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The Legal 500 Hall of Fame Icon The Legal 500 Hall of Fame highlights individuals who have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence. The Hall of Fame highlights, to clients, the law firm partners who are at the pinnacle of the profession. In the United Kingdon, the criteria for entry is to have been recognised by The Legal 500 as one of the elite leading lawyers for eight years. These partners are highlighted below and throughout the editorial.
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United Kingdom > London > Human resources > Immigration > Law firm and leading lawyer rankings

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Index of tables

  1. Immigration: business
  2. Immigration: human rights, appeals and overstay
  3. Leading individuals: Hall of Fame
  4. Leading individuals
  5. Next Generation Partners
  6. Rising stars

FIRMS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

A Y & J Solicitors

A Y & J Solicitors has gained a reputation for passionate legal immigration representation - meeting the complex and varied needs of both individuals and corporations facing legal immigration obstacles. The immigration team takes an ‘In It to Win It’ approach, where every client is treated with honesty, integrity, and creative solutions that bring the best resolution in the shortest possible time.

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FIRMS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Farani Taylor Solicitors LLP

Farani Taylor was founded in 2010 by Farhan Farani as a specialist immigration firm but has since developed into a full service firm. We have an emphasis on providing quality service that fits the needs of our clients.

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3HR Corporate Solicitors Ltd advises corporate clients on immigration matters relating to staff transfers, restructuring and hiring. The team is noted for its strong experience in acting for Japanese, Chinese and South Korean corporates on immigration procedures. It recently advised an international restaurant brand on a Tier 2 (general) licence and successfully obtained complex staff visas to facilitate the establishment of the brand in the UK.

Practice head(s):Thomas Miles

Testimonials

The team is professional and efficient.

The team is experienced in advising foreign companies.

Its responses are prompt and professional.

Work highlights

  • Assisting a large electronics manufacturer on all immigration-related work.
  • Advising an international bank on the management of its sponsor licence.

A Y & J Solicitors has a 'very passionate team which is committed to ensuring that it provides high-quality representation to individuals and businesses'. The specialist immigration firm handles a range of matters including sponsorship, appeals and complex immigration challenges, acting for high-net-worth individuals seeking investment and entrepreneurial visas. The team assists Tier 2 and Tier 5 sponsor licence holders, and also advises on sponsor licence applications and renewals. It also advises on licence suspensions and revocations. Clients are drawn from sectors including IT, financial services, hotels and retail, and sports. Managing director Yash Dubal and Diana Elena Todirica are praised as having 'exquisite legal minds'.

Practice head(s):Yash Dubal

Other key lawyers:Diana Elena Todirica

Testimonials

Yash Dubal is extremely well informed and is highly regarded in the sector.

Yash Dubal and Diana Elena Todirica both have exquisite legal minds.

Diana Elena Todirica's attention to detail and her ability to think outside the box puts her at the top.

Diana Elena Todirica knows how to get results for her clients.

The team takes the time to understand the client.

Yash Dubal is a sharp leader.

The team is very responsive and diligent.

The team makes the process as smooth and as hassle free as possible.

Diana Elena Todirica is extremely responsive and thorough in her instructions.

The team works in a cohesive manner, never giving up until they find a solution.

Yash Dubal is efficient and full of energy; his research skills are unparalleled and he is an expert on sponsor licences.

Baker McKenzie's global immigration and mobility team is regularly engaged by multinational companies on a broad range of issues, and is well-versed in advising on the cross-border movement of talent at all levels. The practice handles complex matters such as the movement of board directors, specialist staff, other senior executives, and their dependants. It is also instructed by high-net-worth individuals, well-known musicians, actors, sports personalities and leading businesspeople. The London team is able to draw on the wider firm's global network of offices, and its wider employment team, to support clients on cross-border strategies. 'Impressive' senior associate Tony Haque is the key member of the London team.

Practice head(s):Tony Haque

Other key lawyers:Richard Mills; Ying Li

Testimonials

'The team is very experienced.'

'It is capable, responsive and approachable.'

'Tony Haque is impressive; he is very knowledgeable and responsive.'

Bates Wells' immigration team is 'outstanding'; it 'offers a very high level of service' and it is 'particularly good at providing holistic advice'. For business immigration, the team - which is led by Chetal Patel and features the 'eminent' Philip Trott - is instructed by major businesses and charities, and it is also experienced in handling immigration matters for high-net-worth individuals and well-known celebrities. In an example of its charity sector experience, the team advises Climate Policy Initiative on the recruitment of sponsored workers and on sponsor licence obligations and duties. The firm also advises on a raft of personal immigration matters, where Tim Barnden heads the team. Here, the team regularly advises on complex personal immigration matters, and handles cases which engage Article 8 of the ECHR, the right to private and family life. It also handles asylum and other protection claims for individuals and charities. Barnden is noted for his experience in handling applications by couples and families, LGBT applicants, and handles refugee cases. Senior associate Katie Dilger handles a range of personal immigration instructions and is 'attentive and responsive at all turns'.

Practice head(s):Chetal Patel; Tim Barnden

Other key lawyers:Philip Trott; Aisha Choudhry; Katie Dilger; Matthew James

Testimonials

Philip Trott is a stand-out partner; he is incredibly knowledgeable and is very good at understanding the needs of the business and advising accordingly.

Chetal Patel expertly, promptly and pleasantly deals with all enquiries.

If you are serious about UK immigration, you have to have Philip Trott on your team.

The team has a deep understanding of the requirements of the immigration rules and guidelines, as well as practical experience on how the Home Office assesses cases and responds.

Chetal Patel is extremely helpful, efficient and supportive.

The team are almost instantly responsive and it has a focus on client service.

The lawyers are very competent, well-disposed and responsible.

Matthew James' work ethic and attention-to-detail is excellent; he is highly professional and pleasant to deal with.

Katie Dilger is very efficient at grasping the complexity of a situation.

Tim Barnden is committed to doing his best for his clients.

Key Clients

Climate Policy Initiative

Endemol Shine UK

Girl Effect

Nicolas Pople Architects

Triratna Preceptors’ College Trust

Hillsong Church London

The Alan Turing Institute

Carrhae Capital LLP

Infopro Digital

International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)

Work highlights

  • Engaged by Endemol Shine UK to advise on sponsor compliance issues and ad hoc immigration queries.
  • Advised international non-profit Girl Effect on the recruitment of its new CEO.
  • Advised Nicolas Pople Architects on the recruitment of a highly regarded graduate, considered a rising star in the architectural field.
  • Advised Triratna Preceptors’ College Trust on the renewal of its sponsor licence.
  • Advised Hillsong Church London on work visas.

BDB Pitmans advises large corporates and SME clients on a broad range of immigration matters, including sponsorship duties, right to work checks and applications. The team also advises entrepreneurs, investors and their families on visas and relocation to the UK. The team is also engaged on immigration work relating to acquisitions, disposals, reorganisations and outsourcing. Its client base spans the professional services, hospitality, medical and charity sectors. The team also acts for individuals and private clients on a broad range of immigration matters and can offer estate and tax planning advice as part of its service.

Practice head(s):Tim Hayes; Jesper Christensen; Alastair Collett

Testimonials

Reply Group

KPI Bridge Oil

Bunker Trading Group

Cancom

The Asfari Foundation

Buckley Gray Yeoman

Fletcher Priest LLP

Hassell Studio

Patel Taylor Architects

Great Ormond St Hospital Children’s Charity

Karakusevic Carson

Robert Bird Group

The Doctors Laboratory

Work highlights

  • Advised a private client on a matter of permanent residence and citizenship.
  • Advised an individual on a Windrush application.
  • Advised The Asfari Foundation on multiple Resident Labour Market Tests and visa applications by key staff.
  • Advising Bunker Trading Group on a sponsor licence application.
  • Advising C40 on an immigration application by a key employee.

Bindmans LLP has a 'fantastic' immigration team, which handles a range of asylum and nationality law mandates. The team is active across asylum and human rights cases and is experienced in appeals, judicial reviews, extradition law, citizenship applications, detention, bail and deportation matters. The team has a strong track record in representing children subject to immigration control, and representing victims of trafficking and other vulnerable clients. Advising on immigration issues in adoption and surrogacy cases and advising family members of British and settled people are also key areas of focus. On the business immigration side, the team is instructed by a number of NGOs, charities and unions, and it also acts for SMEs and individuals. The team has been advising a number of clients on EEA matters, where the team has in-depth experience. The team is also well-versed in Turkish Ankara Agreement cases. Alison Stanley is experienced in complex asylum cases with an extradition cross-over element and also advises high-net-worth individuals on Tier 1 (Investor) applications. Liz Barratt is experienced in nationality matters and cases involving questions of deprivation and nullity of British citizenship. Recommended associates include Roberta Haslam, who handles a range of asylum, deportation and nationality work and is noted for her experience in advising children in care and care leavers on immigration matters; Ashley Fleming, who is experienced in EU law and is regularly engaged on asylum cases; and Emma Cohen, who is experienced in cases involving children, adoption, surrogacy and dependant relatives.

