Business Immigration Solicitor (Junior / Mid)

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Junior to Mid-level business immigration solicitor to join our Business Immigration Team in London to work on a broad range of corporate immigration matters; including advising on applications under all business sponsored and unsponsored visa routes, sponsor licence applications and immigration audits and compliance projects.

Whilst the role is for a business immigration solicitor, as the Business Immigration Team works on a number of global mobility mandates, the candidate should expect to work closely with colleagues in other departments such as Tax, Corporate, Commercial, Real Estate, IP and Data Protection in the UK and from other offices.

The Team

The Business Immigration Team sits within the London Employment Group (albeit as a standalone practice) and is part of the Firm’s wider International HR Services group which is made up of more than 140 lawyers. Our clients include many household names across a range of sectors as well as tech start-ups, unicorns and other domestic and multinational companies.

Further details of the Business Immigration practice can be found on our website, or by clicking here: https://www.twobirds.com/en/capabilities/practices/international-hr/business-immigration

What you’ll do

The main element of the successful candidate’s role will involve assisting our corporate clients with sponsor licence applications and work visa applications for senior and key talent. We do not, typically, engage in high volume immigration work and, instead, provide a “white glove” service providing support from the beginning to end of a matter.

The principal tasks will include:

• Analysis of potential issues involved with immigration applications and working collaboratively with fee earners and clients to resolve them.
• Liaise with key stakeholders to assist in the progression of a file from initial touchpoint to completion, including provision of advice
• Preparation and issuance of draft CoS
• Review application forms and supporting documents for compliance
• Advise on various registration requirements (e.g., TB, English language, police)
• Arrange for expected funds form and request for client money forms (send them to clients once approved and acknowledge receipt once received)
• Submitting application forms, payment of government fees, booking appointments (where applicable), uploading documents, and preparing entry clearance/further leave to remain advice using our template forms
• Review visa stamps, biometric residence permit, digital visa
• Use our online ACCESS legal tech platform to manage visa projects (e.g., upload documents, update status, set visa expiry reminders)
• Update our internal online collaboration platform Solutions Lab with our template emails/forms
• Prepare billing and ensure that agreed fee arrangements are respected

The individual will also be expected to:

• Assist with mock audits and other compliance projects. This can also encompass provision of advice in relation to business visitors and any other new visa routes;
• Coordinate our international projects, including obtaining fee quotes from local counsel, acting as a hub for managing complex cross-border mandates, obtaining advice on different visa regimes; and
• Actively market the Business Immigration Team, both internally and externally (e.g. preparing articles and participating in seminars).

About You

• Strong academic background and excellent analytical skills
• Superb communication skills with a focus on accuracy
• Passion for immigration law
• Excellent team player who can work with various key stakeholders under time pressure
• Able to spot potential issues and ask questions to mitigate risks
• Broad range of business immigration experience (e.g. Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, sponsor licence, Tier 5, Mock audits, legal right to work, immigration compliance, ILR)
• Experience having worked with Band 1 or 2 immigration firm would be desirable
• A client following is a benefit but is by no means a requirement as the Business Immigration Team’s existing caseload will provide a sufficient volume of work
• We are not seeking experience in personal immigration routes (e.g. spouse visa, asylum, human rights) or education-related visas.

Bird & Bird is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive environment. As part of our commitment to that goal, we are participating in the UK Mansfield Rule. Our commitment is to consider at least 30% female lawyers, lawyers of colour, lawyers with disabilities and/or lawyers who identify as LGBTQ+ for our fee earning roles.