Public sector
Known for ‘a particular strength in finding solutions for exceptionally rare and nuanced cases’, the immigration practice at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP stands out for its integrated offering, collaborating closely with the firm’s dispute resolution, employment, commercial and education teams. Practice head Pat Saini leverages extensive immigration experience, advising HNW clients on entrepreneur, Tier 1 investor and Global Talent visa routes. Hazar El-Chamaa heads the private wealth immigration team and is highly regarded for going ’above and beyond’ for HNW clients in discretionary applications, indefinite leave to remain matters and international surrogacy cases. Creative industries specialist Meghan Vozila was promoted to partner in April 2025, Sophie Spector handles family-related immigration matters, and Jen Parker is a key contact for appeals and judicial review litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Work Department
Immigration, education, private wealth, retail, sports and entertainment
Position
Hazar is an immigration partner, known for her pragmatic, solution-oriented approach to solving her client’s immigration problems. She advises on the full spectrum of immigration routes, on citizenship, the EU Settlement Scheme and sponsor compliance.
Her role as Chair of Trustees of the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) means that she often liaises with senior UKVI officials raising policy and operational issues on behalf of the sector.
She heads the firm’s private wealth immigration offering, working alongside colleagues to provide a full-service covering tax, family and real estate to those looking to relocate to the UK with their families.
Hazar is recognised for her expertise in the education sector, built over 14 years. She advises on all aspects of compliance, risk management, and restructuring. Her clients include universities, independent schools and large private education providers.
She is experienced in providing global immigration solutions to large multinational organisations from a wide range of sectors including retail, sports, entertainment and technology.
Fluent in Arabic, she has contacts throughout the Middle East, in particular the UAE, and regularly visits the region.
Hazar is a frequent speaker on immigration law.
Career
Hazar trained at Bartram & Co Solicitors and qualified in 2006, at which point she joined Penningtons Manches Cooper. She was made partner in 2016.
Languages
Arabic and French
Memberships
Chair of Trustees of Immigration Law Practitioners Association (ILPA)
Education
Pimlico School, London; Kingston University (Bachelors of Laws and French Law with Honours); University College London (Master of Laws with Honours); University of Law (Legal Practice Course).
Content supplied by Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The lawyers I worked with are exceptional. They have all been very dedicated.’
‘Both Pat Saini and Sophie Spector were amazing. They both went out of their way to answer any questions and to help me.’
‘Very strong knowledge and insight in the practice specialisation, with a particular strength in finding solutions for exceptionally rare and nuanced cases. A creative approach to assisting clients, with a clear focus on building long-term connections and assisting clients throughout their journey and needs.’
‘Hazar El-Chamaa goes above and beyond to provide assistance to clients; her service is the perfect balance of personal and professional. Hazar has a unique skill to simplify the complex and to instil confidence in her clients. Her communication style is clear, direct and sensible, yet it remains sensitive and empathetic. I recommend Hazar and her practice to everyone in my network who may need her services, and I will continue to do so. The service provided by Hazar has earned my trust and loyalty, and she is a credit to any firm that is lucky enough to retain her skill.’
'They were excellent.'
'Individuals were clear in communicating the solution and what we needed to supply.'