Stephenson Harwood

Employment, Pensions, Private Wealth, Immigration, Contentious Trusts and Corporate Tax

Jessica Smart is a Partner and Head of Immigration at Stephenson Harwood. She is a leading specialist in UK immigration and nationality and advises a range of clients, including high-net-worth individuals and corporate entities.

For private clients and families, Jessica advises on all UK immigration routes. For her clients in the UK, Jessica supports them with obtaining  Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) (also known as Permanent Residence or Settlement), British citizenship and passport.

For corporate clients, Jessica supports them through the sponsor licence process and subsequent sponsorship of skilled workers. She advises UK businesses on compliance with sponsor licence duties and responsibilities and the law in relation to the prevention of illegal working.

Jessica has extensive experience advising offshore energy clients on immigration strategy and nuanced areas of law involving seafarers and crew.

Jessica is ranked by the Chambers and Partners HNW guide. She has also been recognised by the Legal 500 for her immigration expertise and is named in ALM's 2026 Private Client Global Elite. She was the winner of the 'Future Icon' award at the Citywealth 2025 Magic Circle Awards.

Jessica was the Immigration Council Member for England and Wales at The Law Society for 4 years and is a member of The Law Society's Immigration Law Committee. She is also a member of the Home Office Business Advisory Group, and the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association (ILPA).