Methodology

The Global Elite Thought Leaders are those individuals who received the highest number of nominations from peers, corporate counsel and other market sources this year. Our research has identified them as truly outstanding practitioners and the very best in their field.

Who’s Who Legal does not list law firms, only individual lawyers. The leading firms are those in each region whose listed practitioners received the most total nominations in our research.

EMEA

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Sophie Barrett-Brown, Laura Devine Immigration, London
• Nichola Carter, Carter Thomas, London
• Maria Celebi – Bener Law Office, Istanbul
• Laura Devine, Laura Devine Immigration, London
• Jelle Kroes – Kroes Advocaten Immigration Lawyers
• Marco Mazzeschi, Mazzeschi – Corporate Immigration and Citizenship Law, Milan
• Gunther Mävers, michels.pmks Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft mbB, Cologne
• Claire Nilson, Faegre Baker Daniels LLP, London
• Nicolas Rollason, Kingsley Napley LLP, London
• Liam Schwartz, Goldfarb Seligman & Co, Tel Aviv
• Karl Waheed, Karl Waheed Avocats, Paris

Leading firms

Laura Devine Solicitors

Global Elite Thought Leader Laura Devine’s practice remains at the cutting edge and her track record is consistently excellent. One peer states, "In my view, Laura is the leading current practitioner of UK immigration law."
Sophie Barrett-Brown is “part of the immigration hall of fame”. She is tremendously influential in the sector, with sources calling her “the chairperson with clout at all the key conferences”.
Christi Hufford Jackson is a renowned US immigration expert with considerable experience. Clients praise her "patient and kind approach, understanding, and timely advice".
Natasha Chell earns widespread praise for her outstanding immigration expertise. She specialises in Tier 2 compliance and risk-related matters.

Kingsley Napley

Global Elite Thought Leader Nicolas Rollason is highly distinguished for his breadth of business immigration expertise and “excellent technical ability”. Peers laud him as a “star performer” and a “leading light in the immigration space”.
Ilda de Sousa stands out again this year for her excellent knowledge of compliance matters, including regular handling of Tier 2 and Tier 5 visa applications.
Elspeth Guild is highly endorsed by peers for her renowned expertise in European immigration, with sources commenting that she is “really hot on EU stuff”.
Marcia Longdon is praised by peers as “a genuine expert on all aspects of UK immigration law” and possesses over two decades of experience and outstanding breadth of sector knowledge.
Senior associate Kim Vowden is a “keen advocate for fairness and justice” according to impressed peers.

Everaert Advocaten

Marcel Reurs stands out for his “years of experience” in corporate immigration. He offers clients excellent handling of immigration issues in connection with mergers and acquisitions.
Bram van Melle is highly commended for his “pragmatic and innovative” approach to business immigration issues. He has a proven track record advising multinational companies looking to set up in the Netherlands.

Fragomen

Julia Onslow-Cole is described by peers as “an industry leader” with a “solid brand behind her”. She has impressive experience providing businesses and political institutions with compliance and strategy advice, and is a prominent adviser on Brexit-related issues.
Charlotte Slocombe is highly rated by market commentators for her “exceptionally bright and pragmatic” approach. She specialises in business-related immigration matters within the EMEA market.
Nadine Goldfoot is renowned among peers for her considerable experience working with high-net worth individuals and other clients on investment immigration.

 

Other leading individuals

Belgium

Bernard Caris at Younity is an “excellent practitioner” and long-standing leader in the Belgian market for business-related immigration. He earns respect and recommendations from peers across Europe.

England

Global Elite Thought Leader Nichola Carter of Carter Thomas is hailed as “a genuine authority in relation to compliance issues” and is “highly respected for her work in the education sector”.

Claire Nilson at Faegre Baker Daniels is a top name in the field, recommended by peers as “a highly practical and approachable adviser on US immigration”.

Rose Carey at Charles Russell Speechlys is well regarded as “pragmatic” and “excellent all-round when dealing with both personal and corporate matters”.

Nita Nicole Upadhye at NNU Immigration is “excellent at US immigration” and “very responsive with good advice”, according to impressed commentators.

Tom Brett Young of VWV (Veale Wasbrough Vizards) earns plaudits from one source as “a tremendous practitioner, excellent trainer and one of the most approachable lawyers I know.”

