A team with ‘no weak links’, the immigration group at Farrer & Co acts for domestic and international corporates in all aspects of business immigration. The group regularly advises corporate clients on issues such as Sponsor Licences, compliance, Skilled Worker applications and Global Business Mobility routes, and also has ‘fantastic knowledge of the education sector’. As part of a full-service firm, the team can also provide HNW individuals, family offices and start-ups with holistic advice on both the private and corporate aspects of their affairs. The group is led by immigration specialist Elena Hinchin whose ‘knowledge and experience in the field is exceptional’, and also includes Adam Hoefel who has extensive experience with sponsor license applications and compliance, and Sonia Cala-Lesina who is knowledgeable in the work sponsorship system under the Skilled Worker route.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team has unparalleled experience in dealing with clients who value their confidentiality where discretion is an utmost consideration.’
‘Elena Hinchin is an excellent and responsive lawyer with very strong client handling skills and considerable strengths in liaising with Government agencies responsible for immigration practice. She really delivers and is unafraid of having essential conversations with clients and providing robust and nuanced advice.’
‘Elena Hinchina and Sonia Cale-Lesina have a deep knowledge of their area of expertise and, besides that, dig in further in every case, being always available at a phone call distance to clarify and inform on any points. Really appreciated.’
‘Incredibly responsive and knowledgeable. They always set us at ease given their depth of understanding and history with the processes as well as keeping us informed of any relevant changes in the law.’
‘They have fantastic knowledge of the education sector and are always able to give clear, concise, well laid-out advice which is easy to follow. They really do understand the independent school sector well and their advice is always given to a good timescales and never lets us down.’
‘Elena Hinchin is one of the best immigration practitioners around. Broad knowledge and experienced at dealing with UHNW clients.’
‘They have highly skilled individuals throughout the team, there are no weak links. They are pro-active, thoughtful of our needs and always deliver. If there are any issues they call them out quickly, are solution orientated.’
‘Elena's knowledge and experience in the field is exceptional. This then flows through the team she has built. You feel there is real bench strength. What sets Elena apart is that she ensures that she presents the facts in way you can engage and understand.’
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Sonia Cala-Lesina
Practice head
Elena Hinchin
Other key lawyers
Adam Hoefel; Sonia Cala-Lesina; Tom Hardwick; Sarah Pullin