Chambers UK 2022
Chambers UK 2022
Corporate immigration: ranked band 1
Highly regarded for its business immigration advice to international businesses, SMEs and senior executives. Regularly advises clients looking to obtain sponsor licences, as well as assisting on compliance matters for those that already have a licence. Of particular note is the US immigration expertise on offer in cooperation with the firm’s New York office. Noted for providing training and seminars for clients on the impact of Brexit and on the EU settlement scheme.
“Everyone at Laura Devine is completely dependable.“
The lawyers are “excellent and have good knowledge of the legal frameworks. They take a commercial approach to problems and work efficiently,” says a client.
Personal immigration: ranked band 1
Well-known immigration firm with strong expertise across asylum, human rights, EU and personal immigration matters. Regularly assists both individuals and families with specific expertise advising elderly dependants, individuals who have been refused visitor visas, and overstayers. Recent work advising EEA nationals on the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as members of the Windrush generation.
One source appreciates that “the team is extremely professional and a well-oiled machine.”
A client adds: “They are brilliant; they are very responsive and accommodating, and communication is always prompt.”
Notable practitioners
Managing partner Laura Devine is a leading figure in the field of business immigration. She is dual-qualified in the UK and the USA and brings a depth of expertise in US-related immigration issues. “Laura Devine has built a very successful practice.” “Amazing – proactive and sensible, she is also great at problem solving and gives honest advice.”
Natasha Chell handles corporate immigration issues, including Tier 2 applications and sponsor licences for clients spanning the insurance, financial services and legal sectors. Immigration audits and compliance are another noted area of focus. “Super professional and provides really good advice – we are very pleased.”
Matthew Wills advises on a range of personal immigration issues, including family immigration and Tier 1 applications. He also assists clients on appeal processes. “He is extremely good at dealing with complex cases, giving practical advice to clients.” “He is brilliant; he is very helpful and always available to speak with us and is able to break down the steps and processes.”
Zeena Luchowa has an active personal immigration practice encompassing complex nationality issues and settlement applications. “She is very reliable and willing to find solutions to immigration issues.” “She really kept me in the loop and made me feel that everything would be OK – she is reassuring.”
Individual rankings
- Laura Devine – eminent practitioner
- Sophie Barrett-Brown – leading lawyer
- Natasha Chell – leading lawyer
- Nicolette Bostock – star associate
- Zeena Luchowa – associate to watch
- Matthew Wills – associate to watch
Read the full review in Chambers and Partners here.
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Who's Who Legal 2021
Who's who Legal 2021
Corporate Immigration 2021
Seven members of the LDI team are ranked for Corporate Immigration, with Laura Devine, Sophie Barrett-Brown and Christi Jackson being recognised as Global Thought Leaders.
Founding partner, Laura Devine‘s practice remains at the cutting edge and her track record is consistently excellent. One peer states, “she is leader of corporate immigration in the UK – and for a very good reason.” Sophie Barrett-Brown is “a leading star in immigration”. Natasha Chell earns widespread praise for “very pragmatic, with a business-focused approach”. Christi Jackson is a renowned US immigration expert with considerable experience, clients praise her for being “exceptionally knowledgeable, understanding and kind”. Nicolette Bostock is described as one to watch for the future by peers and clients who commend her “deep knowledge of immigration law”. Francesca Sciberras is an up-and-coming name noted for her “in-depth knowledge of the UK Home Office immigration landscape”.
LDI’s New York office is home Jennifer Stevens who is distinguished has having an “in-depth knowledge and is committed to improving the quality and consistency of UK immigration law.”
Read the full review in Who’s Who Legal
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Chambers High Net Worth 2021
Chambers High Net Worth 2021
Ranked band 1 in the 2021 Chambers High Net Worth guide, sources commend the team “they are fantastic, they are incredibly generous with their time, they are willing to assist others. They go well beyond just client work, they try to improve immigration for all. They are at the forefront,” enthuses a market insider, who adds: “They really get each and every aspect that may affect a high net worth individual.”
Sophie Barrett-Brown “She is absolutely amazing, very technical and solution-focused.” “She is brilliant, she is extremely bright but she is also extremely personable. She can get complex ideas across in an easy to understand way.” “She is so knowledgeable, she knows everything there is to know about her field.” “If I ever need an immigration lawyer, she is the person I would go to. She is technically brilliant.”
Nicolette Bostock “is extremely knowledgeable about the rules and regulations, keeps us informed of any changes and responds promptly and efficiently to any requests for information.” “Nicolette is sensational: practical and effective advice delivered with poise.”
Zeena Luchowa “She is very easy to communicate with, has significant experience and has a good eye for detail.” “She is exceptionally professional and personable, and her written work is fantastic. She goes above and beyond anything we expect.”
Read the full review in Chambers and Partners.
