Member Profile
Jessica Smart
Partner and Head of Immigration | Stephenson Harwood
Office Location: England and Wales
Professional Biography
I provide specialist UK immigration and nationality advice to a range of clients, including high-net-worth individuals and corporates. For private clients, I regularly advise on the Investor, Innovator and Global Talent categories. I also advise on complex family and personal matters involving relocation to the UK, Indefinite Leave to Remain (also known as Permanent Residence or Settlement) and British citizenship. For EEA nationals, this involves advising on the EU Settlement Scheme and their UK immigration permission post-Brexit. For corporates, I support them through the sponsor licence process and subsequent sponsorship of skilled workers. I also advise UK businesses to ensure that they are compliant with their sponsor licence duties and responsibilities and the law in relation to the prevention of illegal working.
Question : What drew you to specialise in private client law/ wealth advisory?
Answer: I sort of fell into it. Hence my advice to graduates is to keep an open mind regarding their specialism.
Question : For lawyers entering private client law, what are key skills you think are essential?
Answer: They must be personable and able to communicate concisely and clearly.
Question : Where is your favourite place to take a peer for a cocktail or coffee?
Answer: The Mondrian Shoreditch