Natasha Chell

Laura Devine Immigration

London www.lauradevine.com

natasha.chell@lauradevine.com Tel: +44 207 469 6476

Biography

With 20 years’ experience specialising in UK immigration law, nationality and EU free movement, Natasha advises senior executives and supports businesses to manage their migrant workforce including providing strategic assistance following corporate restructures and non-compliance. She acts for major multinationals, start-up businesses and individuals within a broad range of sectors. Natasha presents at a variety of events and writes for the media and legal research provider, Lexis Nexis.

What attracted you to a career in corporate immigration?

I was attracted to corporate immigration because it is very people based and its international focus means I work with a variety of sectors and businesses from across the world which makes it interesting.

How did covid-19 affect your work and to what extent do you see these effects being long term?

Covid-19 had a significant impact on international travel and the UK immigration rules and procedures. Immigration lawyers had to be responsive to change, creative with solutions and skilled at navigating new and moving goal posts. The Home Office introduced flexibility and were innovative to deal with the challenges caused by the pandemic. One of the long term positive effects is the increased digitalisation in applications which makes the immigration process more streamlined for lawyers and clients.

What is currently concerning clients when planning a foreign investment?

The suspension of the Investor category has narrowed the options for investors who were attracted to using this route because of the flexibility of the permitted investments and the freedom it provided.

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

Being responsive, creative, solutions focussed with attention to detail is paramount.

Name one of your most memorable cases.

Acting for a charity which had its sponsor licence revoked by the Home Office. The charity was unfortunately unaware of its sponsorship obligations and inadvertently breached many duties. Through close work with the charity improving its systems and processes I was able to persuade the Home Office to reinstate the licence which enabled it to sponsor essential migrants who were key to its worthy work.

How is technology assisting in your ability to make strategic decisions?

It means we can work faster and smarter. The end result is a better and swifter experience for clients and lawyers. Strategically it means adjustments can be made at short notice.

How do you think the market will develop in the next five years?

Digitalisation is a game changer but as lawyers we will need to ensure that in the Home Office’s effort to simplify the experience for the client, compliance is not compromised. We may see more clients consider moving their immigration work in-house because the applications appear simpler but this may give rise to increased inadvertent non-compliance by employers requiring lawyers to spend time advising on complications and refusals.

What advice would you give to younger practitioners hoping to one day be in your position?

If you are willing to work hard, are inquisitive and have an interest in business, enjoy working with people and respond well to change, corporate immigration will be a rewarding and satisfying career.

Peers and clients say: “Natasha has the ability to think of creative solutions” “She is determined to explore all avenues to get success for her client”