Practice head(s):Alison Stanley; Liz Barratt

Other key lawyers:Abigail Evans; Emma Cohen; Ashley Fleming; Roberta Haslam; Alice Davis; Oliver Oldman

Testimonials

Emma Cohen and Alison Stanley are exceptional lawyers

Emma Cohen and Alison Stanley are both excellent immigration lawyers.

Alison Stanley is extremely knowledgeable and an absolute expert in this field.

Bird & Bird LLP is focused on business immigration and global mobility matters which include cross-border compliance projects, sponsor licence and Tier 2 applications and contingency planning for corporate clients and individuals. It recently advised a multinational Chinese chain on immigration issues relating to its expansion into the UK. The team also handles bespoke visa applications for exceptional talent, entrepreneurs and investors. Associate Yuichi Sekine is the UK department head and is ably supported by associate Jonathan Goldsworthy.

Practice head(s):Ian Hunter; Yuichi Sekine

Other key lawyers:Jonathan Goldsworthy

Testimonials

'The team has strived to get to know our company's purpose and values, which has enabled them to provide advice that not only meets the threshold of the law, but also where possible aligns with our company's world view.'

Key Clients

A food queue start-up

Growing Chinese hot pot chain expanding into the UK

Faraday Grid

Control Risks

KonMari Media

Matalan

Samsara

A global ad serving platform

Hailiang

Work highlights

  • Advised an executive of a food queue start-up on a complex visa application.  
  • Advises Control Risks on a range of immigration matters.
  • Advised KonMari Media on immigration issues arising from consultants entering the UK to provide seminars and training. The team also advised in Marie Kondo on her eligibility to enter as a standard visitor to undertake creative duties and make promotional appearances in the UK.  
  • Advises Matalan on complex immigration issues.
  • Advises Samsara on all UK immigration issues.

Bishop & Sewell LLP predominantly focuses on human rights and family cases, and the team also regularly advises on PBS applications for high-net-worth individuals and organisations. It regularly handles public law challenges, appeals and complex nationality cases. It offers specialist experience in cases involving international adoption and surrogacy cases, and the team is also instructed by local authorities to advise on the immigration status of children in care.

Practice head(s):Charles Green

Other key lawyers:Mariam Khaliq; Karma Hickman

Work highlights

  • Advised on a challenging deportation case.
  • Represented a family to regularise immigration status.
  • Advising an EU national, who had been resident in the UK since the age of four, on securing her status in the run-up to Brexit.
  • Advised a client on British passport eligibility.

Boutique immigration offering Bonheur Legal is instructed by corporate, professional services and high-net-worth clients on a range of immigration issues. It is engaged by clients across the UK, Europe and Asia on inbound UK and European immigration work, and the team offers specialist advice on inbound and outbound African immigration issues. The team advises on global migration planning, employee transfers and company relocations, and also acts for investors and entrepreneurs.

Practice head(s):Thierry Hervet

Key Clients

BDO UK

Club Med

Shearwater

Dimension Data

Deutsche Börse Group

Volvo Financial Services

World Federation of Exchanges (WFE)

Tetra Pak

The team at Carter Thomas Solicitors has an 'excellent mix of 'real world', practical knowledge, in addition to an in-depth understanding of the regulations, policies, and processes affecting immigration issues'. The team, which is led by Nichola Carter, is regularly engaged on the provision of sponsor licences for education providers and businesses and is experienced in advising on enforcement action taken by UK Visas and Immigration and on complex applications. The team also advises individuals on Tier 1 Exceptional Talent, Entrepreneur and Investor visas, and is increasingly advising on Innovator and Start-up visas. Carter is 'superlative in dealing with business immigration and sponsor licence issues in particular' and is noted for her experience in advising universities and schools. The team recently advised a leading independent school which had its sponsor licence suspended, and was successful in ensuring the licence was reinstated. Carter also advises high-net-worth individuals. Associates Nick Gore, Jessica Walker and Ruth Jowett are other key members of the team.

Practice head(s):Nichola Carter

Other key lawyers:Nick Gore; Jessica Walker; Ruth Jowett

Testimonials

Not only is the team an authority on immigration law and can be fully trusted, but it is also very good at advising on how to deal with the Home Office on various issues.

Nichola Carter's immigration team is absolutely first-class.

Nichola Carter is an absolute authority on immigration law, is fully trustworthy and always has the best interests of her clients in mind.

Jessica Walker is extremely helpful, always accessible and impresses with her knowledge and excellent work.

Nichola Carter is superb; she has great knowledge of immigration law and her attention-to-detail is quite remarkable.

Jessica Walker provides clear, sensible and prompt advice.

Nick Gore is very knowledgeable, and he is always understanding and empathetic.

Nichola Carter is wonderful; she is extremely clever, approachable and can get points across in a way that is beneficial for all.

The firm is unique as it provides a customised service to suit the needs of each individual institution.

The firm delivers efficient and quick turnaround times.

The practice has demonstrated time and again that it has up-to-date and detailed knowledge on the complexities of student immigration and compliance with sponsor duties.

The team has a wealth of experience in working with the higher education sector.

The team makes a very complicated and complex process straight-forward and easy to understand.

Nichola Carter is a stand-out lawyer; technically brilliant, poised and organised.

Work highlights

  • The team obtained a Tier 2 and 5 sporting sponsorship licence for a leading sports club, which enabled it to transfer a number of elite players from across the world to the UK.
  • The team advised a tech company on a sponsor licence application when it needed to transfer staff to its UK office urgently.
  • Sucessfully advised a high-net-worth individual whose visa had been refused previously.
  • Prepared six UK universities for UKVI audits.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP handles a spread of immigration work for both individuals and corporate clients. The team is instructed by a raft of high-profile multinational clients on PBS and non-PBS matters, and also utilises its international presence to handle complex immigration issues, often advising Chinese and Russian clients. It is also increasingly acting for US nationals and is instructed by a growing number of start-ups. Advising high-net-worth individuals on personal immigration issues is also a key focus of the department. Team head Rose Carey has a 'wealth of experience' of advising financial services sector clients and handles a raft of sponsor compliance issues. Senior associate Paul McCarthy is experienced in business and personal immigration work; he advises on various PBS visa categories and has advised clients on applications for Tier 2 sponsor licences.

Practice head(s):Rose Carey

Other key lawyers:Paul McCarthy; Katherine Dennis

Testimonials

The team is exceptional on business immigration issues.

Rose Carey is a well-known figure in the immigration field.

Key Clients

wagamama

Harrods

Mercedes

HPA

City & Guilds

Clarkslegal LLP acts for a raft of corporate clients and employers including large multinationals and leading technology and financial services organisations. The team handles a range of business immigration issues such as employer sponsorship licences and it advises businesses looking to enter the UK market. It also acts for individuals on investor and entrepreneur visas and assists individual senior staff and their families on global transfers. The team recently advised Jardine Motors Group UK on the transfer of members of staff from Hong Kong to the UK.

Practice head(s):Monica Atwal

Other key lawyers:Hamza Malik

Testimonials

The team is personable and attentive to requests.

The lawyers are very approachable.

The team makes it very easy to ask questions and understand the advice given.

Key Clients

Jardine Motors Group UK

Coffey International

Work highlights

  • Provides a full range of corporate immigration support to a US-headquartered global network company with international business operations.
  • Advising a leading multi-utility company on its duties as a licensed sponsor.
  • Advised a hotels and leisure sector client on complex immigratiion issues.
  • Advised a leading renewables technology company on obtaining a licence as a Tier 2 sponsor. The team continues to assist with its sponsorship of leading scientists internationally.
  • Advising an innovative financial services business on a range of business-critical immigration issues, including right to work issues and sponsoring IT specialists from overseas.  

Clintons is regularly instructed by corporate clients in the media, entertainment, technology, advertising and marketing sectors on a range of immigration issues. The team receives plaudits for its UK and US immigration expertise; it has 'in-depth knowledge and expertise of US immigration law'. The team advises on transatlantic transfers in the entertainment sector; it advised on US visas for the creative team of a West End musical for its transfer to Broadway and a US tour. The practice also works with entrepreneurs, start-ups, creative agencies, multinational companies and high-net-worth individuals.

Practice head(s):Diana Okoeva

Testimonials

Diana Okoeva is very thorough in her approach both in the verbal consultations and detailed review of documentation that is ultimately presented.

Diana Okoeva is very responsive and is a pleasure to work with.

Provides flexible and efficient advice.

Work highlights

  • Advising an internationally recognised luxury car manufacturing company on all US immigration matters.
  • Advised on the US immigration aspects of a company’s $50m expansion into the US.
  • Acted as sole immigration advisor for a major international amusement park company on the establishment of a new project in the US.
  • Advised on the immigration aspects of a British restaurant chain’s launch of into the US.
  • Enabled a VR start-up in the UK to obtain status under the treaty of trade and commerce with the US.