Macfarlanes’ James Perrott is a “genuinely creative thinker around immigration problems relating to investment”. He offers a “technically excellent and solutions driven” approach.

Ben Sheldrick of Magrath Sheldrick is distinguished by peers for his “fine commercial mind” and by clients as a “real joy to work with”.
Chris Magrath is acknowledged by peers as a “hugely experienced and knowledgeable practitioner” in the London market.

Andrew Tingley at Womble Bond Dickinson “really knows his stuff”, and has deep experience advising clients including high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and SMEs.

Kehrela Hodkinson of Hodkinson Law Group is exalted as a “first-rate practitioner”, and a go-to name in London for all aspects of US immigration law.

Wesley Gryk of Wesley Gryk Solicitors stands out due to his “excellent all-round knowledge and inquiring mind”.

At Gross & Co Graeme Kirk is highly commended for the strength of his practice, and is “excellent on the Tier 1 side” according to impressed peers.

At Bates Wells, Chetal Patel possesses “in-depth expert knowledge of immigration law that enables clients to make the right decision for their businesses”, say sources.

France

Global Elite Thought Leader Karl Waheed of Karl Waheed Avocats is highly regarded by impressed peers as “the best there is in France” and the “go-to practitioner in Europe”.

Stephane Coulaux at CMG Legal is a “real expert in global mobility and immigration”, with over 20 years of experience in the area.

Germany

Global Elite Thought Leader Gunther Mävers of michels.pmks is an “excellent immigration and global mobility lawyer” with “outstanding knowledge”, according to impressed peers.

Bettina Offer of Offer & Mastmann is highly regarded by peers and clients alike for her “outstanding expertise and guidance”, with sources noting that they “very much value the experience and best practices she and the firm offer”.
Gabriele Mastmann earns acclaim for her in-depth subject matter knowledge and is “”very efficient, organised and responsive”.

Dieter Kohlfürst at Kohlfürst Färber garners praise from peers globally for the breadth of his immigration expertise and his deep experience in business immigration matters in the German market.

Ireland

Jane Pilkington at Newland Chase is the highest-rated Irish lawyer in our research this year. She earns praise as a “go-to in Ireland” who is “very responsive and knowledgeable and provides an excellent service”.

Israel

Liam Schwartz of Liam Schwartz & Associates is highly regarded as “one of the most experienced and knowledgeable US immigration attorneys there are” thanks in part to his “fantastic connections with the embassy and the US Immigration authorities”.

Italy

Global Elite Thought Leader Marco Mazzeschi of Mazzeschi – Corporate Immigration and Citizenship Law is commended by peers globally for his outstanding expertise in Italian business immigration. He offers clients over 30 years of experience.

Netherlands

Jelle Kroes of Kroes Advocaten Immigration Lawyers is renowned as “the Dutch immigration authority” and “a reference for corporate immigration matters”.

Poland

Karolina Schiffter at PCS Paruch Chruściel Schiffter is “definitely a significant player” in the Polish market with sources describing her as “a very dynamic and experienced lawyer”.

South Africa

At ENSafrica Zahida Ebrahim is a “very knowledgeable, solution-orientated and commercial lawyer” who “understands clients’ needs very well and is great to work with.”

Spain

Ana Garicano at Sagardoy Abogados is cited by peers as “an authority in her field” and a “go-to name for immigration matters in Spain”.

Turkey

Maria Celebi with Bener Law Office is “the reference point in Turkey for immigration matters” and is popular for her “solution-orientated and responsive” approach.

 

North America

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Barbara Jo Caruso, Corporate Immigration Law Firm, Toronto
• H Ronald Klasko, Klasko Immigration Law Partners LLP, Philadelphia
• Charles H Kuck, Kuck Baxter Immigration, Atlanta
• Cyrus D Mehta, Cyrus D Mehta & Partners PLLC, New York
• Angelo A Paparelli, Seyfarth Shaw LLP, Los Angeles
• Eleanor Pelta, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, Washington
• William A Stock, Klasko Immigration Law Partners LLP, Philadelphia
• Anastasia Tonello, Laura Devine Attorneys LLC, New York
• Bernard P Wolfsdorf, Wolfsdorf Rosenthal LLP, Los Angeles
• Stephen Yale-Loehr, Miller Mayer LLP, Ithaca

