Sophie Barrett-Brown

Sophie BarrettBrown

Laura Devine Immigration

London www.lauradevine.com

sophie.barrett-brown@lauradevine.com Tel: +44 20 7469 6464

Biography

Senior Partner and Head of UK Practice, Sophie has been recognised for many years by legal directories as a leading expert in UK immigration and nationality law. Known for her expertise in complex cases (including problematic Tier 1 (Investor) and (Entrepreneur) applications, challenging sponsor licence revocations and advising on sponsor change of circumstances applications following corporate restructuring), she advises a wide range of clients from multinational corporations, start-ups to sports organisations, entertainers and UHNW individuals.

What qualities make for an effective immigration lawyer in today’s climate?

Immigration law and policy is constantly changing - often in reaction to the political/economic climate and world events. Lawyers need to remain abreast of the ever-evolving policy landscape, to anticipate the direction of movement where possible, and to quickly assess the practical and strategic impacts of changes in order to deliver the best solutions for clients. I firmly believe effective lawyers should not simply interpret and apply policies – our role is also to challenge and shape the law, where appropriate, for the benefit of our clients and others.

It’s crucial to think strategically and plan for clients’ long-term goals not just the immediate term; clients (whether corporate entities or individuals) are unique, with their own personal objectives, priorities, and risk tolerance etc – understanding each client and tailoring solutions accordingly is essential.

And of course, excellent client service, responsiveness, a user-friendly manner and resilience are all key hallmarks of an effective immigration lawyer.

On what matters have clients most frequently asked you for advice over the past year? What would you say is driving this?

On the corporate side, there have been several main themes: a huge increase in new sponsor licence applications, more corporate restructuring affecting sponsor licences and the fierce competition for talent increasing the sponsorship (and turnover) of Skilled Workers – all of which in large part have post-Brexit, postpandemic drivers; on the personal immigration side the key areas have included alternative solutions for HNW clients following the loss of the Tier 1 (Investor) route in February 2022 and the previous loss of the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route (the launch of several new routes this year have failed to meet these needs) and an ongoing trend in complex EUSS applications (those who have missed the deadline, excess absences etc – particularly due to Covid19) as well as the Home Office’s response to the war in Ukraine.

You are a former chair of the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA). What are the organisation’s goals and how has the experience enhanced your practice?

ILPA is an incredible organisation, it has been such a privilege to have been involved in its work over the last 25 years. At its heart, ILPA’s purpose is to secure a non-racist, non-sexist, just and equitable system of immigration, asylum and nationality law practice, to provide education & training and to promote the advising and representation of migrants.

As a junior lawyer, participating in ILPA gave me access to the most extraordinary mine of information and wealth of experience (at a time when Home Office policies were not all published on the internet) and helped provide a platform to seek to drive change. It has given insights across the wide spectrum of work our members undertake and I have had the pleasure of getting to know so many dedicated lawyers. Immigration is a fantastically collaborative area of law – sharing knowledge & expertise ultimately benefits us all, as individual practitioners and our body of clients. Working with ILPA has no doubt contributed to my ethos as a lawyer, seeking to challenge and influence policy, share knowledge and, I hope, as an inclusive leader.

How do you establish a detailed understanding of a client’s business to advise them effectively?

Talk to them. There are great technical tools available to gain information and insights into a business, which should of course be used but electronic communications are no substitute for actually talking to your clients to really get to know what makes them/their businesses tick.

How would you like to develop your practice in the next five years?

My personal practice encompasses a very diverse and challenging range of matters which is a balance I would always wish to maintain; in immigration policy terms, there are numerous changes/reforms I would like to see and undoubtedly this will remain a significant area of focus in the coming years. In a wider sense, the next five years are likely to witness substantial change in the area of legal services, in particular as to how we harness technology, as well as the political/economic changes that may influence immigration policy and our firm will continue to invest in our team and technology to best serve evolving client needs.

Looking back over your career, what has been your proudest achievement?

Of course, the notable cases, the sometimes life-changing results you get for clients and securing legal/policy changes are incredibly satisfying, but actually what I am most proud of is the team we have built at LDI, from small beginnings to 75 staff in London & New York – each one of them (lawyers and support professionals) phenomenally capable at what they do and so caring & supportive of each other and our clients. They are what I am most proud of.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Always be open-minded.

Peers and clients say: ”She is a leader in the world of immigration” “Sophie is very knowledgeable and proactive” “Sophie possesses a brilliant legal mind”