Clyde & Co LLP's business immigration offering is regularly engaged by multinational corporate clients on global mobility issues and in relation to corporate restructurings, acting for clients across a number of sectors, with particular experience in the oil, gas and insurance sectors. It also advises senior executives. The team is led by Jonathan Chaimovic - described as 'an expert in his field' - and is able to draw on the international firm's global footprint to handle cross-border issues.

Practice head(s):Jonathan Chaimovic

Other key lawyers:Neena Samuel

Testimonials

Knowledgeable lawyers who know their stuff and can articulate complex concepts in an understandable way.

The team is down-to-earth, and it is clear about risks and potential for opportunity and timelines.

Jonathan Chaimovic is an expert in his field, and he is passionate about those areas of expertise.

Key Clients

Sasol

Total Gas & Power

Halfords Media UK  ("Pokerstars")

Springer / MacMillan

Top Glory London (UK)  (COFCO UK)

Howe Robinson Partners (UK)

Engelhart Commodities Trading Partners ("ECTP")

Cardano Risk Management

Immigration boutique DavidsonMorris is instructed by multinational companies and UK-based businesses and organisations, as well as business owners and management executives on a range of immigration issues. Clients are drawn from sectors including tech, leisure, hospitality, food, retail, design, education, sports, energy and financial services sectors on global mobility matters, compliance, risk management and applications, and the team is also noted for its experience in challenging Home Office civil penalty fines. The firm, which is led by 'expert' managing director Anne Morris, acts as retained legal advisers to clients including online furniture retailer Made.com and the Gordon Ramsay Group.

Practice head(s):Anne Morris

Other key lawyers:Jemima Johnstone; Adam Hoefel; Rebecca Hone

Testimonials

'The main feature of working with Anne Morris is that the answer is always at her fingertips; this is both in terms of the technical legal position and the practical next steps to take.'

'Anne Morris is an expert.'

Key Clients

Made.com

Gordon Ramsay Group

Scuderia Torro Rosso

University of York

Jagex

Wright Brothers Spitfire

Stagg & Barber

Mogul Restaurant

Work highlights

  • Advises the Gordon Ramsay Group on a range of immigration compliance and visa applications.
  • Advises Jagex on all immigration matters such as Tier 2 visas and intra-company transfers.
  • Successfully defended Mogul Indian Greenwich (T/A Mogul Indian) against a Home Office fine for illegal working.
  • Advises Italian Formula 1 team, Scuderia Torro Rosso, on a range of immigration issues, which recently included an on-site audit.
  • Successfully represented Wright Brothers Spitfire on its challenge against a civil penalty.

Doyle Clayton's business immigration department is regularly instructed by multinationals, SMEs and high-net-worth individuals on a range of immigration issues. The team, which is led by Anita de Atouguia, is adept at handling global mobility projects for businesses and the team is experienced in handling sponsor licence applications, Tier 2 applications and Tier 5 applications. It is also experienced in advising on Tier 4 sponsor licenses. The firm also advises on non-points based applications, such as applications for ILR, British citizenship and EEA matters. The firm acts for a range of clients across the education, legal, recruitment, manufacturing, advertising, technology, media and pharmaceutical sectors.

Practice head(s):Anita de Atouguia

Other key lawyers:Kate Gamester; Liz Timmins; Anna Blackden

Key Clients

Yamaha Music Europe

Abbot Mead Vickers

Stripe Payments

The team at Druces LLP works closely with the firm's private client, tax and international wealth team, as well as the corporate team to advise on Tier 1 and Tier 2 work, covering entrepreneurs, investors, exceptional talent and companies bringing skilled migrants into the UK. It also advises on spousal visas, commonwealth ancestral visas and sole representatives of overseas companies, as well as citizenship, registration and naturalisation.

Practice head(s):Charles Avens; Graeme Kirk

Testimonials

'A fast service and comprehensive advice.'

'Charles Avens is very approachable and professional.'

'Charles Avens is very helpful and dedicated.'

Duncan Lewis Solicitors houses an 'extremely large and effective team of lawyers where all aspects of immigration and asylum law are covered.' The firm has a large judicial review claimant practice, representing vulnerable claimants on immigration and civil liberties. It is well-versed in personal immigration, asylum, human rights and nationality law. The firm handles a significant portion of publicly funded work, handling a range of issues such as detention, bail, deportation, appeals and EC law. The team offers specialist expertise in representing vulnerable clients, such as victims of torture or trafficking, on asylum and detention-related matters, and is regularly engaged on politically sensitive cases. The team is also instructed by high-net-worth individuals on PBS applications and appeals. The business immigration team is instructed by SME clients on PBS matters, sponsorship licence applications and it also represents high-net-worth individuals on Tier 1 entrepreneur and investor visas. Director Toufique Hossain is an 'inspirational leader' and has developed a 'very talented and committed team'.

Practice head(s):Ayan Yalchin; Vicash Ramkissoon; Tamana Aziz; Bernadette Adusei; Gabor Nagy; James Packer; Jenna McKinney; Rohena Wallace; Zofia Duszynska; Alex Peebles

Other key lawyers:Stefan Vnuk; Sulaiha Ali; Krutika Patel; Sheroy Zaq; Lewis Kett; Vilash Gami; Fahad Ansari; Krisha Prathepan; Krishma Bathia; Kawther Al-Aaraji; Raja Uruthiravinayagan; Jamie Bell; Howard Cheng

Testimonials

The team is incredibly friendly, supportive and hardworking.

Vicash Ramkissoon is fantastically supportive; he has superb communication skills and is able to find solutions when barriers emerge.

Jamie Bell is very hardworking; he is compassionate, passionate and always gives 100%.

Fahad Ansari is incredibly committed and dedicated to each and every client.

The firm has a strong and large immigration team which is capable of handling all kinds of cases.

Sulaiha Ali has the courage to confront difficult and complex cases, the skill to deliver first class representation, and the diligence to get the best outcome possible.

Kawther Al-Aaraji is intelligent and careful in her professional practice.

The firm has a very strong presence in this area of the law and it makes a notable contribution to the field.

Howard Cheng is incredibly hardworking and competent.

Stefan Vnuk is an exceptional lawyer; he is utterly dedicated and committed to his clients and this work.

Zofia Duszynska has great experience in trafficking cases and is a real fighter for her clients.

The team is highly effective in bringing and maintaining cases against the Home Office.

It is a leading firm in immigration and asylum matters.

The firm's unique strength is that it has highly experienced individuals who are able to deal with every aspect of a claim.

James Packer is a great tactician; he has great judgement and he always keeps his eye on the bigger picture.

The firm is committed to promote and pursue the human rights of the clients it represents.

Work highlights

  • Advising Total Security Services on a range of immigration compliance issues.
  • Represented joint applicants, who faced removal from the UK to Afghanistan, in challenging the legality of the Secretary of State for the Home Department's removal policy.
  • Instructed on a test case challenging the Immigration Detention Pay Regime, which sees detainees paid £1 per hour for carrying out critical work.
  • Instructed on a case to challenge the use of segregation in immigration detention, known as 'removal from association'.
  • Instructed on an appeal to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission against a decision to deprive the appellant of his British citizenship on the grounds of national security.

Edwin Coe LLP is instructed by a range of high-net-worth individuals, investors, entrepreneurs, employees and businesses on immigration issues. It is experienced in handling sponsor licence work, Tier 1 entrepreneur and investor applications. The team, which is led by Dhruti Thakrar, also handles nationality applications and immigration appeals. The team operates closely with the firm's corporate, private client and employment departments to provide a full service to clients.

Practice head(s):Dhruti Thakrar

Other key lawyers:Christine Chiew

Fladgate LLP's team, which 'provides a holistic service and thinks outside of the box', acts for high-net-worth individuals, their families and their businesses on a range of immigration issues. The practice has particular expertise in complex and exceptional applications; it is instructed on complex ILR applications and handles applications for naturalisation where the residence requirement is not met. Other areas of expertise include advising politically exposed persons and well-known individuals on political asylum claims, extradition and Interpol Red Notices. The team is also adept at handling extension applications for Investor and Entrepreneur visas. Key lawyers in the team include 'breath of fresh air' Sarah Gogan and the 'excellent' Kelly Whiter.

Practice head(s):Sarah Gogan

Other key lawyers:Kelly Whiter

Testimonials

Kelly Whiter is excellent, hardworking, fully on top of rapidly changing immigration laws and superb at handling clients.

Kelly Whiter is extremely professional while being personable.

The team understands the needs of private clients.

Sarah Gogan is a breath of fresh air; she is always personally available and on the ball.

Sarah Gogan gets her hands dirty and understands the needs of ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals.

Sarah Gogan is brilliant with clients, who trust her and give her the freedom to run their cases in the way she knows best.