 

Leading firms

Wolfsdorf Rosenthal

Global Elite Thought Leader Bernard Wolfsdorf is one of Canada’s most eminent names for business immigration work. He offers deep experience in investment visa matters.
Avi Friedman performs excellently in our research this year. He continues to be highly commended for his expertise on consular matters and non-immigrant visa applications.
Cliff Rosenthal offers nearly 20 years’ experience, as well as excellent knowledge of EB-5 matters and non-immigration green card visa petitions.
Richard Yemm earns widespread praise for his capability. He has broad experience of visa petitions, including employment and entertainment applications.
David Fullmer is acclaimed for his “excellent knowledge of the immigration space”, as well as his deep and varied experience in visa petitions and compliance issues.

Fragomen

Austin Fragomen Jr is long established as one of the most prominent names in the field. He holds near-unrivalled experience of visa procedures and compliance issues.
Daryl Buffenstein is praised for his “outstanding expertise” in US immigration matters and is renowned for his leadership of AILA.
Lisa Baker Jones stands out to one source as the “best for legal knowledge and client service”, and is said to provide “excellent solutions” to employment-related immigration issues.
Thought Leader Kevin Miner is a “first-rate lawyer” who comes highly recommended for his work around non-immigrant visas.
Bo Cooper is well respected by peers for his considerable experience advising a range of clients on immigration strategies.

Foster

Robert Loughran, a go-to name in Texas for all aspects of business immigration, comes highly recommended by peers for his excellent practice.
Judy Lee is praised as “a lawyer’s lawyer” who is “client-oriented, smart and creative”. Her specialty lies in employment-related immigration matters.
Charles Foster earns acclaim for his considerable experience advising foreign investors on US immigration law.
John Meyer is “at the top of his profession” according to impressed peers, and has extensive experience of investor-related immigration matters.

Pearl Law Group

Julie Pearl is one of the top names in the US market thanks to her stellar work advising skilled migrants and multinational companies on employment-related immigration matters.
Yvonne Toy stands out as an “excellent lawyer” thanks to her broad practice, which covers a range of immigrant and non-immigrant visa petitions.
Addie Hogan offers clients 20 years of experience in business immigration law with a notable specialism in non-immigrant visas.

Klasko Immigration Law Partners

Global Elite Thought Leader William Stock receives widespread praise from peers as “an excellent attorney,” “a super mentor” and “an honour to work with”.
H Ronald Klasko deservedly achieves Global Elite Thought Leader status this year. Representative commentary from peers describes Klasko as “one of the best in the country, if not the best”.
Elise Fialkowski is “super knowledgeable and collegial”, and “admired by all”, say sources. She has considerable experience in employment-related immigration matters.

 

Other leading individuals

Canada

Leading lawyer Jacqueline Bart of BartLaw is “the queen of Canadian immigration law” and “wonderful to work with” according to impressed peers. She offers full-service corporate immigration expertise.

Thought Leader Barbara Jo Caruso at Corporate Immigration Law Firm earns widespread commendation across North America. Peers “think the world of her”, and call her a “top name in Canada” who is “very knowledgeable and wise”.
Joel Guberman is a stellar practitioner who stands out for his experience handling international business-related immigration matters.

At Dentons Canada, Henry Chang is a “really good lawyer” who offers clients 27 years of experience, most notably in relation to US applications and issues.

Evan Green of Green and Spiegel stands as one of Canada’s most eminent practitioners in this year’s research. He possesses considerable experience in all aspects of Canadian immigration law.
Stephen Green is praised as a “first-rate lawyer” with over 30 years of experience. His specialties include corporate employee transfers.

USA

Cyrus Mehta of Cyrus Mehta & Partners is “very well respected", and exalted as "the smartest immigration attorney out there".

Global Elite Thought Leader Angelo Paparelli with Seyfarth Shaw is renowned for his expertise handling immigration matters, particularly issues connected with complex mergers and acquisitions.

Anastasia Tonello at Laura Devine Attorneys LLC is highly commended by peers for her first-rate knowledge of both US and UK immigration matters.

At Miller Mayer, Global Elite Thought Leader Stephen Yale-Loehr comes highly recommended by peers for his expertise on a broad range of matters, including EB-5 applications.

