice, with particular experience in handling immigration mandates for national and international corporates, in addition to a strong track record in advising individuals in their personal immigration matters. Legal counsel Tom Bradford, as a former barrister, is noted for his expertise in handling contentious immigration work.

Practice head(s):

Ed Wanambwa


Other key lawyers:

Tom Bradford


Testimonials

I have worked with Tom Bradford. He is outstandingly professional, well-organised and empathetic with clients.’

‘The firm has a standout presence in immigration law as evident from it having retained Legal Counsel Tom Bradford who is a specialist in immigration law matters.’

‘Great knowledge and attention to clients needs.’

 

Work highlights


  • Advised a major private equity firm on immigration aspects of its proposed acquisition of a major multinational tourism business.
  • Advised a New York based hedge fund on all immigration aspects of its office relocation from New York to London.
  • Advised on obtaining visas, in a very short timeframe, for co-founders and a team of developers of a fintech company.

Sheridans

Sheridans has carved out a niche advising clients in the entertainment and tech spaces, working across sport, TV, video games, fashion, and a number of other industries. Owen Jones heads the team and works alongside Anita Pali, both of whom have a sector focus that reflects the wider firm, employing their extensive experience to assist high-profile clients across a range of media and sports businesses and individuals.

Practice head(s):

Owen Jones


Other key lawyers:

Anita Pali


Work highlights


Squire Patton Boggs

Leveraging the team’s ‘deep understanding of employment immigration‘ to advise a number of major global corporate clients, Squire Patton Boggs is particularly well-placed to advise on complex, cross-border mandates due to its broad geographical footprint, with teams across Europe, Asia, the US, and Latin America, and the multidisciplinary capabilities of the wider firm. Annabel Mace heads the practice and is noted for being ‘extremely knowledgeable‘ on matters relating to immigration compliance issues, reinstating sponsor licences at risk of revocation, and defending civil penalty claims. Senior associate May Cheung specialises in advising major international corporations in business expansion to the UK, assisting through compliance, training, and advice relating to the full range of available routes.

Practice head(s):

Annabel Mace


Other key lawyers:

May Cheung


Testimonials

High touch service. Deep understanding of employment immigration. Highly responsive and professional.’

We worked with May Cheung. She was excellent. My case was complex, and she navigated it with ease and gave me excellent advice on tactically how best to approach my application.

Annabel Mace is extremely knowledgeable on complex cases.’

The UK Squire Patton Boggs firm partners with us in ensuring our immigration needs are handled accurately and efficiently. They serve as an extension of our team in ensuring that our assignees understand the immigration process and support them accordingly through all the associated phases of obtaining their visas.

Annabel Mace and May Cheung have provided great, seamless support to our company. We are grateful to have them assigned to our account.

‘The Squire Patton Boggs team is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and responsive.’

‘May Cheung has been fantastic to work with.’

Work highlights


Sterling Law

Sterling Law is led by Ruslan Kosarenko, Yuriy Lysenko, Michael Iatsukha and newly promoted immigration partner Edward Meade, with each bringing substantial expertise to the practice. The team handles a range of mandates, including HNW individual applications, sponsor licences, and appeals, and is noted for ‘its excellent understanding of immigration issues relating to Eastern Europe‘ and the Middle East. Associate Nozima Rakhimjonova is also a key contact.

Practice head(s):

Ruslan Kosarenko; Yuriy Lysenko; Michael Iatsukha


Other key lawyers:

Edward Meade; Nozima Rakhimjonova


Testimonials

The firm has an excellent understanding of immigration issues relating to Eastern Europe.

‘Ruslan Kosarenko has excellent client care skills. Nozima Rakhimjonova has excellent knowledge of immigration law and explaining complex matters to clients.’

Sterling Law are committed to finding their clients the best solution. They put their all in to ensure they can deliver an excellent service. Their knowledge base is vast, and it ensures they give pragmatic advice to their clients. I find them to be one of the market leaders on employment immigration.’