The team provides an excellent personal service that is highly responsive and commercially focused.

Kelly Whiter is an excellent lawyer who provides practical advice that is always focused on achieving the right results.

Kelly Whiter is responsive, technically excellent and yet manages to provide very practical solutions to some unique challenges.

Kelly Whiter is a strategic partner with a truly superb knowledge of immigration law and practical insights.

Fletcher Day's immigration offering is 'professional, responsive and possesses strong technical abilities'. The team demonstrates particular expertise in advising individual clients on the entrepreneur visa route, and is also experienced in advising high-net-worth individuals on investor applications. Corporate clients also turn to the practice for advice on sponsor licences, including companies across the fashion, consultancy, financial services and dentistry sectors.

Practice head(s):Sam Meymand

Testimonials

The team excels at identifying the unique needs of the client and matches solutions in an expeditious and professional manner.

Sam Meymand gives thorough attention to detail and is extremely attentive to the needs of his clients.

The team combines professionalism, skill, a commercial approach and personalised care.

Sam Meymand has a very personable approach.

Sam Meymand is highly engaged with all clients

Sam Meymand consistently delivers a premium service.

Work highlights

  • Advised an ultra-high-net worth client, with Indian and St Kitts nationality and domiciled in the UAE, on his application for entry clearance as a Tier 1 investor.
  • Advised an Iranian and Dominican high-net-worth individual, with a leading pharmaceutical business in Germany, who was looking to move to the UK on the Entrepreneur visa.
  • Advised an international hotel chain on sponsor license issues.
  • Advised an investment bank in London on the sponsor management system and a number of issues relating to its migrant employees and Brexit.
  • Advised a company established in the USA and South Africa on its establishment in the UK which included advising on the transfer of one of its senior employees from South Africa to the UK.

Fox Williams LLP acts for SMEs and individuals, spanning the energy, technology, financial services, media and education sectors, on a range of business immigration instructions. It is regularly engaged on sponsorship licence applications, ILR applications, Tier 2 PBS applications; and the team advises on all aspects of the Immigration Rules. It is instructed by a number of private schools on Tier 2 and Tier 5 applications, and also advises on sponsor licence issues. The team, which is led by Sacha Schoenfeld, is also engaged on nationality-related applications.

Practice head(s):Sacha Schoenfeld

Other key lawyers:Adèle Standard; Yawar Abbas

Testimonials

The team has great experience in working with Russian nationals and is well-versed in assisting on the Tier 5 visa process.

Sacha Schoenfeld is very responsive to emails and has great attention to detail.

Yawar Abbas is very capable and communicative.

Freeths LLP handles a range of immigration work for corporate, individual and high-net-worth clients; ranging from entrepreneurs to multinational clients. The team regularly advises on right to work, compliance audits and advises clients on preventing and challenging civil penalties. It also handles sponsor licence applications and management issues and advises on suspended and revoked licences. The education, care, manufacturing, cyber, sports. technology, logistics and leisure sectors are key areas of focus. The team operates closely with the firm's corporate department to advise on the immigration implications of transactions. Tom Bradford, who previously worked at the Home Office, is the key partner in London.

Practice head(s):Tom Bradford

Other key lawyers:Shradha Virji

Work highlights

  • Represented a leading African musician on the establishment of a UK record label.
  • Advised a local authority on issues relating to Brexit.
  • Advised on the immigration issues relating to a merger of two companies.
  • Provided sponsor licence and visa support for a major UK telecoms infrastructure client.
  • Assisted a sucessful franchise on the transfer of senior executives to the UK.

Ganguin Samartin handles a full range of US and UK immigration work for business clients as well as individuals. Its corporate client base covers the entertainment, tech, luxury goods, finance, media and sports sectors, and the team is instructed by high-profile figures and high-net-worth individuals. It is regularly engaged on sponsor licences, Tier 2 and Tier 1 applications, and also advises on family applications, European free movement and nationality matters. The team is also experienced in human rights work. Paul Samartin heads the firm's US practice and Vanessa Ganguin handles business immigration and is also experienced in human rights cases. Ganguin Samartin is instructed to represent Entertainment One (eOne) on immigration issues related to several music artists under its management via its UK based entity, Nerve Management.

Practice head(s):Vanessa Ganguin; Paul Samartin

Other key lawyers:Meghan Vozila

Key Clients

Entertainment One (eOne)

Work highlights

  • Provides Tier 2 sponsorship support and compliance for an award-winning investment management firm.
  • Representing an artist management agency on immigration matters for several music, theatre and film artists under its management.
  • Providing ongoing strategic support and Brexit advice to a Swiss manufacturing client.
  • Providing ongoing sponsor licence and Brexit support to a household name brand.
  • Obtaining expedited work visas for production crew to work in the US on various productions.

Gherson is a specialist immigration, nationality, extradition and human rights offering which stands out for its ability to advise on complex asylum and human rights cases. The team is well-versed in domestic and international extradition proceedings, asylum claims, human rights-based applications, appeals and it is particularly adept at handling politically sensitive cases. On the business side, the team is instructed by entrepreneurs, private clients and multinational corporations. Firm founder Roger Gherson has a 'fantastic reputation'.

Practice head(s):Roger Gherson

Other key lawyers:Thomas Garner; Joe Levtov; Alina Fosh; Isobel Neilson

Testimonials

The team is thorough and provides information in an accessible manner.

The team is friendly and excellent at communicating to clients.

Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors provides an 'exceptional service' to its clients. Human rights, appeals and overstay work is a key focus of the practice, including appeals and cases involving asylum, European free movement, nationality law and unlawful detention. It is also experienced in judicial review applications. On the business immigration side, the team is able to advise individuals and corporate clients on all aspects of the visa and employer sponsorship process. The team acts for several sports sector clients as well as a number of start-ups. Consultant solicitor Bernard Andonian is a 'fountain of knowledge and experience', while legal director Fadi Farhat, who is an 'expert', heads the appeals and public law team. Managing partner Dave Vasoodaven is strong on human rights and EEA law.

Other key lawyers:Bernard Andonian; Dave Vasoodaven; Fadi Farhat; Hayk Sayadyan

Testimonials

The firm advises in a clear and comprehensive manner.

The team provides excellent client care and delivers a top-quality service.

Its knowledge is first-rate.

The team has a hands-on approach and lawyers are able to conduct their own advocacy.

Healys LLP acts for high-net-worth individuals in the sports, music, theatre, films and entertainment industries, advising on complex personal immigration matters and concessions outside of the rules, refusals, deportations and judicial reviews and ILR applications. It also handles family-related issues and is experienced in cases involving international adoption and surrogacy. The team also advises UK universities on student visas and acts for companies on sponsorship licence matters.

Practice head(s):Ivon Sampson

Other key lawyers:Omar Shams; Nagesh Jain

Work highlights

  • Advised a private client on an ILR application, following five years of continuous residence as the holder of a Tier 2 (General) Migrant.
  • Advised a private individual on an appeal against the Entry Clearance Officer for failing to properly consider the duty of care for the appellant under the provisions of section 55 of the Borders Citizenship and Immigration Act.

Irwin Mitchell's immigration department is regularly engaged by high-net-worth individuals on complex immigration mandates, working closely with the firm's international tax, trust and property experts to provide a full service. SMEs and corporate clients are also a key focus where the team is instructed by clients across the finance, manufacturing, construction and IT sectors. Department head Philip Barth, who joined in October 2018 from Withers LLP, has brought 'exceptional experience', particularly in advising high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals on complex immigration and citizenship cases. Barth is noted for his extensive expertise in handling Tier 1 (Investor) mandates.

Practice head(s):Philip Barth

Other key lawyers:Mandeep Khroud; Ben Xu

Testimonials

'Philip Barth is very knowledgeable and his integrity is strong.'

Kerman & Co is instructed by a range of corporate clients for UK immigration matters; the practice is noted for its sports sector expertise, while it is also active in sectors including financial services, IT, legal, recruitment, healthcare and architecture. The team also offers advice to private clients, advising on nationality issues as well as Tier 1 applications. Practice head Stephen Hall joined in January 2018 from Kingsley Napley LLP.

Practice head(s):Stephen Hall

Key Clients

HSF Health Plan

Lavazza

Econet Investments

Kingsley Napley LLP is 'very capable of covering the spectrum of immigration law; from business to asylum, including family and private life applications'; and the team is 'always very willing to go above and beyond to provide the best service'. The team acts for a variety of clients across the legal, professional services, financial services, sports, media, entertainment, education, technology and energy sectors on business immigration matters. It also advises entrepreneurs, investors, high-net-worth individuals and high-profile individuals on complex immigration matters. Nicolas Rollason and the 'outstanding' Elspeth Guild are European immigration law experts, while Marcia Longdon is experienced in advising both corporate and private clients on the immigration rules, the PBS and discretionary applications and has a growing practice acting for clients in the creative and entertainment sectors. Ilda De Sousa handles British nationality applications, appeals, judicial reviews and applications under European Law, and also assists employers on Tier 2 or Tier 5 sponsor registrations and handles compliance issues. The firm also handles a raft of asylum, human rights and overstay work and is involved in a number of appeals and judicial reviews. The team is noted for its experience in complex family applications involving surrogacy and adoption. Senior associates Katie Newbury, who heads the private client immigration team, and Kim Vowden, who is experienced in advising financial, media and technology sector clients on business immigration, are also key members of the team.