Global Elite Thought Leader Charles Kuck of Kuck Baxter Immigration is "a leader in immigration litigation", with over 30 years’ experience of complex matters including EB-5 visas and labour certifications.

Global Elite Thought Leader Eleanor Pelta with Morgan Lewis & Bockius continues to be known across America and worldwide for her handling of global strategy and employment-related immigration issues.

At Barst Mukamal & Kleiner, Alexis Axelrad is well respected by peers for the strength of her practice. She has considerable experience on all aspects of corporate immigration matters.

Denyse Sabagh at Duane Morris is commended for her high-quality, full-service practice, which encompasses corporate, investor and other immigration-related matters.

Gregory Siskind of Siskind Susser is a “first-rate lawyer” with over 30 years’ experience in a range of US immigration issues.
Lynn Susser earns widespread acclaim for her considerable experience handling complex employment-related immigration issues.

Ira Kurzban of Kurzban Kurzban Weinger Tetzeli and Pratt is “very well known” in the US immigration space. He possesses extensive experience of immigration matters relating to the rights of aliens.

Margaret Stock with Cascadia Cross Border Law Group is an “excellent lawyer” who is renowned for her expertise on military-related immigration issues.

Vincent Lau of Clark Lau comes highly recommended by peers and is considered a go-to for a range of employment-related immigration issues.

Marc Van Der Hout of Van Der Hout Brigagliano & Nightingale is an “outstanding litigator” with expertise in the full range of US immigration matters.

Catherine Haight of Haight Law Group is “outstanding and whip-smart”, and “stands out for labour certifications”.

 

Latin America

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Gabriela Lessa, Veirano Advogados, Rio de Janeiro
• Daniela Lima, Newland Chase, São Paulo
• Ariel Orrego-Villacorta – AOV Abogados, Lima
• Maria Luisa “Isa” Soter da Silveira, Veirano Advogados, Rio de Janeiro

Leading Individuals

Brazil

Global Elite Thought Leader Maria Luisa “Isa” Soter da Silveira of Veirano Advogados is a powerhouse practitioner, known as “the person to go to for immigration matters in Brazil.”

Global Elite Thought Leader Gabriela Lessa comes highly recommended for her pragmatic advice. Her speciality lies in global mobility matters.

Daniela Lima with Newland Chase is a “first-rate practitioner” with considerable experience handling a range of employment-related immigration matters.

Mexico

Edgar Mayorga Compean with De La Vega & Martinez Rojas SC offers over 20 years’ experience in a range of employment-based immigration matters, and is the top name in Mexico in this year’s research.

Peru

Ariel Orrego-Villacorta of AOV Abogados is peerless in Peru, according to our respondents this year. He is widely commended for his breadth of business immigration expertise.

 

Asia-Pacific

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Matthew Amoils, ASG Immigration, Sydney
• Poorvi Chothani, LawQuest, Mumbai
• Eugene Chow – Chow King & Associates, Hong Kong

Leading Individuals

Australia

Global Elite Thought Leader Matthew Amoils* of ASG Immigration is “very knowledgeable and great to work with” according to an impressed peer. He offers clients varied business immigration expertise.

Anne O’Donoghue with Immigration Solutions Lawyers is a highly distinguished name in Australia and across Asia. She has deep and varied experience advising high-net-worth individuals on Australian immigration law.

Maria Jockel at BDO Migration Services is “one of the most knowledgeable immigration lawyers in the country” and “an incredible support” to clients who value her “exceptional client service”.

Hong Kong

Eugene Chow of Chow King & Associates is a "first-rate lawyer" with in-depth knowledge of US and Hong Kong immigration laws.

India

Global Elite Thought Leader Poorvi Chothani at LawQuest earns acclaim for the strength of her expertise in Indian immigration law. Sources say, "She’s really helpful when I need specialist assistance."

Shalini Agarwal at In Se Legal specialises in employment-related immigration law within India. She advises a range of clients, including multinational companies.

Japan

Yoshio Shimoda of Immigration Lawyer Shimoda Office is often called upon to deploy his broad experience of Japanese immigration on behalf of a wide-ranging clientele.

New Zealand

David Ryken of Ryken & Associates earns significant praise for his standout immigration practice and vast experience advising individuals and companies.

*Immigration adviser