Work highlights


Sutovic & Hartigan

Sutovic & Hartigan specialises in asylum and international protection work, with a strength in complex asylum and deportation appeals. Head of the practice Paul Nettleship, noted as a ‘safe pair of hands‘ in this space, has been joined in May 2022 by Zofia Duszynska from Duncan Lewis Solicitors, bringing with her a ‘huge reputation in the trafficking field‘.

Practice head(s):

Paul Nettleship; Zofia Duszynska


Testimonials

This team takes on challenging cases and fights them to the very end for each client. They tend to have long-running cases involving complex elements and win cases where others might give up.

Paul Nettleship is extremely committed on behalf of his clients, arguing every point in extremely challenging cases to protect their best interests. Clients will have in him a safe pair of hands.’

This is a specialist, smallish firm which punches above its weight. There is no dead wood; they are all fighters in their own sphere. Zofia Duszynska was a great addition to the team, as she has a huge reputation in the trafficking field and is well known for going the extra mile for clients. Paul Nettleship has higher rights of audience and is a skilled court advocate.’

Work highlights


  • Represented a client on challenge to lawfulness of his detention on an Immigration Removal Centre following a deportation order which later turned out to be flawed.
  • Represented the client in a High Court challenge to the lawfulness of the refusal of his fresh asylum claim and his subsequent immigration detention.

Taylor Wessing LLP

Taylor Wessing LLP is noted for the strength of its global capabilities, both due to the wider firm’s presence internationally, and the team’s global focus. The group has ‘exceptional expertise’ in tech-related work. Practice head Sean Nesbitt leads on the firm’s integrated employment offering as co-head of the firm’s international employment, pensions, and mobility offering, while Charlie Pring and Vikki Wiberg focus exclusively on immigration mandates. Pring heads the team’s work for in-bound work from North America and has extensive experience working with tech sector clients, while Wiberg handles in-bound work from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East in addition to HNW matters.

Practice head(s):

Sean Nesbitt; Charlie Ping; Vikki Wiberg


Testimonials

Taylor Wessing provides professional service. Their people are friendly and helpful. They provide accurate information.’

Vikki Wiberg and her team are very friendly. They provide accurate, up-to-date and useful information.

A knowledgeable, efficient and professional immigration team who truly do know what they are doing! We feel confident in their capabilities.’

Taylor Wessing’s immigration team is very customer oriented; they take time to understand our business needs. This is followed by providing the relevant solutions such as advice, visa processing etc. in a very efficient and timely fashion.

Our team works closely with Charlie Pring. He has become our trusted partner in the area of immigration. We have peace of mind with him; we know that when we give a case to him, he will handle it well, and our business needs will be fulfilled.

I highly recommend this firm for its exceptional expertise in handling legal matters for tech companies. Their team culture is second to none, as they foster collaboration and promote diversity. What I appreciate most about them is their willingness to explore innovative solutions, like utilising new visas.

The firm’s personnel are exceptional at cultivating connections and fostering rapport. Interacting with them is a seamless and delightful experience. While I value our occasional in-person coffee meetings, I’m equally satisfied with the remarkable progress our virtual relationship has made.

Key clients

COMPASS Pathways


Nuclera


Sonangol Offshore Services


Beacon Platform


Tavant Technologies


Burger King UK


TodayTix Limited


PetroChina International Company Limited


NEC Europe Limited


Coherent Corp


Work highlights


Travers Smith LLP

The business immigration team of Travers Smith LLP is couched within the wider offering, providing an integrated global mobility offering for the firm’s high-profile financial service clients; able to draw on the tax and regulatory offering of the firm, the team is well-placed to assist in global business structuring and relocation mandates. Ed Mills heads the practice, drawing on his immigration and employment expertise primarily in advising US-based companies setting up London offices. Siân Keall, Tim Gilbert, and Adam Wyman similarly bring combined immigration and employment expertise, while senior associate Moji Oyediran focusses solely on immigration matters.

Practice head(s):

Ed Mills


Other key lawyers:

Siân Keall; Tim Gilbert; Adam Wyman; Moji Oyediran


Testimonials

‘The team understand my business and the time constrains we work to. They are proactive and always receptive to queries.’

‘Personable, very approachable, and always delivers with clarity and efficiently.’

