TLT has further expanded the strength and depth of the services it provides to employers with the appointment of Joanne Hennessy, leading business immigration expert, as partner in its growing Glasgow office.

Joanne, who joins from Pinsent Masons, will lead a UK wide team of six immigration lawyers including former colleague Hannah Eades, who moved to TLT as senior associate from the same firm in February 2022. Like its employment law service, TLT business immigration service covers the UK’s three jurisdictions of England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Joanne has extensive experience of supporting UK and multinational clients from a wide range of sectors on the full A to Z of business immigration. A trusted go-to advisor in immigration law, her expertise includes securing and maintaining sponsor licenses; identifying appropriate immigration route for employees and securing visas; right to work compliance and navigating the time-sensitive immigration actions triggered by mergers and acquisitions.

Some of Joanne’s recent experience has seen her advise professional services firms on the time-sensitive reports and applications required following multiple business acquisitions, conducting compliance audits for a global energy company, and advising a global employer on allegations of illegal working.

Stuart McBride, partner at TLT commented: “With changes in immigration law soon coming into place in the UK, as well as the implications of Brexit and the extremely tight recruitment market, Joanne joins us at a pivotal time for employers.”

“Joanne’s appointment is an important step for the firm. It will allow us to strengthen our expertise in what is a complex, high-risk and fast-changing strand of law. We’re also delighted to welcome Hannah to TLT who will be bringing further specialist expertise to the team.”

Joanne said: “Business immigration touches all types of businesses, across all types of sectors. It is an extremely sensitive and ever-changing area, and it is important that businesses are well-informed and supported in this area. Brexit and the changes in rights to work, as well as work sponsorships, which are about to come into effect will have huge implications for employers. I’m looking forward to working with our UK-wide key clients across all sectors to advise and support in all areas of business immigration law.

“It’s an exciting time to be joining Law Firm of the Year TLT and I’m looking forward to working with their talented business immigration team.”