Practice head(s):Nicolas Rollason

Other key lawyers:Marcia Longdon; Ilda de Sousa; Elspeth Guild; Katie Newbury; Kim Vowden; Gillian Brownlee; Conor Boyd

Testimonials

There is a strong partner team, which is supported by excellent associates; the lawyers are on top of the law, great with clients and solution-centred.

Nicolas Rollason and Katie Newbury are both really excellent.

Katie Newbury is an extremely courteous, principled and compassionate solicitor who works tirelessly.

Katie Newbury is very knowledgeable across the spectrum.

Conor Boyd is very pleasant and easy to work with.

Short notice responses and quick turnaround times are what sets the firm apart from the rest.

Ilda de Sousa understands fully what the client wants and needs, and goes above and beyond to get work done.

The team is very knowledgeable, accessible, helpful and pragmatic.

The team listens well and is able to explain legal jargon in a clear and understandable way.

Katie Newbury and her team are just exceptional and made a stressful experience so much easier to handle.

Katie Newbury is incredibly passionate and extremely bright.

Elspeth Guild is outstanding.

Work highlights

  • Advised couple on an international adoption matter, which included an application to register their adopted son as a British citizen.
  • Advised on judicial review proceedings following the refusal of ILR as a Tier 1 (General) migrant.
  • The team advised on an asylum application for a high-profile individual, subject to extradition proceedings.
  • Acted for a US national in maintaining her immigration bail and successfully had her leave to remain as a Tier 2 General migrant reinstated following a criminal conviction.

Laura Devine Immigration is a 'very high-quality boutique practice. with a huge amount of experience; it is a go-to firm for difficult personal and business immigration issues'. On the business immigration front, the firm is strong on UK and US matters, which is enhanced by its New York office, and is instructed by a raft of corporate clients, start-ups and executives. The team works alongside HR teams on sponsor licence management, compliance training, audit services, and supports clients on a raft of immigration issues. Managing partner Laura Devine is a 'leading expert on immigration law'; while senior partner Sophie Barrett-Brown - 'the master of legal detail' - heads the UK practice; and Natasha Chell is head of risk and compliance. Senior solicitors Nicolette Bostock, who is 'very efficient', and Francesca Sciberras, who is 'extremely thorough' are also key figures. The firm's 'outstanding' appeals and human rights practice, which is led by senior solicitor Malini Skandachanmugarasan, handles a variety of work which includes advising on overstay, and matters involving separated families, elderly dependants and incapacitated applicants. It also handles high-profile asylum claims for individuals, and the team is experienced in advising politically exposed individuals.

Practice head(s):Laura Devine; Sophie Barrett-Brown; Natasha Chell; Anastasia Tonello; Christi Hufford Jackson; Malini Skandachanmugarasan

Other key lawyers:Nicolette Bostock; Francesca Sciberras; Matthew Wills; Zeena Luchowa

Testimonials

What makes Laura Devine Solicitors stand out amongst the City-based immigration practices is a generosity of spirit when it comes to sharing with other practitioners, and with the public in general, its accumulated wisdom about the UK immigration situation.

Sophie Barrett-Brown is the master of legal detail.

The team is super reactive to its clients' needs and requests.

Nicolette Bostock is very efficient.

The team is high-quality and is led by some of the most highly respected immigration practitioners in the field.

Laura Devine and Sophie Barrett-Brown are exceptional; they are acutely professional, practical and a pleasure to work with.

The team is very strong at providing step-by-step guidance and it ensures that every step of an application is clear.

Nicolette Bostock has a really calm attitude and provides very clear guidance in a non-technical way.

Natasha Chell is particularly skilled at applying both law and administrative practice to complex situations.

Superb lawyers, first class attention to detail and fantastic attitude; instructions are meticulously prepared in good time.

A top quality service, from the most stylish lawyers in the business.

They team is compassionate and handles cases in a sensitive manner

Malini Skandachanmugarasan is very compassionate and offers the best possible solutions.

They team is incredibly professional, committed, optimistic and efficient at all times.

Matthew Wills ensures that cases are dealt with efficiently and successfully; he is always clear and concise,

The team is an inspiring example to the rest of the legal community.

Nicolette Bostock is extremely knowledgeable.

Zeena Luchowa is very responsive, takes the time to build a relationship with you, is honest and informative in her advice, and is very detailed.

Nicolette Bostock expertly navigates through complicated situations successfully.

Francesca Sciberras is always very helpful, professional and responsive.

The 'first-rate' team at Lewis Silkin LLP handles both personal and business immigration mandates, advising clients including multinational corporates, start-ups and high-net-worth individuals across sectors including financial services, fashion, media, entertainment, retail and sports. The team is increasingly advising clients with an established or growing presence in the Asia Pacific region, working with its Hong Kong office to provide an integrated service. Its China desk advises clients doing business in the UK and advised a multinational business group which links Chinese companies with UK businesses on a successful appeal against the Home Office's decision to revoke its sponsor licence. The firm's Japanese desk is able to support its client base of several Japanese multinational companies. The team also operates closely with the firm's employment team to provide a full service to its clients. Andrew Osborne handles personal and business immigration work and is noted for his sports sector expertise.

Practice head(s):Andrew Osborne; Antonia Grant

Other key lawyers:Ben Maitland; Naomi Hanrahan-Soar; Joanna Hunt; Stephen O’Flaherty; Natasha Hotson

Key Clients

Deliveroo

Havas

Marks & Spencer

Ford Motors

Fulham Football Club

ASOS

Leeds United F.C.

Chelsea F.C.

Work highlights

  • Successfully advised an international tire distributor and manufacturer on various issues and was able to maintained the company’s A rated sponsorship status following compliance issues found by the Home Office during an unannounced visit.  
  • Advised a Canadian headquartered AI company on its successful sponsor licence application.
  • Successfully obtained a sponsor licence status for a risk and control data analysis business for it to hire a new CEO after its first application was refused in an expedited fashion.
  • Advised a multinational advertising and public relations business on the successful transfer of workers to a sponsor licence for another company within the group, who had been a TUPE’d as a result of a commercial contractual rather than a change in ownership.
  • Advised Leeds United FC on the appointment of former Argentina and Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa and his management team.

Macfarlanes LLP has a 'brilliant' business immigration offering, which is instructed by start-ups, SMEs, international corporations and higher education institutions on a range of UK immigration issues. The firm's work includes advising companies, senior executives and their families on inbound and outbound immigration matters, sponsor licence issues and nationality applications. The team has recently assisted a number of companies on issues arising from non-compliance with Tier 2 of the PBS. It is also able to advise on immigration matters relating to corporate transactions and works closely with the firm's employment team to advise on employee-related issues.

Practice head(s):James Perrott

Other key lawyers:Tom Marsom

Testimonials

The firm has an exceptional immigration team.

James Perrott is excellent.

Work highlights

  • Represented an employee who travelled into the UK on an expired EU residence document.
  • Assisted an internet services provider to reinstate its suspended sponsor licence.
  • Assisted a senior employee of an international manufacturing company to extend their immigration status in the UK.
  • Assisted an international financial services business to expedite an application for a CERA.
  • Assisted a technology company to obtain a Tier 2 sponsor licence in order to hire a US national to work in its UK office.

Specialist business immigration outfit Magrath Sheldrick LLP has long-established experience of advising clients in the financial services sector; it is regularly engaged by major banks on a raft of immigration and global mobility issues. The team is also instructed by a number of ultra-high net worth individuals and household-name media and entertainment personalities. Senior partner Chris Magrath has a focus on UK and US immigration matters, while managing partner Ben Sheldrick stands out for his experience in advising clients in the financial services sector. Alfreda Joubert is experienced in acting for private clients, while Zulaykha Bhaijee primarily works with corporate clients.

Practice head(s):Ben Sheldrick; Zulaykha Bhaijee; Alfreda Joubert

Other key lawyers:Chris Magrath

Testimonials

The firm has a wealth of experience and is very highly regarded.

Based across the national firm's Norwich and Birmingham offices, the team at Mills & Reeve LLP handles immigration matters for businesses, private clients and education sector clients. Its client base also includes organisations across the commercial, health, charity and sports sectors. The team has recently been engaged by several universities, NHS Trusts and other organisations to advise on issues relating to EU national staff following the Brexit referendum. The team also handles visa applications and compliance issues. The team is led out of Norwich by principal associate Alex Russell, who 'provides a fantastic service'.