Key clients

Bain Capital


Bidfood


RBC Brewin Dolphin


Groupon


Ambassador Theatre Group


Uswitch


The Access Group


Lothbury Investment Management


Marathon Asset Management


Eastdil Secured


Bakkavor plc


Bighand


Monarch Alternative Capital


Davidson Kempner European Partners


Campbel Lutyens


Atomico


Muzinich & Co


Work highlights


  • Advised Groupon across its global offices (excluding the US), coordinating local advice in eleven jurisdictions and providing UK advice on sponsored skilled worker visas and compliance.
  • Advised leading software solutions company Access on sponsorship change of ownership compliance and transfer of sponsored visas following acquisitions of a number of new businesses.
  • Assisted Ambassador Theatre Group with an urgent Creative Worker visa for a key specialist hire for one of its UK productions.

Vanessa Ganguin Immigration Law

The immigration boutique Vanessa Ganguin Immigration Law covers the full scope of immigration work, acting for a range of clients across a range of sectors including media, sport, financial services, and tech. The practice is led by the ‘impressiveVanessa Ganguin, whose substantial expertise straddles the full range of business and personal immigration matters across a number of industries. Senior counsel Philip Trott is also noted for his significant experience, which he employs for complex work arising in relation to discretionary applications and national security issues. Senior associates Ben Maitland and Anushka Sinha bolstered the team with their arrivals in October 2022 and January 2023 respectively, and are key contacts within the department, as is ‘solutions-focused’ senior client manager Ross Kennedy.

Practice head(s):

Vanessa Ganguin


Other key lawyers:

Philip Trott; Ben Maitland; Anushka Sinha; Ross Kennedy


Testimonials

Vanessa and her team are a very approachable, pragmatic and responsive immigration team. They are incredibly personable and knowledgeable.’

Vanessa Ganguin knows her subject inside out and is very happy to comment on unusual employment scenarios. She is very responsive and keen to provide pragmatic advice. Ross Kennedy is to be commended too for his knowledge and solution-focused approach.’

Vanessa Ganguin is highly experienced and an impressive individual.’

Vanessa Ganguin Immigration Law is composed of a team of very experienced directors, employees and advisors, all of whom are highly knowledgeable in the multitude of complex rules that make up the immigration laws that are now in force. Each is very capable, but they also work well as a group, and there is always a deputy shadow following them up for continuity.’

Ross Kennedy, senior client manager, is the individual we always contact when we need support. We know he will guide us through the complexities that now govern the UK immigration rules. His manner is friendly and confident, and so importantly is his ability to turn complex technical jargon into terms we understand.’

Excellent communication and customer service skills, both to the business and individual employees. Flexible around meetings, even with short notice. Advice is clear, and uncomplicated. Quick turnaround following a request. We have not had an issue to date with any of the applications that we have submitted.’

Expert knowledge and fast responses. Commercial, practical and approachable.’

Vanessa Ganguin is a thought leader: she provides expert and professional advice in a way that clients understand.

Work highlights


Vialto Partners

Vialto Partners works with a range of leading banks, multinational corporates and private clients on all manner of high-profile business immigration matters. Key names to note include Ian Robinson, Lyudmyla Davies, and Lindsey Barras.

Practice head(s):

Ian Robinson; Lyudmyla Davies; Lindsey Barras


Other key lawyers:

Andrea Als


Work highlights


Watson Farley & Williams LLP

Watson Farley & Williams LLP has carved out a niche advising clients in the maritime sector in relation to the full range of immigration issues, as this is one of the firm’s core sector focusses, alongside the energy sector and tech and digital spaces. Co-head of the practice Devan Khagram leads the work in these sectors, and has particular expertise in matters concerning the relocation of executives in companies with complex structures. Anna Robinson co-heads the team, and has a focus on complex settlement and naturalisation applications as part of a broader practice assisting HNW individuals.

Practice head(s):

Devan Khagram; Anna Robinson


Other key lawyers:

Elliott Marshall


Testimonials

Spot on, tailored advice.’

Pragmatic, friendly, and nice to deal with.’

Watson Farley & Williams have provided an amazing service. The immigration lawyers that I worked with were so patient and explained everything thoroughly. No question was a silly question!

