The Immigration team at Lewis Silkin is a highly collaborative group, spread across our offices in London, Cardiff, Belfast, Manchester, and the fast-growing team in Dublin, with typically only one trainee in the team at a time. This unique structure not only allows for close collaboration but also ensures that you gain significant exposure to a wide variety of cases across different immigration matters. You will work closely with senior team members and clients both in the UK and internationally. Depending on the cases you're involved in, you may also have opportunities to engage with government bodies and officials. You quickly gain real insight into how immigration law affects both individuals and businesses - from visa applications to policy advice.

Starting out - support from day one

Immigration law can seem complex, but there’s no need to worry. From day one of your seat, you’ll receive a comprehensive series of training sessions covering key phases of immigration law and the tasks you'll likely encounter. As you progress, the team ensures continuous development with weekly team meetings and immigration know-how sessions to keep you up to date with recent developments and case law. Additionally, our Knowledge Lawyers provide daily precedent updates to ensure you’re always informed about the latest changes. You will also have access to external courses to supplement your learning and broaden your expertise. Together, these resources support your growth throughout your time in the team.

Drafting opportunities in Immigration - building your expertise with key applications

Our Immigration team offers trainees the chance to draft key legal documents, such as sponsor licence and visa applications. This hands-on experience allows you to contribute directly to the firm's immigration practice. You will develop a strong understanding of application processes for different visa categories and work closely with clients to ensure their applications are thorough, accurate, and compliant. Drafting these applications helps refine your legal writing skills, attention to detail, and practical understanding of immigration law, all while receiving continuous support and feedback from senior team members.

Getting out of the office - real-world experience

One of the standout aspects of a seat in Immigration at Lewis Silkin is the chance to step beyond traditional desk work and gain invaluable experience through real-world opportunities. Trainees may have the opportunity to attend client sites for mock audits, offering a firsthand look at how businesses maintain compliance with immigration requirements. These audits provide unique insights into the practical challenges clients face and the tailored solutions we provide. Additionally, the Immigration team encourages trainees to participate in networking events and industry gatherings, where you can build connections, learn from experts, and represent the firm in a professional setting. These opportunities not only enrich your training experience but also equip you with skills and knowledge essential for building your legal career.

Research - expanding your expertise through diverse, international topics

The Immigration team offers trainees substantial opportunities to engage in legal research across a wide range of topics and jurisdictions. Whether it's analysing visa categories, reviewing immigration policies, or examining key legislative developments, research plays a crucial role in supporting the team’s work. Research tasks might include drafting client updates, contributing to internal knowledge-sharing initiatives, or supporting the development of thought leadership pieces. Exposure to immigration law across various countries not only sharpens your analytical skills but also enhances your understanding of the global legal landscape, providing a valuable foundation for your future career as a solicitor.

Personal reflections - gaining diverse, hands-on experience in immigration law

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Immigration team. It was a dynamic and busy seat where I gained broad experience in immigration law. The work was intellectually stimulating, varied, and rewarding, with opportunities to work on cases for a diverse range of clients - from individuals to international businesses. The combination of hands-on drafting, research, and client-facing opportunities offered ample scope to develop my skills, learn new aspects of immigration law, and continue challenging myself along the way.
 

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