Ashfords LLP is well regarded for its advice on employment and recruitment matters concerning workers from outside the UK. The practice is led by Kirsty Cooke; she has notable experience advising on employment issues for foreign nationals, in addition to advising on non-contentious immigration issues for private individuals. Cooke led on the firm's work for Ask Products, an artificial intelligence based technology company, and is praised for her 'helpful, clear and firm' advice.
Immigration in South West
Ashfords LLP
Practice head(s):
Kirsty Cooke
Other key lawyers:
Laura Wonnacott
Testimonials
‘Professional, dedicated and friendly.’
‘I’m particularly impressed by my lawyer Kirsty Cooke and I feel lucky to have her.
‘Kirsty Cooke reminded me of my new visa application even before I contacted her. Every time when I asked her questions and advice, I always got her prompt reply. Her instructions and advice are always helpful, clear and firm, which shows she’s very knowledgeable and clear-minded — I like that very much!’
‘Ashfords was highly responsive to my needs. And also understood how stressful the whole process can be.’
‘Ashfords is very up to date and efficient with its billing arrangements, technology and collaboration with colleagues.’
‘I valued Laura Wonnacott’s interest, enthusiasm, knowledge and her ability to listen. She was quick to understand my complicated and urgent immigration situation and was able to offer helpful, positive ideas regarding a detailed plan of action.’
Work highlights
- Advised the Royal Automobile Company on securing a sponsorship licence.
- Advised CareTech Community Services Ltd with ongoing support on immigration matters, including immigration implications of the acquisition of another care home business.
- Acted as sole immigration advisor to Rathlin Energy UK Limited and oversaw a variety of immigration matters.
Burges Salmon LLP
The practice at Burges Salmon LLP
has a breadth of experience in business migration matters, regularly advising employers on the recruitment of overseas UK nationals, immigration strategies and immigration audits. The practice is led by employment head Adrian Martin who has been leading on the firm's work for the UK Atomic Energy Authority with regards to immigration routes into the UK.
Practice head(s):
Adrian Martin
Other key lawyers:
Huw Cooke; Megan Summers; Myra Leung
Testimonials
‘The team are always responsive and respond in a timely manner to help with any queries raised.’
‘The team are always available to discuss complex immigration matters with. I always appreciate the offer of help to walk through unfamiliar tasks and find the team extremely helpful and friendly.’
‘A real pleasure to work with.’
‘They are extremely knowledgeable of their field and I trust the advice and opinions given when seeking advice for immigration cases.’
Work highlights
- Advised UK Atomic Energy Authority on various immigration routes into the UK, including Skilled Worker, Government Authorised Exchange and Global Talent.
- Advised Clarivate Analytics on business immigration matters, including strategic advice in respect to the recruitment and sponsorship of migrants, Skilled Worker route, immigration reporting requirements and general immigration compliance.
- Advised Pure IP on the Skilled Worker route and assisted its application for a sponsor license in order to support recruitment of a business critical role.
DAC Beachcroft LLP
The practice at DAC Beachcroft LLP is led by Shahjahan Ali, who has specialised in immigration law since 2008. He is well versed in advising both businesses and individuals on immigration compliance, family migration, settlement, European Free Movement rights and sponsorship. The team is well equipped to advise private and public organisations in finance, healthcare and technology matters pertaining to immigration. Notable work includes its advisory to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health concerning the Global Talent visa.
Practice head(s):
Shahjahan Ali
Testimonials
‘DAC Beachcroft’s immigration department is outstanding. They are wholly committed and dedicated and we are never left to feel anything other than a VIP.’
‘Shahjahan Ali – a fantastic and knowledgeable senior lawyer. He has fantastic attention to detail and approaches each case with a commercial eye. Shahjahan is extremely patient, never flustered and works well under pressure when dealing with key internal stakeholders who often attempt to cut corners. I thoroughly enjoy working with him and his team.’
‘We have known Shahjahan Ali for many years and he has always been responsive and constructive whenever we have referred clients to him or sought an opinion from him. He is our No 1 choice for any immigration referrals we may have.’
Key clients
Austrian Embassy
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Kate Ward
Work highlights
- Advised the Austrian Embassy – Commercial Section and its contacts in connection with post-Brexit business activities in the UK.
- Advised the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in connection with the Global Talent visa.