Everyone I had dealings with at Watson and Farley gave excellent service. One person I would like to point out in particular was Elliott Marshall. Even in the most stressful situations, he made me feel at ease. I feel that his patience and dedication was great and something I wouldn’t have got from a previous immigration law firm. I learnt a lot from Elliott!

The team are professional and personable, and work well with their industry contacts to keep ahead of, and to inform, policy changes to the regulatory framework.’

The team has significant experience in dealing with UK immigration requests. They are timely and provide good cover when other team members are not available.

Key clients

PGS Exploration (UK) Ltd


More Contract Limited


Frasers Management (UK) Limited


Work highlights


Wesley Gryk Solicitors LLP

Advising clients across immigration, asylum and nationality matters, Wesley Gryk Solicitors LLP is particularly noted for its capabilities in cases that involve LGBTQI+ migrants and asylum seekers, victims of domestic abuse, and international surrogacy arrangements. Co-head of the practice Barry O’Leary has strengths in all of these specialist areas, being noted as ‘the standout immigration and nationality lawyer when it comes to surrogacy arrangements’, in addition to experience in handling applications on the basis of partnership and families. Alison Hunter is another co-lead and has expertise in EU free movement and the EU Settlement Scheme, in addition to a niche practice relating to intercountry adoption matters. Co-lead Diana Baxter covers the full range of the complex nationality work for which the wider firm is known, and also covers family-related matters engaging human rights, where she is ‘on top of the case law and knows how to use it to ensure success for her clients‘. They are joined by the newly promoted Katie Dilger who made partner in 2023, bringing her specialism in family-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Alison Hunter; Barry O’Leary; Diana Baxter


Other key lawyers:

Katie Dilger


Testimonials

‘Absolutely fantastic team, very experienced and knowledgeable, clear and timely communication, provided consistent and structured guidance taking into account and understanding my particular circumstances. This team that values diversity and is very respectful of each other and the clients.’

Diana Baxter is honest, responsive, and always able to engage with their clients. We feel supported by her. She thoroughly explains the different aspects of your case and keeps you informed. She always seeks to achieve a positive outcome for you.’

We find they are a trustworthy, knowledgeable, professional firm that understands the nuances of British nationality laws and can advise and provide workable solutions for you, their clients. We have no hesitation in recommending them.’

Wesley Gryk are one of the best in the field for privately paying asylum and immigration. They are meticulously well-prepared and on top of their game in terms of client management and case strategy.

I have worked recently with Diana Baxter, and she is brilliant. She is extremely clever and on top of the case law and knows how to use it to ensure success for her clients.’

An all round excellent firm for immigration work, particularly cases with an LGBT element. They are very well known for applications arising from surrogacy arrangements overseas.’

Barry O’Leary is the standout immigration and nationality lawyer when it comes to surrogacy arrangements. He gives pragmatic advice and can think creatively in the most difficult of cases to find solutions for his clients.

Work highlights


  • Advised on complex citizenship applications based on historical legislative unfairness following changes to the British Nationality Act 1981, amended by the Borders and Nationality Act 2022.
  • Completed a successful judicial review against the refusal to reconsider refused entry to a victim of transnational marriage abandonment who remained separated from her young British child.
  • Completed a successful deportation appeal for client who had resided in the UK since childhood and who retained protection from deportation under EU law post-Brexit.

Wilson Solicitors LLP

Wilson Solicitors LLP works on a wide range of complex and sensitive asylum, human rights, and deportation mandates, deploying its team of specialists who are each regarded as ‘highly knowledgeable in their respective fields‘. Anita Vasisht heads the practice, with experience in complex asylum claims and specific niches in national security and Palestinian refugee claims. Ana Gonzalez handles work concerning asylum and apostacy, and Muhunthan Paramesvaran has notable experience before appellate courts. Matthew Davies has a practice that encompasses human rights in respect of EU nationals and international surrogacy, Marcela Navarrete has expertise in handling claims around detention and is noted for her ‘excellent work on Afghan judiciary judicial review work‘, Aisling Ni Chuinn remains at the forefront of matters concerning the removal of vulnerable asylum seekers to third countries, and Chris McKendry has a strong track record in work relating to national security. Associates Imogen Townley and Mala Savjani are also key contacts, as is senior consultant Michael Hanley.