Practice head(s):Alex Russell

Other key lawyers:Mark Benton; Emma Tuck

Testimonials

The team provides an all-round excellent service.

Alex Russell provides a fantastic service and is very knowledgeable and helpful with all queries

Alex Russell is very knowledgeable, patient and unflappable.

Key Clients

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust

Regent’s University London

St Ives

King’s College London

Olympus

Alere Toxicology

Baxter Healthcare

Royal Veterinary College

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency

Work highlights

  • Provided support to a UK university on its preperation for a Home Office sponsor compliance audit.
  • Advised East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust (and multiple other organisations) on issues relating to Brexit and the new EU settlement scheme.
  • Advised a free-wire technologies company on its registration as a sponsor under the PBS.
  • Advised a London university on visas for research staff on externally funded research projects.
  • Advised a leading software development company on the recruitment of multiple employees under Tier 2 (general).

Mishcon de Reya LLP has an 'outstanding reputation' for immigration work; it is 'very skilled at dealing with difficult immigration and nationality issues'; and the team has 'first-rate legal skills, but unrivalled client care skills'. The business immigration team acts for high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients, which are active across the financial, creative, media, technology, sports and fashion industries. The team is regularly engaged on sponsor licence applications, right to work checks, Home Office compliance, entrepreneur and innovator applications and representatives of overseas business visa applications. It is experienced in advising on exceptional applications for naturalisation and complex ILR applications. The team also offers human rights, asylum and deportation expertise; it defends clients against extradition requests and is engaged on contentious immigration issues for clients in the Middle East, Russia and China. Judicial review claims, human rights and asylum claims are a key part of the practice. Team head Kamal Rahman is the 'absolute master of client care'; she is ably supported by Steven Bostock, Maria Patsalos , managing associate Hannah Barnett and associate Matt Ingham.

Practice head(s):Kamal Rahman

Other key lawyers:Steven Bostock; Maria Patsalos; Hannah Barnett; David Deane; Jessica Good; Elnara Ismagilova; Natalie Loader; Neil Shanghavi; Madni Chaudhari; Lucy Grant; Elnara Ismagilova; Fran Rance

Testimonials

The team is very dedicated.

Kamal Rahman has a real engagement with her clients.

The team has quick, accurate and excellent lawyers.

Kamal Rahman is an outstanding expert in the field; she has a vast range of knowledge and knows exactly how to deal with government departmental issues in this difficult area of work.

Matt Ingham is a star.

Hannah Barnett is amazing; she is very talented.

Kamal Rahman, Steven Bostock, Maria Patsalos and Matt Ingham all provide first-rate legal advice, while making the client feel special; they ensure that the client's case, big or small, is their first priority.

The London team at US firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP delivers a 'very personalised service', advising on global immigration strategies, relocations and visa applications. The practice focuses on UK and EMEA matters for clients in the media, technology and entertainment sectors, and is also engaged by financial services sector clients such as banks, asset managers, hedge funds and insurance brokers. It regularly manages UK, US and global immigration programmes and advises on immigration issues relating to corporate transactions and reorganisations. Its UK immigration experience includes sponsorship applications, Tier 2 and Tier 5 applications, visitor visas, employers’ duties and compliance under the PBS. It is also able to handle personal applications where it acts for entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals. In an example of its media sector expertise, the team advised Cameron Mackintosh Limited on the immigration strategy for the European tour of Miss Saigon, which required advising on UK immigration law and exit permits for Filipino nationals. The team also secured a number of German work permits for the tour’s performances in Cologne. The team is led by the 'outstanding' Nicholas Hobson, who is admitted as both a solicitor in England and Wales and as a legal consultant in New York.

Practice head(s):Nicholas Hobson

Testimonials

The team is very, very responsive

The level of service is always first-class; no query is too trivial, and the team are all personable and provide pragmatic advice.

The team is patient and pragmatic and guides the client through every step of the process.

Nicholas Hobson has an ability to deliver professional support in often challenging environments.

Nicholas Hobson and his team give pragmatic advice in a business context.

The team is hands-on and effective.

The team is extremely focused and user-friendly.

Nicholas Hobson and Yvette Allen are outstanding.

Key Clients

Cameron Mackintosh

Niche London offering NNU Immigration is a specialist firm which exclusively advises on US immigration matters; the team is 'always helpful, practical and adopts a 'can-do' attitude'. Instructed by global businesses, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals, it provides US legal advice on employer-sponsored visas, investor visas, criminal waivers of inadmissibility, green card status, abandonment of green card status; naturalisation and the renunciation of US citizenship. The team has specialist expertise in E-2 treaty investor visa applications, and it is 'first-rate in its knowledge of US immigration for businesses and business owners'.

Practice head(s):Nita Nicole Upadhye

Testimonials

A very strong US immigration practice.

Provides high-quality advice.

Nita Nicole Upadhye carries with her an amazing sense of enquiry and the ability to take on challenging work.

Osborne Clarke LLP works with multinational clients on a range of immigration matters such as sponsorship licences and recruitment-related issues. It regularly advises US clients with UK businesses on a range of instructions and it stands out for its experience in advising on inward investment into the UK and Europe through its experience handling Sole Representative Visas. Advising senior staff and their families on relocation issues and acting for individuals on immigration issues is also a key focus of the practice. Practice head Gavin Jones leads the 'personable yet professional' team.

Practice head(s):Gavin Jones

Other key lawyers:Tina Sayyah

Testimonials

The team is always knowledgeable, helpful and professional.

Gavin Jones and his team are all personable yet professional.

Gavin Jones has the experience behind him which enables him to break things down into easily understandable points.

Key Clients

Refinery29

Vice Media

Zuffa LLC

Thatchers Cider

Arrow International Media

Anomaly

Cunningham Lindsey/Sedgwick International

Collaborative Solutions

System1 Group

CYP UK

Work highlights

  • Advising Vice Media on the immigration aspects of its UK and international expansion, which included advising on new hires and transfers.
  • Advising Zuffa, the US sports promotion company behind the UFC, on immigration matters relating to high-profile international events.
  • A advising blockchain company Chainalysis on the establishment of its UK entity, which included completing the relevant work permit applications and coordinating pan-European advice.
  • Advising Refinery29 on strategy, compliance and new hires.
  • Advising CYP UK on international staff transfers and new hires in the context of an acquisition of the company.

OTS Solicitors handles a raft of immigration work; it is consistently praised for its 'professional approach' and its 'vast experience'. The team handles a range of human rights and family life cases, and is also involved in deportation and asylum claims, judicial reviews, ILR and EEA applications and nationality cases. The team has recently been engaged on a number of Windrush generation cases and is also experienced in cases involving trafficking and children. On the business immigration side, the team regularly handles matters relating to investor, entrepreneur and innovator visas, sponsorship licences, illegal working compliance, global migration planning and employee transfers.

Practice head(s):Oshin Shahiean; Teni Shahiean

Other key lawyers:Paul Gulbenkian

Testimonials

The firm provides an excellent service; the lawyers are real professionals and they know the law very well.

The team stands out for its professionalism, its attention to every detail of the client's application, its impressive client care, its wealth of expertise and its impressive success rate.

Teni Shahiean has a wealth of expertise.

Oshin Shahiean is very knowledgeable.

Bhavini Bhatt is energetic, has keen sense of client needs, and is professional and very thorough.

Teni Shahiean has a hands-on approach.

Teni Shahiean and Maryem Ahmed are very good listeners and give good and honest advice.

Work highlights

  • Represented a client in obtaining his indefinite leave to remain.
  • Represented a client in obtaining his Adult Dependant visa.
  • Represented a client in obtaining his extended family member residence card.
  • Represented a client in her Tier 1 Entrepreneur application.
  • Represented a client for his Tier 1 Entrepreneur judicial review.

Payne Hicks Beach's citizenship and immigration department is 'always client-focused and is commercially oriented to deliver the best possible result'. It stands out for its ability to advise ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals on Tier 1 investor and entrepreneur applications. It is also adept at advising overseas companies on establishment in the UK and handles sponsor licence issues for businesses, particularly in the fashion, financial services and not-for-profit sectors. With skills in handling complex instructions, often with a human rights element, the team has recently been involved in several complex judicial review challenges. Team head Kathryn Bradbury gives 'clear and realistic advice; she is hugely organised and is never flustered'.

Practice head(s):Kathryn Bradbury

Other key lawyers:Alexandra Lane

Testimonials

Kathryn Bradbury is a truly fantastic solicitor, with 360-degree knowledge of immigration law, both substantive and procedural.

The team, especially Kathryn Bradbury, are exceptional.

