Laura Devine Immigration remains ranked Band 1 in Legal 500 UK 2022 for both corporate immigration and human rights immigration.

‘Well-respected‘ specialist firm Laura Devine Immigration has offices in both London and New York, with US attorneys and UK solicitors in both locations, meaning it has the notable ability to offer a transatlantic service. The firm is strong on both the business and human rights sides, and is described as ‘pragmatic and excellent at guiding clients through the intricacies of UK immigration‘. Managing partner Laura Devine and senior partner Sophie Barrett-Brown are the most senior figures, working with a strong bench of talent including head of risk and compliance Natasha Chell, London-based US practice head Christi Hufford Jackson, and senior solicitors Zeena Luchowa and Matthew Wills, who jointly lead the human rights practice.

This new edition of the guide recognises eight members of the LDI team:

Hall of fame: Laura Devine and Sophie Barrett-Brown
Leading individual: Natasha Chell
Rising stars: Nicolette Bostock, Zeena Luchowa and Francesca Sciberras
Recommended: Christi Jackson and Matthew Wills

‘Sophie Barrett-Brown is a clear leader in the field. She is a formidable lawyer and advocate. She knows immigration law inside out and is able to use it creatively to achieve excellent results for her clients. She is the most excellent legal brain a client could hope to have on their side.’

‘I have personally worked with Natasha Chell consistently through the years and have been very pleased with the attention she provides to each of the applications my company has submitted. She is an incredibly responsive communicator and even when the application details are being handled by a subordinate, I feel her oversight is comprehensive.’

‘Nicolette Bostock was excellent. She was extremely responsive, knowledgeable, pragmatic and left no stone unturned to find a solution to my specific immigration needs. Her service exceeded all expectations; in particular, she was able to find me a solution that beat even the very tight timescales I had set for her. I am a senior solicitor myself so I know a good solicitor when I see one.’

‘Nicolette Bostock is my main contact at Laura Devine and I am so pleased she is. When I ask Nicolette for advice, I know that the response I get from her will be clear and easy to understand and well thought out. If I have a particular urgent request, Nicolette is always prompt to reply and so accommodating. She really is a delight to work with and a complete professional. Laura Devine are very lucky to have her.’

‘Zeena Luchowa who has been one of the most brilliant lawyers I have worked with. She has always been extremely conscientious, provided excellent and high quality services, responding to queries very quickly and providing very clear explanations. Zeena is passionate, considerate and dedicated in her work, particularly in helping to raise and address problems facing her clients.’

‘Zeena Luchowa has risen to the top in no time and for good reason. She is incredibly meticulous in her preparation of cases with great attention to detail. She has particular expertise in complex nationality matters.’

‘Francesca Sciberras stands out – she is always happy to support with last-minute requests, and always goes the extra mile to support our business. She provides excellent advice and is great to work with.’

‘Matthew Wills has a track record of overturning adverse Home Office decisions. He is versatile with good client care skills as he appreciates the needs of different client groups. Good with vulnerable clients.’

Read the full Legal 500 review here.