Practice head(s):

Anita Vasisht; Ana Gonzalez; Muhunthan Paramesvaran


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Davies; Michael Hanley; Marcela Navarrete; Aisling Ni Chuinn; Chris McKendry


Testimonials

Wilsons are second to none for legal aid immigration work, in my experience. They are highly organised and effective, put the client at the heart of everything, and spare no effort or step if it will help the case. The firm works at scale, but without any compromise to their very high quality of work.’

Marcela Navarette is extremely experienced and has superb judgement. She is reliable and efficient, and an absolute pleasure to work with. Aisling Ni Chuinn is brilliant: extremely knowledgeable, skilled and committed. She is also fantastic to work with, being very collaborative.

The immigration team at Wilsons is superb. From trainees through to partners, there is a real quality in the depth and expertise of the team. Solicitors are extremely competent in managing both judicial review litigation and appeals. They also are highly knowledgable in their respective fields on substantive immigration law and practice.

Marcela Navarette 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. ‘

Wilsons has a cohesive, expert and committed team of fine immigration litigators skilled at getting excellent results for highly vulnerable adult and child migrants, refugees, victims of trafficking including those with criminal convictions. They are intensely skilled at securing public funding and in litigating hard against an often implacable opponent.

Unrivalled in its range and depth of experience. There are experts in every sub-specialism within immigration.

‘Mala Savjani is one of the bright stars of the new generation; particularly good on EU Settlement Scheme issues. Ana Gonzalez is excellent on LGBT asylum. Matthew Davies has a wealth of experience.’

Muhunthan Paramesvaran provides extremely high quality service dedicated to winning his client’s case. Imogen Townley takes apparently hopeless cases and turns them into winners. Aisling Ni Chuinn has forensically brilliant case preparation.

Key clients

Islington Council


European Commission


Here for Good


Work highlights


Withers LLP

Withers LLP draws upon the international footprint and broad capabilities of the wider firm to provide a full-service global immigration offering. The team is led by Tracy Evlogidis who acts across a large number of sectors, feeding into the practice’s wide-ranging client base in her work across fintech, fashion, charity, design, and sport. She was joined in November 2022 by Nicolette Bostock from Laura Devine Immigration, who brings her strength in discretionary applications to the Home Office.

Practice head(s):

Tracy Evolgidis


Other key lawyers:

Nicolette Bostock


Testimonials

Nicolette Bostock is very experienced and knowledgeable. She is a professional and knows what she is doing. She has dealt with complicated immigration matters and likes fixing tricky cases. I would not hesitate to recommend clients to Nicolette if there was a conflict.

Very good breadth of knowledge, availability is great.’

Nicolette is great, she is very commercial and explains everything clearly and concisely.’

An exceptional provider of immigration advice, the Withers team understands the pressures and requirements of our firm, and really helps us to navigate the immigration minefield in a post-Brexit UK.

They are pragmatic, understanding case facts very quickly.’

I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the immigration team at Withers LLP (UK). Their expertise and dedication help the immigration processes of our company operate smoothly and successfully. What sets this practice apart is their unique combination of deep legal knowledge, personalised attention, and unwavering commitment to their clients.

Work highlights


Wright Hassall LLP

Wright Hassall LLP operates out of Leamington Spa, but act as ‘subject matter experts‘ for a client base of leading London law firms, with proven capabilities advising major multinational companies on immigration matters. The team additionally acts for HNW individuals on complex mandates. Matthew Davies leads the team, supplementing his broad immigration expertise with a specialism in the intersection of employment and immigration in relation to illegal workers and dismissals. Tracie Udall is ‘extremely helpful‘, and another key contact.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Davies


Other key lawyers:

Tracie Udall


Testimonials

Great people, really are subject matter experts.’

Tracie Udall would be the main contact I work with. She is really approachable, knows our business and is extremely helpful in all immigration matters.

Matthew Davies is sensible, solution driven and much better value than London-based firms.

Work highlights