National specialist law firm Simpson Millar has launched an immigration law office in Bristol to meet “rocketing” demand for advice since the Brexit vote.
The firm, which already has two offices in Bristol, has already seen a sharp rise in the number European nationals wanting to secure their immigration position in the UK and expects number to continue to soar ahead of Britain leaving the EU.
Luke Piper, who has joined Simpson Millar from Yorkshire firm Switalskis Solicitors, will lead the Bristol operation.
He will be responsible for providing a broad range of immigration advice to individuals and businesses locally, and for building the team further across the South West.
Simpson Millar head of immigration law Emma Brooksbank said demand for immigration law advice had soared in the wake of referendum to leave the EU.
“We have seen a significant rise in demand for immigration law advice from businesses, universities and individuals in the South West. To describe demand as rocketing is not an exaggeration,” she said.
“Luke has the legal experience and the business acumen to set up our new immigration office and build a strong presence in Bristol. In particular, he brings with him a wealth of knowledge of Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas.”
Luke advises clients in all areas of immigration with a focus on Points-Based System applications, entry clearance, human rights and EEA law.
He has represented clients in Judicial Review claims in both the High Court and the Upper Tribunal, and has recently worked on a case that was reported by the Upper Tribunal as precedent setting.
In addition, he has previously worked on a case that went to the Supreme Court and issued a number of cases to the Court of Appeal.
Emma Brooksbank added: “Luke is known for passionately challenging Home Office decisions – finding swift and effective solutions to sometimes complex and urgent immigration problems.”
Luke said: “With a hugely diverse demographic and a thriving business community, demand for immigration law advice in the South West is rising rapidly. People and businesses want a high-quality, efficient service at a competitive price that will manage and remedy immigration issues effectively. That is what we will bring to the Bristol and the South West.
“In the build-up to Brexit, we will see more requests from EEA nationals wanting to secure their immigration position in the UK. The same will be the case for spouses of British citizens and other family members who often struggle to navigate the various rules and regulations alone.
“For businesses, we can help build an effective and strategic approach to, for example, applications for a sponsor licence from the Home Office that will permit them to employ people from outside the EEA.
“In immigration, applications that have not been thoroughly prepared stand a high risk of getting refused by the Home Office. The implications for both businesses and families are always significant which is why timely legal advice is essential.”
Leeds-headquartered Simpson Millar has 14 offices across the UK. One of its Bristol offices – in Corn Street – specialises in family law, while its other base in the city – at 1 Temple Way – handles a range of legal issues including employment law.
Pictured: Emma Brooksbank and Luke Piper
