Leading immigration expert Sophie Barrett-Brown has joined international law firm Withers as a partner in the firm's UK immigration team. Sophie was previously Senior Partner and Head of UK Immigration at Laura Devine Immigration (a boutique immigration firm based in London and New York), where she spent 26 years working developing and leading its UK practice.
Sophie assists clients across the full spectrum of UK immigration law, with particular strength and experience in complex matters for UHNW individuals, family offices, entrepreneurs, entertainers and international families, often working alongside tax and private wealth advisers.
Sophie is ranked as a Star Individual in UK immigration by Chambers and Partners, where she has been recognised for her expertise for over 20 years. She also has a notable business immigration practice, advising corporates on sponsor licence matters, workforce planning, mobility strategy and the immigration aspects of transactions, and has a market-leading reputation for handling complex, sensitive and high-value matters with significant cross-border elements. Her corporate clients have included many multinational corporations, SMEs and founder-owned businesses.
Alongside her legal practice, Sophie has been active in informing the development of UK immigration policy, including making submissions to the UK Government's Migration Advisory Committee, the Home Office and Home Affairs Select Committee, and has given oral evidence to other Parliamentary committees on a number of occasions. She is a longstanding trustee (and former chair) of the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association and a recognised thought leader on UK immigration.
Jay Dinwwodie, CEO of Withers' Private Client and Tax division, comments: "The UK immigration market is going through a period of immense change, with ongoing government consultation and policy discussion around the future direction of the immigration system, including potential changes to investor and business migration options. Sophie's joining our team reflects our commitment to delivering high-touch, technically excellent, integrated cross-border advice to clients and strengthens Withers' position as trusted advisors to international talent and the globally wealthy."
Sophie adds: "I am delighted to be joining Withers' immigration team, having previously worked with immigration partner Nicolette Bostock for many years. Collaborating with colleagues across the firm's excellent tax, corporate and disputes teams globally gives us a market-leading edge in catering to the unique needs of UHNW individuals, families and institutional clients, and I am excited about the opportunity to be involved in enhancing Withers' international immigration practice."
Withers' UK immigration practice also recently grew with the addition of new partner Tom Marsom, who joined the team in September 2026 from Vialto Partners.
