ISL News - Immigration Solutions Lawyers Sydney

2023 of Immigration Solutions Lawyers

Diane Markantonakis — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 01:37:47 +0000

We appreciate all the support and trust over the years you have given us. Your success is our success, we’re honoured to have played a part in your immigration lift in Australia.

here’s a recap of our 2023.

Most Influential Lawyers 2023

The third edition of Australasian Lawyer’s Most Influential Lawyers acknowledges the professionals whose dynamism and capacity to challenge the status quo make a meaningful difference to their clients.

Industry expert Rachel Besley, legal practitioner director and partner at Deloitte, says, “When I think about what makes for an influential lawyer, it’s a trusted adviser who thinks outside the box, is not afraid to challenge the status quo, and is also genuinely interested in investing back in the profession.”

AILA Conference

Anne O’Donoghue spoke at the AILA Migration Forum discussion the future in practice for global migration law alongside David L.P Garson, Sergio R. Karas, George Reis and Karl Waheed.

Principal Solicitor Anne O’Donoghue WAS absolutely delighted to have attended and spoken at the AILA/GMS Annual Global Migration Forum in Orlando.

Anne O’Donoghue spoke on a panel surrounding ‘What Is the Future for the Actual “Practice” of Global Migration Law?’ which had a great turnout and excellent audience feedback.

Paris Conference

Anne O’Donoghue Paris Conference spoke at the IBA Paris Conference on Refugees and Displaced people in today’s current global climate. A notable highlight was Anne O’Donoghue taking the stage as a speaker at an insightful session titled ‘2023 Humanitarian and Refugee Immigration Update’, alongside Baroness Helena Kennedy KC, Alex Stojicevic, Madeline Garlick, Professor Elspeth Guild and Rekha Sharma-Crawford. The focus was on the 2023 Refugee Update, a pressing issue demanding our attention. Their contribution to this discussion illuminated the complexities and nuances surrounding the matter, reinforcing our commitment to addressing crucial global challenges. Representing Immigration Solutions Lawyers, our Principal Solicitor not only shared expertise but also amplified the voice of the legal community in shaping solutions for the refugee crisis. Anne also visited London, where she was able to meet with Baroness Helena Kennedy KC and Lord Dubs (Alf Dubs).

Law Council Dinner

Anne was delighted to attend, in Canberra at Old Parliament House to celebrate 90 years of Law Council of Australia being established in Australia. Congratulations to the Law council President Luke Murphy and to all the Directors and sections and staff of Law Council of Australia

Principal Solicitor Anne O’Donoghue WAS absolutely delighted to have attended and spoken at the AILA/GMS Annual Global Migration Forum in Orlando.

Anne O’Donoghue spoke on a panel surrounding ‘What Is the Future for the Actual “Practice” of Global Migration Law?’ which had a great turnout and excellent audience feedback.

Palwasha’s award

It is with great pleasure to announce, that our very own, Palwasha Nawabi, is the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Australian Young Lawyer Award. Honoured by the #LawCouncilofAustralia, Palwasha played a pivotal role in the resettlement of Afghan women Judges, Prosecutors, Activists, and their families, who faced persecution in their homeland. Guided by the efforts of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute with Baroness Helena Kennedy KC and Emily Foale, along with the pro bono initiative of Immigration Solutions Lawyers, secured 90 visas to Australia for the displaced individuals. Through collective efforts, permanent residency was granted, providing these families with a new beginning.

This journey has been an extraordinary experience for Palwasha, underscoring the power of legal advocacy in making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. As she reflects on this significant achievement, Palwasha remains grateful for the opportunity to contribute to positive change in the world.

Appointment as Vice Chair of ILS

Anne was also appointed as Vice Chair of the International Law Section of the Law Council of Australia. Anne served as treasurer of the International Law Section from December 2012 to December 2016 and has also been an member of the Executive of the International Law Section executive since December 2012.

Mondaq Webinar

This year Immigration Solutions was thrilled to share the success of Immigration Solutions Lawyers recent webinar, hosted by Mondaq, on ‘Global Mobility and Skills Shortages: The Global Effect’!

Our esteemed speakers, Anne O’Donoghue Ray Rackham , Louise Neal and the insightful pre-recorded contribution from #baronesshelenakennedy KC , provided unparalleled perspectives on the ever-evolving global landscape. From navigating skills shortages to harnessing refugee talent, we delved into the heart of global mobility.