Kathryn Bradbury is a 'go-to' person when HNW or UHNW individuals are concerned; her approach is very professional, she can advise on the spot very clearly, to the point and efficiently.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's business immigration team works with corporates, start-ups, investors, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals, and while it has a particular focus on the education sector, it is also adept at advising clients across the retail, finance, sports, technology, creative and private wealth sectors. It works closely with the firm's corporate, commercial and employment teams to provide a thorough service for its clients, and is regularly engaged on crisis management advice to businesses and education sector clients when sponsor licences are under threat. The team provides various university clients and multinational corporations with support for EU national employees. The team also offers specialist human rights, appeals and overstay advice where it advises on complex applications and cases involving surrogacy and adoption. Department head Pat Saini is 'very experienced' and is strong in the education sector. Saini is ably supported by Hazar El-Chamaa, who heads the firm's private wealth immigration team. Senior associate May Cheung and associate Adam Cotterill are also recommended.

Practice head(s):Pat Saini

Other key lawyers:Hazar El-Chamaa; Penny Evans; May Cheung; Adam Cotterill; Afeefah Shabbir

Key Clients

Coventry University

Safe & The City

London Film Academy

Navitas/SAE

China-Europe Networks of technology and Innovation (CENTI)

Oxera

Istituto Marangoni

Met Film School

Sandbar Asset Management LLP

Tata Limited

Hikma Pharmaceuticals

Ozo Innovations

Farfetch UK

VapeWild

Work highlights

  • Advised various further education colleges on audits from UKVI.
  • Advised a leading multinational independent private equity firm on an alternative immigration solution.
  • Obtained a Tier 2 sponsor licence for Ozo Innovations.    
  • Advised on a successful settlement application for a domestic violence victim.
  • Assisted the founder and CEO of WeGeek to obtain a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa.

PwC LLP’s London immigration team works with an impressive roster of big-name corporates, providing a global service which draws on the wider firm’s tax and employment capabilities and huge international footprint to provide an integrated offering for multinational clients. The practice is now jointly led by Lindsey Barras and Sharan Kundi, who were promoted to the partnership in 2019. Key clients are drawn from sectors including financial services, manufacturing, technology and education, while the team - which has particular expertise in business travellers and the Posted Workers Directive - also includes a private client practice.

Practice head(s):Lindsey Barras; Sharan Kundi

Boutique firm RLegal Solicitors, which provides an 'outstanding quality of service to its clients', specialises in UK immigration and nationality law. It is instructed by SME clients and multinational corporates on sponsorship licence and compliance matters. It also acts for high-net-worth individuals on investment-based entry into the UK. The team is also noted for its experience in human rights cases, family migration issues and nationality applications. It is experienced in challenging refusals via appeals and judicial reviews. Founding partner David Robinson is described as 'an absolute goldmine of information'.

Practice head(s):David Robinson; Evan Remedios

Testimonials

The team is professional, dedicated, informative and very friendly.

Evan Remedios is helpful from beginning to end and makes things clear and very simple.

David Robinson is an absolute goldmine of information on managed migration issues and has extraordinary resources which enable him to respond to even quite complex queries with remarkable speed.

The team always puts in the extra effort required to get the job done.

The team is astute and intelligent in their preparation of human rights work and always delivers an exemplary service.

David Robinson is diligent, intelligent and commendably careful in his preparation.

Key Clients

Devbridge LLP

NVC Lighting

Lola Grove

Javlin

Film Light

Vox Supply Partners

TX Odds Limited

Suliman Mohamed Alnamalah

Dentexcel

PaperbackShop.co.uk

Amagis Capital

Electec

Red Lantern Digital

Pacifico Group

Work highlights

  • Advised Devbridge LLP on a sponsorship licence and the transfer of existing overseas personnel to the new operation, relating to its establishment into the UK.
  • Assisted Javlin on the establishment of its first UK office, which included advice on a sponsorship licence and the transfer of existing overseas personnel to the new operation.
  • Assisted Lolagrove on obtaining a sponsorship licence, as well as advising on ongoing compliance, resident labour market tests, and all Tier 2 sponsorship matters.
  • Assisted Filmlight on obtaining a sponsorship licence and securing leave to remain for Tier 2 General new hires.
  • Assisted a private client to obtain entry to the UK as a spouse, following a previous refusal with complicated financial evidence.

Russell-Cooke LLP's business immigration team regularly advises national and multinational businesses on the immigration implications of complex and high-value transactions. The team is also able to advise on complex sponsor license issues; it is regularly engaged in cases where sponsor licences have been revoked or are under threat and the team is noted for its education sector expertise. The team is also engaged by high-net-worth, ultra-high net worth and professional foreign nationals on Investor and Entrepreneur visas. The team also handles a raft of human rights, appeals and overstay mandates; the team advises on complex issues and has a growing reputation for sensitive adoption cases and is also advises families and individuals facing complex immigration issues. Senior associate Nisha Patel leads on personal immigration work for individual clients and is experienced in complex appeals, spousal visa applications and applications outside of the immigration rules. The 'experienced' Edward Wanambwa heads the team.

Practice head(s):Edward Wanambwa

Other key lawyers:Nisha Patel

Testimonials

Nisha Patel is very professional; she has outstanding knowledge and the capability to organise a team that works for the client.

The firm is capable of covering any task for clients, including complex matters.

Work highlights

  • Brought a successful judicial review claim for a major multinational pharmaceuticals company.
  • Advised a leading US-based financial services company on UK immigration issues arising from Brexit.
  • Advised a US financial trading company on obtaining a sponsor licence and a Tier 2 visa for a key employee.
  • Representing a client on a permanent residence and British citizenship application.
  • Advised on an application for leave to remain in the UK, outside of the Immigration Rules on compassionate and exceptional grounds.

Sheridans stands out for its media sector expertise; the team offers specialist expertise in Tier 5 work, helping entertainers, actors, musicians and other talent to enter the UK for work. It is instructed by high-profile companies bringing music and entertainment stars to the UK for appearances and performances, and also acts for other high-profile individuals on personal immigration issues. Sponsor licence applications and compliance issues are also a key focus of the team and it is instructed by media and technology clients on the recruitment of individuals in the gaming, post-production and healthcare sectors. Practice head Owen Jones, who joined from Doyle Clayton in 2017, is praised for his 'practical' approach.

Practice head(s):Owen Jones

Other key lawyers:Daniela Korn; Anita Pali

Testimonials

Owen Jones has a very deep understanding of the law and has a practical view on how to get things done.

Owen Jones stands out because he is reactive and practical, based upon a thorough knowledge of the legal position, which changes frequently.

Key Clients

Advent Capital Holdings

Ambulatory Surgery International

Core Communications

Work highlights

  • Advises Advent Capital (Holdings) on sponsorship matters.
  • Advised ASI Healthcare on the immigration aspects of the recruitment of key managers for the company’s expansion.
  • Advised Core Communication Retail on its sponsor licence, new hires and compliance matters.
  • Assisted Major Technology on the acquisition of staff with rare skills and abilities.

The team at Squire Patton Boggs, which is led by UK business immigration head Annabel Mace, works with global businesses and ultra-high net worth individuals on a range of complex immigration mandates, covering sectors including sports, media, retail, food, construction, pharma, manufacturing and financial services. The practice is able to draw on the wider firm's international network of offices, as well as its strengths in employment, to advise on global transfers, global mobility issues and cross-border instructions. In particular, the team has seen an increase in work from China-based entities and it is also well-placed to handle immigration matters for Indian and US clients.

Practice head(s):Annabel Mace

Other key lawyers:Supinder Sian; Rebecca Bridges

Sterling Law advises on all types of UK visa and sponsor licence issues for a range of corporate and individual clients. The team is adept at handling PBS applications, which includes advice on sponsored migrants, highly skilled migrants, entrepreneurs and investors. The team is also able to advise on human rights-related cases at initial application and appeal levels, and has experience in a variety of other cases including asylum, protection and family reunion cases. Ruslan Kosarenko is praised for his abilities as a 'dynamic problem-solver'.

Practice head(s):Navdeep K Gill; Ruslan Kosarenko; Yuriy Lysenko

Other key lawyers:Nataliya Varahash; Nozima Rakhimjonova

Testimonials

This team is unusually responsive and extremely well organised.

The team is dedicated, hardworking and brings a positive attitude towards even the most difficult case.

Ruslan Kosarenko takes a 'can-do' approach to cases and gets excellent results.

Ruslan Kosarenko's ability to think around a situation means that he will leave no stone unturned when it comes to securing a good outcome for his clients.

The team goes the extra mile.

Ruslan Kosarenko is a very personable, client-friendly lawyer who is always finding new avenues in terms of new business opportunities and innovative solutions to drive the practice forward.

Ruslan Kosarenko is dynamic problem-solver.

Work highlights

  • Advised on the humanitarian protection of a Filipino national who divorced her former partner from Phillipines and  faced persecution and death threats her home country due to the bigamy case filed by her former husband.
  • Represented a Brazilian client and protected the best interests of her child in separation case.
  • Advised on a successful Investor visa application after initial refusal.  
  • Advised on a successful Tier 1 visa application.
  • Advised on a sponsor licence application.