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Chambers Global 2021
Chambers and Partners Global 2021
Laura Devine Immigration is recognised as a legal immigration firm in Chambers Global 2021, with Laura Devine and Jennifer Stevens listed as leading individuals.
The firm provides respected immigration services to multinationals, SMEs and start-ups active in sectors such as retail, technology, insurance and entertainment. It is further highlighted for its advice to high net worth individuals and for its adept handling of family-based immigration and asylum cases. And also noted for its excellent experience of policy development.
Jennifer Stevens is noted as “first class,” and “very knowledgeable and helpful – a delight to work with.” She utilises her qualification as an English solicitor to assist clients on USA-UK matters.
Laura Devine is recognised as a “powerhouse” and an “excellent leader”. “A legend in the field of business immigration”.
Read the full review in Chambers and Partners.
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Source: Chambers and Partners
Chambers USA 2021
Chambers USA 2021
Recognised as a leading firm in Chambers USA 2021, specialising in US and UK immigration matters. Enjoys a fine reputation across a variety of industries, such as finance and fashion, and acts for clients ranging from individuals and families to businesses. Counts comprehensive visa services among its strengths, as well as being noted for its green card, waivers of inadmissibility and consulate-related expertise.
“Laura Devine Immigration is an excellent law firm with great practitioners, they are experts in UK immigration laws.”
Kushal Patel is experienced with a variety of visa categories, including H-1B, L-1B, E-2 and B-1. He acts for clients in a diverse range of industries including construction and technology.
Read the full review in Chambers here.
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Spear's 500 2021
Spear's 500 2021
Laura Devine and Sophie Barrett-Brown are recognised as leading individuals in the 2021 edition of the Spear’s 500 guide to top private client advisers, wealth managers, lawyers and service providers to high-net-worth individuals.
Laura Devine
Depending on whom you talk to, Laura Devine is recognised either as Who’s Who Legal’s highest-rated UK immigration lawyer or ‘Queen of the ritzy’ (The Times). But either way there’s a consensus that she is a go-to lawyer for handling immigration matters.
Devine founded her ‘transatlantic powerhouse’ boutique firm in 2003, after years spent establishing the immigration practices at Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC) and Eversheds. The impressive lawyer is qualified in both the UK and the US, making her a ‘first choice for HNWs.’ Her experience has also led to a personal benefit: her own O-1 Visa, a privilege granted only to persons of ‘extraordinary ability’.
Sophie Barrett-Brown
Industry commentators are full of praise for Sophie Barrett-Brown, an ‘energetic powerhouse’ whose ‘knowledge of the points-based system is second to none’.
Barrett-Brown is a prolific speaker and commentator on immigration law, who is also recognised for her ‘innovative outlook’ in lobbying the Home Office for policy change.
She has expertise across the spectrum of UK immigration law, and is highly knowledgeable in EU freedom of movement. Other areas of expertise are Tiers 1, 2, 4 and 5 and discretionary applications. She advises HNWs from all sectors, from SMEs and multinationals to entertainment figures and regularly gives evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee on immigration.
Read the full review in Spear’s 500 here.
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Immigration Services
Citywealth Leaders 2021
Citywealth Leaders 2021
Citywealth Leaders 2021 lists Laura Devine, Sophie Barrett-Brown and Natasha Chell in its curated directory of leading advisers to the UHNW market.
Laura Devine ‘is the definition of a Citywealth Leader; one of the first and still the best immigration law boutiques in London, she is a thought leader, frequent speaker and advocate for this specialist (and increasingly relevant and mainstream) area of law. You don’t work for Laura, you join her family along with her clients and friends and she manages to combine utter professionalism and expertise with a great sense of humour and empathy.’
Sophie Barrett-Brown ‘thinks at an unusually high strategic level and is also brilliant at complex tactical execution. She combines an analytic approach with unusual personal empathy and engagement.’
Natasha Chell ‘Natasha is a genuine leader and professional with a wealth of experience and knowledge in her field. Highly recommended!’
Read the full review in Citywealth here.
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What does Brexit mean for your health care arrangements?
What does Brexit mean for your health care arrangements?
18 March 2020
Whether you are a British citizen planning to emigrate to the Spanish coast or a European citizen arranging a hiking holiday in Scotland, Brexit means that all of these transnational endeavours are likely to progress slightly less smoothly and extra caution will be required. With the current heightened risk of incurring a coronavirus infection, it is more important than ever to have adequate health care arrangements in place. We therefore set out the main changes to take into account when arranging any foreign travel within the UK and EEA/Switzerland.
Short-term travel: EHIC cards
Currently short-term travel is covered by the European Health Insurance Card, which EEA, Swiss and British citizens can freely apply for. In case they fall ill during their holidays in another EEA country or Switzerland, they can be treated there whilst their country of residence will reimburse them.
