At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise clients on UK corporate and personal immigration matters while managing complex cases.
- Company: Join Shoosmiths, a top law firm known for its supportive culture and innovative approach.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible benefits, and a commitment to your professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping businesses navigate the complexities of immigration law.
- Qualifications: 6+ years of experience in immigration law with strong client relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced immigration lawyer to join our Employment & Immigration team, advising employer clients on UK corporate immigration as well as personal immigration. You will work closely with a broad range of organisations, providing practical and commercially focused advice on their immigration requirements and helping them navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
The role will involve advising clients on matters including sponsor licences, sponsored workers, visa applications, right-to-work requirements and ongoing sponsor compliance obligations. Our existing immigration practice also supports clients through immigration audits, training and the development of appropriate policies and procedures and on a wide range of personal immigration applications including indefinite leave, dependant visas and Global Talent visas.
As a senior member of the team, you will be expected to take ownership of client relationships and complex matters, contribute to the growth of the practice and support the development of more junior colleagues.
Main responsibilities:
- Advising employers on a broad range of UK corporate immigration matters.
- Advising on personal immigration matters including Global Talent, Schengen visas and ILR.
- Advising on sponsor licence applications and ongoing sponsor licence management and compliance.
- Advising employers on the sponsorship of workers, including Certificates of Sponsorship and relevant work visa applications.
- Providing practical advice on right-to-work requirements and immigration compliance.
- Conducting immigration compliance audits and helping clients identify and address areas of risk.
- Delivering immigration training to HR, recruitment, legal and management teams.
- Advising clients on immigration considerations arising from recruitment, workforce planning and international movement of employees.
- Working collaboratively with employment lawyers and other specialist teams where immigration issues interact with wider employment or commercial considerations.
- Managing matters effectively from initial instruction through to completion, ensuring clients receive responsive, clear and commercially focused advice.
- Developing strong relationships with existing clients and identifying opportunities to broaden those relationships.
- Supporting business development initiatives, including training, seminars, briefings, articles and other thought-leadership activity.
- Keeping clients and colleagues informed of significant developments in immigration law, policy and practice.
- Supporting and supervising junior lawyers and other members of the team, sharing knowledge and contributing to their development.
- Contributing to the continued development and profile of the immigration practice nationally.
Skills and experience:
- Has strong experience advising employers on UK corporate immigration matters.
- Has experience of personal immigration matters including ILR, Global Talent, Schengen visas.
- Has detailed knowledge of the sponsor licence regime, sponsored work routes and employer compliance requirements.
- Has experience advising on right-to-work issues and immigration risk.
- Can manage complex matters with appropriate autonomy.
- Is able to translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into clear, practical advice for clients.
- Has strong client relationship and stakeholder management skills.
- Demonstrates sound commercial judgement and understands the wider business context in which clients operate.
- Is comfortable building relationships and contributing to business development.
- Can supervise, support and develop junior colleagues.
- Works collaboratively across teams and disciplines.
What will set you apart:
- Significant experience acting for employer clients and acting on personal immigration matters.
- Experience handling complex sponsor licence and compliance matters.
- Experience delivering client training and immigration audits.
- The ability to develop trusted relationships with HR, People and senior business stakeholders.
- An interest in growing client relationships and contributing to the wider development of the immigration practice.
- Experience of matters where immigration and employment law overlap.
The firm's Employment & Immigration practice advises organisations on corporate and personal immigration matters and works with businesses on areas including sponsorship, sponsor management, immigration compliance and bringing individuals into the UK.
Shoosmiths is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents.
Immigration Senior/Principal Associate in Edinburgh employer: Shoosmiths
Shoosmiths is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that empowers legal professionals to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the firm provides structured learning opportunities and a comprehensive benefits programme, ensuring that every team member can make a meaningful impact while advancing their career in the vibrant city of Birmingham. Join a market-leading Real Estate Litigation team where your expertise will be valued, and your contributions recognised in a supportive environment that champions innovation and ambition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Immigration Senior/Principal Associate in Edinburgh
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We think you need these skills to ace Immigration Senior/Principal Associate in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Shoosmiths, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Shoosmiths and the specific role of Immigration Senior/Principal Associate. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Shoosmiths’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shoosmiths
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Shoosmiths.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Shoosmiths.