The discussions went beyond borders, exploring the critical relationship between global mobility, immigration, and skills shortages. We’re inspired by the forward-looking strategies shared by our speakers!

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to find out more about the latest changes!

Contact our team for more information 02 9264 6432.

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.

The post 2023 of Immigration Solutions Lawyers appeared first on Immigration Solutions Lawyers Sydney.

2023 Australian Young Lawyer Award – Palwasha Nawabi, Immigration Solutions Lawyers

Diane Markantonakis — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 04:38:47 +0000

t is with great pleasure to announce, that our very own, Palwasha Nawabi, is the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Australian Young Lawyer Award. Honoured by the #LawCouncilofAustralia, Palwasha played a pivotal role in the resettlement of Afghan women Judges, Prosecutors, Activists, and their families, who faced persecution in their homeland. Guided by the efforts of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute with Baroness Helena Kennedy KC and Emily Foale, along with the pro bono initiative of Immigration Solutions Lawyers, secured 90 visas to Australia for the displaced individuals. Through collective efforts, permanent residency was granted, providing these families with a new beginning.

Palwasha extends her gratitude to her principal, Anne O’Donoghue, with a wealth of experience, played a pivotal role in entrusting Palwasha with a leading position in this endeavour. Under Anne’s mentorship, Palwasha was able to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape, demonstrating the importance of effective leadership in championing social justice causes.

She acknowledges the dedication of her colleagues, including Yingpei Liu, Vicky Chen, and Chiara Napoli, whose collective efforts made this initiative a success. Palwasha is also thankful for the unwavering support of colleagues Diane Markantonakis, Heshna Patel, Reema Taouk, and Yingpei Liu, whose encouragement and collaboration played a crucial role in this impactful Endeavor.

Stay informed and take advantage of these updates for a smoother visa application process and don’t hesitate to reach out to the dedicated team at Immigration Solutions Lawyers. Your journey to a new beginning starts here!

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to find out more about the latest changes!

Contact our team for more information 02 9264 6432.

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.

The post 2023 Australian Young Lawyer Award – Palwasha Nawabi, Immigration Solutions Lawyers appeared first on Immigration Solutions Lawyers Sydney.

2023 Humanitarian and Refugee Immigration Update Paris

Diane Markantonakis — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 10:03:04 +0000

Paris, the city of romance and culture, is about to become the epicentre of legal brilliance!

Sponsored by LexisNexis, the International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference is the leading conference for legal professionals worldwide to meet, share knowledge, build contacts and develop business.

With an expected 5000+ attendees, 2700+ law firms, corporations, governments and regulators and over 200+ working sessions, the IBA Annual Conference provides a unique mix of perspectives provides a rich environment for discussion, debate and learning as well as the opportunity to develop lasting business relationships and lifelong friendships.

Our Principal Solicitor, Anne O’Donoghue will be a speaker at this years session, led by the IBA’s Human Rights Institute’s Immigration and Nationality Law Committee, titled 2023 Humanitarian and Refugee Immigration Update. The session will delve into political upheaval on multiple continents, disasters, economic challenges, and, of course, war, which are forcing more people than ever to leave their homes. Anne will provide a spotlight from an Australian Perspectives and introduce her expertise on Refugee Law.

The Session, which is chaired by Alex Stojicevic of MKS Lawyers, will include perspectives from Baroness Helena Kennedy KC, Madelina Garlick, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Professor Elspeth Guild of the Queen Mary University, and Rekha Sharma-Crawford of Sharma-Crawford Attorneys at Law.

To be a part of the conference, you can find further details and registration here:
Conference Details

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to find out more about the latest changes!

Contact our team for more information 02 9264 6432.

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.

The post 2023 Humanitarian and Refugee Immigration Update Paris appeared first on Immigration Solutions Lawyers Sydney.

Anne O’Donoghue Interview – 2023 Most Influential Lawyer | Australasian Lawyer

Diane Markantonakis — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 03:24:01 +0000

‘You can train for skill, but you can’t train for passion’

Anne O’Donoghue believes that being able to read situations – and the politics therein – is a critical asset for lawyers.

In this Australasian Lawyer exclusive, Anne O’Donoghue discusses her passion for modern slavery issues, Australia as an immigration nation, and the importance of passing on her years of experience to junior lawyers.