This paperwork-free procedure is likely to disappear from 1 January 2021 onwards, when the transitional period is scheduled to end. Whilst Theresa May’s White Paper published in July 2018 indicated that it wanted the scheme to remain in place, the Johnson government has not yet formulated a similar intent. The UK’s abolition of the EHIC card does not necessarily mean travellers will be left without assistance. As the UK has several reciprocal social security arrangements with other states, the UK can be expected to seek some form of arrangement with member states. However, these arrangements are likely to be less substantial (eg, excluding chronic and pre-existing conditions) and involve a lot more paperwork.
Notably, EEA and Swiss nationals currently working in the UK will not be able to circumvent the abolition of the EHIC card by applying for the card in their home country. The issuance of the card is on the basis of residence, not nationality, so they are subject to the arrangements of the state where they make their social security contributions.
Long-term residency
All British nationals in the EEA or Switzerland and all EEA/Swiss nationals in the UK before the end of the transition period, meaning before 31 December 2020, will benefit from the old EU arrangements. Consequently, they will continue to have the same access to health care in the state where they reside as nationals from that state.
Anyone arriving from 1 January 2021 onwards, however, cannot be certain to be permitted to make use of the host state’s health care system in the same way nationals of the host state can. The reciprocal use of healthcare systems is currently the subject of negotiations between the EU and the UK.
EEA/Swiss nationals moving to the UK should be particularly concerned, as the Johnson government has clearly indicated that it intends to subject EEA/Swiss nationals to the same rules as other immigrants. Consequently, they are likely to face the extortionate “Immigration Health Surcharge” of £624 on top of the immigrant’s contributions via income tax. With this tax, a European family of four would end up paying £10,940 up front when seeking immigration permission for a period of five years.
Whilst the position of British nationals in the EEA or Switzerland is equally insecure, they are unlikely to face similar health care taxes, simply because many European states refrain from demanding such high contributions.
Latest immigration changes: Immigration Health Surcharge and Statement of Changes
Latest immigration changes: Immigration Health Surcharge and Statement of Changes
Given the current global health crisis, some important new immigration rules may have passed almost unnoticed. Aside from a Statement of Changes released on 12 March, which consisted of mostly minor tweaks and expected changes following judgements or prior announcements, the most important change is the increased Immigration Health Surcharge. Overshadowed by the budgetary measures to stop the coronavirus from spreading, Rishi Sunak announced that the Immigration Health Surcharge will increase from £400 to £624 as part of the 2020 budget.
Immigration Health Surcharge up
The Immigration Health Surcharge was only introduced in April 2015 and amounted to £200 per migrant per year at the time. In just five years’ the cost has more than tripled and has become a serious barrier to employers trying to attract foreign talent. Whilst migrant workers will pay £624 each per year, minors, students and young temporary workers on the Youth Mobility Scheme pay an increased fee of £470. A migrant family of four working in the UK for five years will have to pay £10,940 up front from October 2020 onwards when the rules come into force. From January 2021, the new charge will also apply to migrants from the EU, in a latest blow to businesses’ concerns to face workforce shortages post-Brexit. Importantly, these migrants already contribute to the NHS via their income tax like any UK employee, so the increased fee should not be understood as a contribution to NHS services (which they already made) but as a disguised tax on immigration status grants.
EUSS update
The Statement of Changes announced a series of tweaks to the EU Settlement Scheme, none of them major or unexpected. New evidence can now be submitted in an application for administrative review of a decision to cancel EUSS status at the border on grounds of deception. The rules have also been adapted to reflect case law on family members to EU citizens exercising their freedom of movement rights, such as SM (Algeria) and McCarthy. The provisions setting out the rules for a no-deal scenario have also been deleted. Other minor tweaks have also been made after communication with caseworkers and stakeholders.
Tier 2 and Shortage Occupations
First, the Home Office has decided to freeze the salary threshold for migrant workers aiming to apply for indefinite leave to remain under Tier 2 (General). The freeze was to be expected, as it is in line with the recommendations made by the Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations and the government’s announcement to lower the general salary threshold under the new immigration system from 2021 onwards.
Second, archaeologists have been added to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and as production and process engineers have already been added to the UK-wide SOL, they have been removed from the Scottish list.
Various other updates
Both the list with Permit Free Festivals, where artists can enter as visitors to perform, and the list with organisations recognised by the UKRI whose fellowships qualify for a fast-track application under the global talent visa have been updated. The quota for participants from each partner country to the Youth Mobility Scheme have also been updated.
Sophie Barrett-Brown and Joshua Hopkins analyse the latest immigration statistics
Sophie Barrett-Brown and Joshua Hopkins analyse the latest immigration statistics
9 March 2020
Sophie Barrett-Brown, Senior Partner and Head of UK Practice and Joshua Hopkins, Paralegal, shared their views on the latest quarterly immigration statistics for Open Access Government. EU immigration continues to decline, Innovator and Start-Up applications remain low, and businesses have been preparing for Brexit by applying for sponsor licences.
Find the full article here.
