Shepherd and Wedderburn has established a dedicated International Families Group in response to a surge in demand for legal advice from overseas clients wishing to relocate to the UK.
The new immigration route for British National (Overseas) citizens in Hong Kong, the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical factors have led to increased demand from individuals and families for legal advice on relocating to the UK, including immigration, buying residential and commercial property, personal tax and employment.
The International Families Group pools relevant expertise from across the largest Scottish-headquartered UK law firm, bringing together legal experts to provide a central resource to help clients start a new life and establish new businesses in this country.
Shepherd and Wedderburn’s International Families Group is already assisting clients with matters including:
- identifying the best visa options for clients and their families;
- supporting EU nationals who are making applications under the EU Settlement Scheme or obtaining a first British passport for an EU child;
- buying residential property in the UK;
- establishing a business in the UK, including VAT registration, insurance and data protection registration;
- employment matters; and
- personal tax, succession and estate planning.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the group has also supported a number of international businesses and individuals with multinational remote working arrangements, and expects to see increased demand for similar flexibility in industries where remote working is a realistic and attractive alternative to relocation.
Shepherd and Wedderburn’s legal experts have decades of experience helping entrepreneurs, professionals, high net worth individuals, investors and their families establish new lives in the UK. Clients also benefit from access to the firm’s extensive network of trusted professional advisers including family lawyers, accountants, investment and wealth managers, education providers, placing consultants and a network of lawyers in more than 45 jurisdictions.
The International Families Group is led by Gillian Campbell, a Partner in the firm’s private client team, and Jacqueline Moore, Head of Immigration.
Gillian said: “The multitude and complexity of legal considerations accompanying a move to a new country can seem overwhelming. The International Families Group supports clients and their families at every turn to ease the burden during what can be a challenging time.
“The in-depth expertise and range of relevant specialisms offered by the group provides clients with a single port of call for all their legal needs throughout the relocation process. Whether it is advising on succession and tax planning requirements, visa and passport matters, property needs, or employment and business-related issues, the International Families Group allows clients to begin a new chapter of their lives with confidence and peace of mind.”
Jacqueline added: “We have seen a significant increase in interest from international families looking to relocate to Scotland and the wider UK. The UK Government’s new Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa and the COVID-19 pandemic have prompted many people to take stock and reconsider where they want to build a life with their family.”
