Once again we are delighted that our principal Lawyer Anne O’Donoghue had been listed with her legal colleagues in Who’s Who Legal Thought Leaders Corporate Migration 2023.
Anne O’Donoghue is an accredited immigration law specialist with over 29 years of experience. She is the director and principal lawyer of Immigration Solutions Lawyers. Anne has developed her international affiliations through the International Bar Association (IBA) for over 20 years. Anne was recognised as a Thought Leader, Global Leader and National Leader by the WWL from 2020-2022. In August 2021 Anne was appointed as a member of the Ministerial Advisory Council on skilled migration and served in this position until August 2022. Anne was a finalist in the Lawyer’s Weekly Women in Law Awards 2022: in the category Pro Bono/ Community Legal Centre lawyer of the Year. Anne has recently been re- appointed as an executive member of the International Law Section (ILS) of the Law Council of Australia for another two years until November 2024. Anne has previously served on the ILS Executive since December 2012.
What do you enjoy most about working in corporate immigration law?
I enjoy the challenges that accompany corporate immigration law. For example, when dealing with sponsorship visas, there are always so many components that must be considered when an employer would like to sponsor an employee. In particular I enjoy that the work comprised of not only legal work but business, accounting and finance work, which provides a great mix. Working with professionals, and working with different business and sectors across Australia, allows those working in corporate immigration the opportunity to gain knowledge of business practices, which we otherwise would not have had the chance to learn.
Further, the fast-paced environment of corporate immigration law allows for a fast turnover of visa grants, meaning there usually is not a long-winded processing time, which for a variety of visa subclasses, is certainly the case. Lastly, being a pivotal actor in a business’ productivity, and operation, is certainly a rewarding experience.
How do you establish a detailed understanding of a client’s business to advise them effectively?
The approach that I take is to first have a candid and detailed discussion with the business client regarding the nature of their business. Second, once I have an adequate understanding of this, I investigate why the business needs to sponsor a worker as opposed to hiring an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Finally, I analyse the business’ finances to determine whether they are in a position to sponsor. Financial documents can also provide a clear direction, from the owner’s perspective and business point of view, which is also crucial to the application process.
Additionally secondary sources are another way to gain a different perspective of the client, the client’s website and online portfolio fill in the blanks if there is any uncertainty about the nature of their business. We often request their company brochure for more information. We also organise a follow-up consultation with the business owner or contact person for the nominee should there be any questions or discrepancies found whilst understanding their business model or reading business financials.
I think key things to keep in mind to understand a client’s business are, to carefully read and understand their business model, organisation chart, and recent financial documents. Understanding organisation structures, the role of employees, and the importance of teams in an organisation is crucial.
Click here to view full Q&A from Who’s Who Legal.
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See below for reviews from our clients!
I had an amazing experience working with Anne, Heshna and the entire Team at Immigration Solutions. The knowledge, open line of communication and sense of urgency was top notch.… Read more
Brian GunsettOctober 17, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I can’t express my gratitude enough to ISL. In the midst of countless uncertainties and difficulties, they came through for my family in record time and resolved our problem. Their… Read more
Edmund WongAugust 30, 2023
Thank you to the team at ISL working within my budget to get a much better outcome for my case than I was expecting. I appreciate the professionalism and attention… Read more
Tight 5 Comedy AU (tight5comedyshow)August 30, 2023
After years of bridging visas and visa refusals, I came to immigration soultions lawyers with my hopeless situation. My case was very complex with many legal issues. I had recieved… Read more
Rabah Al HazouryAugust 5, 2023
Excellent experience with my citizenship application process. The team took me through the process step by step and answered all questions (and I had many). They were also extremely patient… Read more
Anke VuleticJune 30, 2023
Dear Palwasha, It is such an amazing news on a Friday afternoon. Thank you for all your efforts and support in getting the application submitted in time. … Read more
Rehana SahibJune 26, 2023
Read full review here
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The specialists at Immigration Solutions Lawyers Sydney are all specialists in their specific areas of law and will put their many years of experience to work on your case. So if you want to get the best advice, from the most experienced Immigration legal counsels in Australia, then call us today.