“I wanted to be in charge of my own destiny, and I knew this meant building a legal practice for like-minded people like myself who share the same passions, ethics and ethos,”

“Despite the challenges I faced with a young child, I had great support from my husband, and I understand my purpose, which gave me the encouragement I needed to take the next step.”

With a special interest in human rights, professional ethics, and modern slavery, O’Donoghue is acknowledged as one of Australia’s leading immigration law specialists. She is a tireless champion for the importance of Australian immigration lawyers gaining recognition in the global market and internationalising their practices.

Click here to read full transcript

Kylie Speer [00:00:08] Hello and welcome to Australasian Lawyer TV I’m Kylie Speer. And joining me today is Anne Frances O’Donoghue Managing Director and Principal Lawyer at Immigration Solutions Lawyers, and has been named winner of Australasian Lawyers, Most Influential Lawyers 2023 Welcome to you, and congratulations. And thank you so much for joining us today.

Anne Frances O’Donoghue [00:00:32] Oh, well, thank you. And it’s a pleasure to be here today.

Kylie Speer [00:00:37] Well, firstly, Anne, Did you have a plan for your career from the beginning? Or has it been one of chance and opportunities?

Anne Frances O’Donoghue [00:00:46] I’d say it’s been one of chance and opportunity. I was 40 years of age, I had a three year old son and I thought, Look, I’ve reached a glass ceiling in my career, and I need to set up my own firm. And I was going to work in employment law. And by chance, I came across a client that had a problem in immigration. And my husband suggested I should also combine the immigration side of things, I was a bit skeptical at the time, because I hadn’t worked in the immigration area I’d worked in, you know, corporate law, I’d worked in a whole lot of construction law. So I had good general training in legal aspects. And I just use those aspects and set up the practice. And of course, the immigration side of the practice started booming. And, you know, basically, I learned on the job. And it was a very interesting exercise I got involved with, in the beginning, the Irish Welfare Bureau, and did a lot of pro bono work for them in immigration areas. And yes, it was chance and opportunity.

Kylie Speer [00:02:01] What’s the biggest challenge in your current role? And how do you deal with it?

Anne Frances O’Donoghue [00:02:07] Well, I think COVID was a really big challenge. Our borders were close, we had all our staff working remotely, and no one knew where things were going. But we managed to run the business with staff working remotely. And we did a lot of people into the country getting permission to come in. Because there were restrictions, and you could get certain permissions through the Australian Border Force if it was essential work. And we were doing a lot of that work. But it certainly was challenging. It changed the way law practices ran, and it did produce challenges, but also it also, on the other hand, produced opportunities as well.

Kylie Speer [00:02:58] In your view, Anne, what is your strongest asset professionally?

Anne Frances O’Donoghue [00:03:04] That’s difficult, my strongest asset professionally, I, I think passion. I don’t think I think passion and emotional intelligence. You’ve got to have passion for the work. And as I tell my legal team, you know, you can train for skill, but you can’t train for passion, you’ve either got passion to watch or get a good outcome for clients. And I think emotional intelligence is also important to be able to read situations, and also read the politics. Of course, immigration is a very highly politically sensitive area to work in. And you have to be able to read the politics of the situation.

Kylie Speer [00:03:48] And what way would you describe your approach to your role and also your career?

Anne Frances O’Donoghue [00:03:55] Um, I think, really, my approach is very hands on. I don’t think you can sort of be in an ivory tower. As a managing director, you need to know what’s being involved in the day to day practice. There’s you don’t need to micromanage everything. But I think you need to understand from a macro point of view, how things are going and you also need to be charged with clients. I just don’t think you can subcontract all matters out to your legal staff, although they may be very good. I think it’s important that you have a hands on role, and also be there in a mentor capacity for junior members of staff who need that mentoring and training. And I see that, that not all law practices, give that mentor and training, which I think is important because, you know, experience is gained over a period of time. And if you don’t pass that on to the younger lawyers, how are they going to develop their careers in the future?

Kylie Speer [00:05:01] Looking forward, what ambitions or goals do you still have for your career Anne?