The immigration team at Taylor Wessing LLP operates closely with the firm's employment, private wealth and tax experts to advise corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals on a range of immigration issues. The team is also well-placed to advise on the immigration aspects of corporate transactions and restructuring mandates; it is able to utilise the firm's international presence to advise on complex immigration instructions for multinational clients.

Travers Smith LLP's business immigration team works closely with the firm's employment team to advise on a rage of matters for clients in sectors including financial services, media, leisure, pharma, manufacturing and retail. The practice's expertise includes advising on immigration sponsorship licences and related compliance issues, and the full spectrum of work visas. The team also handles immigration issues relating to restructurings and other corporate transactions. The banking and financial services sector is a key focus for the team, which advises Metro Bank on all business immigration issues.

Practice head(s):Ed Mills

Other key lawyers:Siân Keall; Tim Gilbert; Adam Wyman; Moji Oyediran

Key Clients

Metro Bank

Bidfood

Bain Capital

STA Travel

Groupon

The Access Group

Brewin Dolphin

Marathon Asset Management

Bakkavor plc

Liberty Specialty Markets

Work highlights

  • Advising Bain Capital on a range of business immigration issues, including in relation to Brexit.
  • Advises on business immigration issues associated with Bidfood executives.
  • Advising on sponsorship licence issues, associated with various business acquisitions, for The Access Group.
  • Advising Lothbury Investment Management on the immigration issues associated with the sale of a majority stake in its business to Nomura Real Estate Holdings.
  • Advising on a range of business immigration issues for Marathon Asset Management.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP acts for businesses seeking to establish themselves in the UK, while also handling a range of immigration work for domestic clients, including individuals. The digital and tech sector are key focuses, and the team regularly acts for fast-growing start-ups. It advises TransferWise, a London-based financial technology company, on company-wide immigration matters. The team is also experienced in advising on UK visas for large-scale events in the leisure industry. Team heads Anna Robinson and Devan Khagram were recently promoted to partner following the departure of former team head Angharad Harris to Keystone Law.

Practice head(s):Anna Robinson; Devan Khagram

Testimonials

The team is always available for questions and advice.

The team is responsive and accessible and provides the right balance of legal expertise for each different commercial situation.

The customer service across the team is great, and the lawyers are professional, upbeat and practical.

Key Clients

TransferWise

Longleat Safari Park

More Contract UK Limited / Mobal UK

Svenska Handelsbanken AB, London Branch

DDM Entertainment and Events Inc.

KBC Advanced Technologies

Phrasee Limited

Woods Bagot Europe

J Marr (Seafoods)

Work highlights

  • Advised Longleat Enterprises on the Tier 5 Creative and Sporting visa applications for up to 50 Chinese workers to facilitate their involvement in a large-scale Chinese Lantern Festival.
  • Advised a senior employee of a major London-based fintech company following his detainment on re-entry to the UK.
  • Advised a Japanese national with a complex discretionary leave to remain application as the spouse of a British citizen under Appendix FM.
  • Successfully assisted a Greek national on the preparation and submission of a complex EEA Permanent Residence application.

Wesley Gryk Solicitors LLP is described as 'one of the best immigration law firms, with highly knowledgeable and well-respected lawyers'. It specialises in immigration, asylum and nationality law and the team is regularly involved in cases involving human rights, civil liberties and European free movement issues. The team predominantly acts for individuals, but also advises corporations, partnerships, religious orders and charities. Senior partner Wesley Gryk, who has a 'formidable reputation', regularly handles complex cases and is noted for his experience in cases involving LGBTQ+ rights. Barry O’Leary is experienced in applications based on partnership and family and in relation to international surrogacy arrangements, while he also handles asylum and human rights claims based on sexual identity. Alison Hunter is experienced in European free movement and is an expert in adoption matters. Diana Baxter is active across nationality and asylum law matters and has particular experience in complex nationality work and Appendix FM applications, as well as applications based on Article 8 rights. The firm is considered 'the Rolls-Royce of the immigration market, whether for complex asylum claims or immigration applications for private clients'.

Practice head(s):Wesley Gryk; Barry O’Leary; Alison Hunter; Diana Baxter

Other key lawyers:Nath Gbikpi

Testimonials

Wesley Gryk has a formidable reputation as an international human rights lawyer and his work in such cases is enhanced by this wide experience.

Alison Hunter is an expert in family immigration law.

Barry O’Leary and Diana Baxter have extensive experience in family and asylum cases, and they are highly respected for their representation in cases dealing with LGBTQ families, surrogate born children, asylum and refugees.

The individuals are knowledgeable, clever and talented.

Diana Baxter prepares her cases exceptionally well and provides exceptional client care.

Wesley Gryk is an outstanding senior lawyer, who knows the immigration system inside out.

Diana Baxter is a high-level problem solver who is used to finding intellectually robust solutions for clients.

Barry O’Leary is a wonderful multi-skilled lawyer, who deploys a pragmatic and realistic approach with both clients and the Home Office but is able to revert to the letter of the law when needed.

Alison Hunter is the best lawyer around for any immigration issues to do with adoptions, bringing children and families together.

Barry O’Leary is very personable and knowledgeable and has an enviable niche practice of surrogacy related immigration law and immigration law relating to same-sex relationships.

Nath Gbikpi is very knowledgeable, approachable and trustworthy.

The team is practical, straight to the point, it is understanding of the complexities and diligent in finding the right solutions.

Work highlights

  • Assists unaccompanied refugee minors in Europe to reunite with family members in the UK.
  • Handled a successful asylum claim for a Gambian victim of FGM and forced marriage.
  • Assisted a wide range of artists and creatives in applying for the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category.
  • Representing Windrush applicants to secure and prove their status in the UK.
  • Assisting vulnerable minors in local authority care to regularise their immigration status and obtain British citizenship.

Wilson Solicitors LLP is a 'go-to firm' for complex immigration work, and is regularly involved in cases involving human rights, overstay, nationality and security issues. The firm undertakes a significant proportion of legal aid work, and also represents private clients. It stands out for its experience in detention work and appeals, and the team is adept at handling cases involving international adoptions, surrogacy and sensitive cases involving children. Senior partner Michael Hanley is well versed across immigration and asylum law, and he is experienced in deportation work and cases involving complex family issues. Matthew Davies - 'an undisputed leader in this area of law' - heads the immigration team and specialises in advising individuals on complex immigration matters.

Practice head(s):Matthew Davies

Other key lawyers:Michael Hanley; Ana Gonzalez; Anita Vasisht; Muhunthan Paramesvaran; Marcela Navarrete; Chris McKendry; Andrew Jones; Giulia Tranchina; Aisling Ni Chuinn; Elizabeth Ruddick

Testimonials

All team members, without exception, are knowledgeable and dedicated to their clients and this area of law.

Ana Gonzalez has a deep knowledge of immigration law and procedure; her dedication to her clients, affable personality and work ethic makes her hard to beat.

Matthew Davies' understated style is refreshing for someone who is an undisputed leader and hero in this area of law.

Work highlights

  • Represented a Russian national who has been refused entry to the UK to join his family on the grounds that he would pose a threat to the safety of a high-profile opposition politician.
  • Advised a victim of trafficking and modern slavery on an asylum claim.
  • Advising an individual on a complex national security case involving deprivation of citizenship.
  • Acting for an individual on an appeal to the UK Supreme Court, clarifying the meaning of precarious in the context of the 2014 legislation regulating Article 8.
  • Advising on a judicial review of delay in Home Office decision-making.

Withers LLP acts for corporate clients and employers on a range of immigration issues. It is regularly engaged on sponsorship applications and compliance issues. The team is also instructed by high-net worth individuals and well-known personalities on personal immigration matters. Tracy Evlogidis heads the London practice.

Andrew Tingley joined Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP from Kingsley Napley LLP in November 2018, to spearhead its immigration offering. Working closely with the firm's private client and employment teams, the newly established immigration department is well-placed to advise corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals on complex immigration issues. Tingley is experienced in advising professional services and third sector clients, as well as SME start-ups, entrepreneurs and high-net worth-individuals on complex and sensitive immigration mandates.

Practice head(s):Andrew Tingley

Testimonials

'Andrew Tingley is very knowledgeable in his field, very efficient, very friendly and cost effective.'

The 'excellent' team at Wright Hassall LLP acts for a number of multinational companies on business immigration matters; it is instructed by clients across the charities, financial services, IT, gaming, professional services, retail, insurance, oil and gas and manufacturing sectors. The practice also works with high-net-worth individuals in the financial services, media and entertainment industries, while other law firms also instruct the team on internal immigration issues. The practice, which is led by Matthew Davies, also has significant experience of complex cases involving illegal working.

Practice head(s):Matthew Davies

Other key lawyers:Tracie Udall; Kelly Tomkinson

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