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.