Anne Frances O’Donoghue [00:05:09] Well, I suppose, you know, I’m my worst self critic, you know, I always feel there’s more that can be done. I think politically at the moment, it’s a very challenging time in the immigration portfolio. And there was, there’s more that I would like to do, especially for refugees, I was very much involved in the Afghan women, judges, getting them to Australia, through the good work of Baroness Helen, a candidate who arranged flights from Kabul, to Greece, and then we’re around visas for these judges to come to Australia. That was through the previous coalition and Minister Hawke, who is extremely helpful in getting those judges to Australia, we’ve still got a global refugee problem, we’ve still got a problem in Afghanistan, for Afghan women. And we need to have more places in Australia, Australia has been built on immigration and a lot of refugees who have really done well in Australia. And it is an immigration nation. Canada is leading the world in relation to bringing people in for many countries, and Australia should be up there. But at the moment, I think they’ve only increased the refugee intake by another two and a half 1000 to 20,000, which in my opinion is not enough. I think that challenge is there. I know we have issues in relation to housing and settlement, but our whole country has been built on immigration. It’s a matter of having the right levers on the immigration policy. And it can be a benefit to everyone.

Kylie Speer [00:07:03] And finally, Anne what is a pressing issue, which is not addressed adequately in immigration, both in Australia and globally? And how would you like to see this addressed?

Anne Frances O’Donoghue [00:07:15] Well, basically, I think one of the big issue is, is modern slavery. I’ve been very involved in and outspoken on the issue of modern slavery and human people trafficking. I’m on the IBA Working Group on modern slavery. And I’ve been an advocate for modern slavery issues. I think work worker exploitation in western democracies, is rife. And it’s very important that we have strong laws in Australia, we do but it’s got to basically, people have got to feel that they can come forward, we still where modern slavery is concerned, we do not have a visa product that a person who is a victim of modern slavery can reach out to, we have other sort of products. But it basically got to be determined by the Australian Federal Police as a victim of modern slavery. And there’s their definition is very, very narrow. And you can have severe labor abuses that someone has been through, but still not meet the definition of modern slavery and you’ve don’t get the deferred visa. So then we have to look at other strategies within the existing visa framework to bring this up to the minister’s attention. I think this is a glaring problem that needs to be looked at. I think that the government’s done a good job in making people more aware of modern slavery and labor abuses and legislation has been passed in relation to that. But if you are a non-resident of Australia, and you come into Australia, and you are a victim of modern slavery, you need to have a visa product that you can access.

Kylie Speer [00:09:07] Well, thank you so much for your time today. And congratulations once again Anne it was lovely speaking with you.

Anne Frances O’Donoghue [00:09:14] Well, it was lovely speaking with you, I suppose one other point that I wanted to make. Although my interest is in human rights of modern slavery, we have a very strong corporate immigration practice that we work at. And recently I was given the global elite thought leader for who’s who legal for Australia in corporate migration. So we have a very thriving corporate immigration practice as well, which the staff enjoy working on and we get some very interesting companies, overseas companies, Australian companies, because of the major skill shortage that we have So we’re, I suppose quite an eclectic law firm with our interests in immigration from that perspective.

Kylie Speer [00:10:09] Brilliant. Thanks so much once again Anne. And thank you, of course to our viewers for watching the latest episode of Australasian Lawyer TV. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Read Anne O’Donoghue Profile on AustralasianLawyer

Read Full Script on AustralasianLawyers Magazine

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to find out more about the latest changes!

Contact our team for more information 02 9264 6432.

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.

The post Anne O’Donoghue Interview – 2023 Most Influential Lawyer | Australasian Lawyer appeared first on Immigration Solutions Lawyers Sydney.

2023 Most Influential Lawyer – Australasian Lawyer

Diane Markantonakis — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 04:52:12 +0000

Congratulations, Immigration Solutions Lawyer’s Director Anne O’Donoghue had been awarded 2023 Most Influential Lawyer by AustralasianLawyer again.

That’s reaffirmed by another industry expert, Law Council of Australia president Luke Murphy, who lists the skills the influential lawyers offer:

facilitate access to justice for all members of the Australian community
provide a voice to those who might otherwise not be heard
play a unique role in times of crisis, such as natural disasters
provide a safety net in the face of uncertainty and loss
give back through formal and informal mentoring

The 2023 list celebrates the 30 outstanding lawyers who have made contributions across different parts of the sector.

Read more on the Lawyer Magazine by AustralasianLawyer

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to find out more about the latest changes!

