Sophie Barrett-Brown is senior partner and head of UK practice at Laura Devine Solicitors. Regarded as one of the foremost experts in UK immigration and nationality law, she is recognised by all legal directories and described as “a brilliant lawyer noted for her pragmatism and technical skills” and “commended for her innovative outlook”, with a knowledge that is “second to none”.

Having practised exclusively in immigration law for 20 years, Sophie has extensive experience across the breadth of UK immigration, nationality and EU free movement law. She is particularly known for her expertise in complex cases, including problematic Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Investor applications, sponsor licence revocations and discretionary applications. Her clients include multinational corporations, start-ups to sports organisations, entertainers and HNW individuals.

Sophie is highly regarded for her policy development work, lobbying the Home Office and participating in working parties and policy consultations,  She is a prolific speaker on UK immigration law and EU free movement law (particularly in the wake of Brexit), writes regularly on immigration topics and is a frequent commentator in the general media. 

Sophie held the position of chair of ILPA from 2007 to 2013. She has been an active member of its sub-committees for 20 years and continues to represent ILPA at various Home Office stakeholder groups and to support its work.  She is a member of the editorial consulting board of Lexis PSL and a member of the Law Society Brexit Migration Relevance Group.

WWL says: Sophie Barrett-Brown "is a great lawyer" and a “definite inclusion on the list”, according to interviewees. She is highly regarded for her strategic expertise in complex immigration planning.