Immigration: Midlands

Paragon Law dominates the immigration sector in Nottingham, handling a significant portion of the most complex and high-profile cases. Clients appreciate the international capabilities that its India and China offices afford it, and it has also recently opened a London base to support the firm's increasing workload. The "committed and passionate" team handles a range of work including audit and compliance of the UK Border Agency sponsorship arrangements, Tier 4 applications for students and appeal work; it also offers a dedicated asylum team. Sources agree that it is a "dedicated bunch of lawyers who are always thinking one step ahead."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing director Thalej Vasishta is sought after for his corporate immigration know-how; interviewees laud his "enthusiastic and business-oriented focus.

This specialist immigration firm operates out of Birmingham and is experienced in a vast array of immigration work, regularly advising on nationality, students, control orders and family reunions. It is also commended for being "fearless in its commitment to taking on publicly funded cases."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Shining star" Margaret Finch holds a long-standing position of respect in the market. She has a wide-ranging caseload but is particularly lauded for her work in human rights and asylum-related matters. Sean McLoughlin is rated very highly by peers, who highlight his sheer dedication, commenting that "if you had to go to war you would want him on your side."

Tyndallwoods has established itself as having one of the strongest immigration teams in the region, and it maintains a large and varied caseload. One source comments that the firm is "excellent for private client work and always has been." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joint head of the immigration department Natalia Garcia is particularly strong on issues concerning national security as well as in appeals to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. Co-head Mark Phillips is lauded for his wealth of experience, with one peer attesting that "he has been there, done it and taught everyone about it."

This business law boutique enjoys an enviable client roster that includes numerous household names. The team primarily focuses on large companies, advising them on Tier 1 and Tier 2 applications under the points-based system and compliance with ongoing sponsorship and licensing requirements. It is also handling an increasing amount of appellate work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marian Dixon heads the team, concentrating on employment and business-related immigration matters. She is held in high esteem amongst peers, who express admiration for the depth of her knowledge. 

This thriving immigration practice has built a name for itself through its commercial, private and publicly funded work. The team is experienced in a range of cases including asylum, human rights, family reunion and all business-related immigration issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Howard heads the team and according to peers his salient feature is his determined approach; he is "marvellously dogged and always perseveres."

This firm has a niche private client practice which is extremely well respected throughout the Midlands. Of late it has been kept busy advising businesses on employer's licences and sponsor certificates under the points-based system; care homes and restaurants make up the bulk of its clients for this kind of work. It also handles intra-country adoption, student and family applications and a substantial amount of appeal work. Clients agree that the group offers "a superb service" and "pays huge amounts of care and attention to the work - its preparation is always meticulous." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Smith runs the Derby office's immigration department. Sources note that he is "immensely experienced, conscientious, thorough and well prepared."