Contact our team for more information 02 9264 6432.

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.

The post 2023 Most Influential Lawyer – Australasian Lawyer appeared first on Immigration Solutions Lawyers Sydney.

Anne O’Donoghue – 2023 AILA/GMS Annual Global Migration Forum

Diane Markantonakis — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 06:54:27 +0000

Immigration Solutions Lawyer’s Director Anne O’Donoghue will be speaking on a panel ‘What is the Future for the Actual “Practice” of Global Migration Law?’ on Monday 19th June 2023.

The grand, pandemic-induced, global telecommuting experiment has been a rousing success overall. Employees have demonstrated that they can be just as effective, if not more so, working outside of the physical office. In turn, companies have enjoyed the fruits of improved worker efficiency and productivity, compelling them to adapt accordingly. As the labor force expects, even demands, remote work opportunities and benefits, company management has begun adjusting standardly accepted policies relating to international migration and practice management. In addition to instituting updated remote work guidelines, corporate clients have had to revise their global mobility strategies to strengthen retention policies, increase support of nontraditional family units, relocate employees from war zones, and become more intentional and proactive in keeping up with the technological advancements that have, in practice, made the world “smaller.”

In light of this paradigm shift in global migration and employment practices, the AILA Global Migration Section (GMS), in conjunction with AILA National, the GMS Steering Committee, and the Conference Program Committee, is excited to invite you to attend the 2023 AILA/GMS Annual Global Migration Forum this summer at Disney World in Orlando! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to network with fellow global migration practitioners and learn from our international faculty of experts as they survey the new landscape of global migration practice, identify and redefine best practices for success, provide updates from around the world, and help you plan for the future!

What Is the Future for the Actual “Practice” of Global Migration Law?

Is there a future for the non-global practitioner? As the world becomes “smaller” (i.e., more connected) and corporations become larger, many lawyers believe there is safety and security in numbers and that clients are naturally attracted to firms that can act as a “one-stop shop” for all their immigration (and even non-immigration) needs. Moreover, clients are seeking law practices that can provide up-to-date, fulsome technology which smaller firms cannot afford to offer. Others argue that not all clients desire a uniform approach, instead seeking a more personal, “trusted advisor” relationship for their team. Our panel of experts will explore these differing perspectives, offering advice and best practices for how a smaller practitioner can compete and thrive in the current climate. Panelists come from across the immigration landscape, representing a variety of perspectives in this critical discussion.

What does the future hold for the global migration practitioner?
Global vs. regional vs. country-specific
Can immigration firms survive without expanding and diversifying their practice areas?
Small and solo practitioners: strategies for competing with larger firms (and thriving) o Practical advice: affordable tech solutions

Faculty:
David L.P. Garson (DL), Conference Program Committee, Toronto, ON, Canada
Sergio R. Karas, Toronto, ON, Canada George Reis, Toronto, ON, Canada
Anne F. O’Donoghue, Sydney, Australia
Ray Rackham, London, UK
*Andrea Silva Fascetti, Soral, Switzerland

Click here to open American Immigration Lawyers Association Website

Click here to open American Immigration Lawyers Association Linkedin

Follow Anne O’Donoghue on LinkedIn.

See below for reviews from our clients!

					I was in a real scary position with my visa and I really thought I was destined for failure. After reaching out to this team I was relieved and felt… Read more better instantly after the phone call. They went to work immediately and got me on a the right path. Worth every penny spent and treated me like I was the most important client. Will highly recommend to all my friends who need help. I will forever be thankful of this team and shout out to Jane and Diane Markantonakis as they were the real deal and kept me here and understanding of the law.				
William Murphy
October 14, 2024 

					Having Immigration Solutions Lawyers support me throughout my immigration process, from the first visa to PR to citizenship, was incredibly valuable. Their knowledge and professionalism made all the difference in… Read more what could be a stressful process. I would recommend them for their understanding of how the system works and what is required. They have always provided a reassuring level of clarification, which made my journey really straightforward.				
Ana Carolina
September 17, 2024 

					Hi.. I don’t have words today that how to thank whole team of immigration solutions who helped me in getting grant of PR. Mine was a complex case but we… Read more trusted Anne and team and today after getting my PR, I can say that they are the Best in city. A whole professional team who work with ease with their clients and very very helpful throughout the process. They know their job and only they can make things happen when one has no hope. Once again, I thank Anne, Reema, Jane and team who turned my dream into reality. I recommend them to everyone who are looking for  reliable lawyers.				
G.P. SINGH
August 17, 2024 

