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.
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Profile
Work Department
Immigration, education, technology.
Position
Pat is an immigration partner who advises corporate and education sector clients, including the board of various universities and large private sector clients on risk management, sponsor compliance matters, partnership arrangements and the immigration aspects of business restructuring. Pat often liaises with senior UKVI officials on behalf of clients. She also has experience of challenging UKVI decisions to suspend, revoke or other UKVI action against sponsors. Her specialist areas of work also include immigration services for private individuals, many of whom are applying for Tier 1 investor and entrepreneur visas. She has a wealth of experience in dealing with human rights cases, appeals, judicial reviews and Court of Appeal matters. Her clients are spread across the firm’s education, charities, retail, sports and entertainment and technology sectors.
Career
Qualified 1998; associate solicitor, Penningtons 2009-12; partner 2012.
Languages
Hindi, Punjabi.
Memberships
ILPA; co-convenor of the family and general subcommittee of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association; co-chairs the immigration and talent working party at Tech London Advocates; member of the City of London Corporation’s migration working party; and member of UKVI’s operational forum.
Education
Dudley College of Technology; Middlesex University (LLB); The College of Law.
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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.'