					Immigration Solutions Lawyers were instrumental in helping me get Australian Citizenship by Descent. They knew exactly what approach to take and guided me through the whole process in great detail.… Read more  They were prompt, professional and courteous at all times. I felt well looked after and knew I was in safe hands.  I’d like to give particular thanks to Diane Markantonakis and Anne O’Donoghue; thank you!!				
mark burcher
August 17, 2024 

					Immigration Solutions helped with a subclass 186 Visa Application. Very happy with the outcome.				
cyril d’monty
July 17, 2024 

					Our name’s are John &Dung Scott we employed Immigration Solutions Lawyers back 2019 just  prior to the covid-19  debacle. Without  the guidance of Anne O’Donoghue and her… Read more team solicitors, we believe that there would have been no  way we could  have dealt with the immense and comprehensive explanations of our  lives and reasons why we desired for Dung to become my wife and live here in Australia with  me . Saying that we are truly  grateful to you all to the staff who  answered our calls the people  in the back ground such as Michael, Reema ofcourse Anne, but we  would especially like to thank Jane for her efforts and the sensitivity shown to us. Which kept us positive through it all to achieve permanent residency 801 in 2024 so with deep  and sincere  thanks God bless. John & Dung.				
John Scott
July 17, 2024 

Read full review here
Want to share your experience? Click here to write your own review.

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.

The post Anne O’Donoghue – 2023 AILA/GMS Annual Global Migration Forum appeared first on Immigration Solutions Lawyers Sydney.

Anne O’Donoghue – Global Elite Corporate Immigration 2023 | Who’s Who Legal

Diane Markantonakis — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 10:04:40 +0000

Immigration Solutions Lawyers director and principal lawyer Anne O’Donoghue had been awarded Who’s Who Legal Thought Leader Global Elite Corporate Immigration 2023 again this year.

Immigration Solutions Lawyers director and principal lawyer Anne O’Donoghue had been awarded Who’s Who Legal Thought Leader Global Elite Corporate Immigration 2023 again this year, It is exciting that #Australia is now represented in this list for Thought Leader Global Elite Corporate Immigration. What’s even more exciting is that Anne is the first #Australianwomanlawyer to be included in this list!

What did you find most challenging about becoming a corporate immigration lawyer?

I find that the most challenging aspect in corporate immigration law is the inter-industry knowledge that is required of practitioners. Corporate immigration lawyers must have knowledge of different industries, career paths and occupations. We need to be able to differentiate between occupations which means knowing the hierarchies and job duties of the occupations we are dealing with, which means we are always researching and in a constant learning process. Often, we have to help clients with skills assessment applications in order to make the client eligible to apply for certain visa applications. Skills assessments involves a deep analysis of the applicant’s work history, which we have to compare to the detailed skills assessment authority guidelines (which involves the fundamental tasks and duties that are involved in specific occupations). This requires research and a deep level understanding of what the specific occupation entails.

Corporate immigration lawyers are always challenged with a fast-paced environment and numerous deadlines at once. Often client’s come to us with pre-existing visa deadlines that we must manage alongside new visa applications. Missing a deadline could mean that our clients are no longer eligible for certain visa applications, for example a Subclass 482 visa (Temporary Skills Shortages) requires Labour Market Testing which includes posting 3 advertisements (one on a mandatory government website) for a minimum period of 28 days, otherwise not meeting the application eligibility requirements.

Furthermore, another challenging aspect is in the intersection between corporate immigration law and the disciplines of finance and accounting. A corporate immigration lawyer needs a basic understanding of these disciplines to review financial documents, which we encounter on a daily basis.

What has been the most memorable case you have been a part of?

The most memorable case for me was the Jhahanara case,[3] which was widely publicised. Jhahanara Jabber was a young girl with a very rare disease where her abdominal organs were on the outside of her body. She had surgery in Korea to put them back, but when they did, not everything worked properly, and she continued to experience complications. When I became involved in the case in December 2020, it was the third Ministerial application. By obtaining overseas opinions we were able to successfully argue that sending her back would essentially be the same as issuing a death sentence on the child, and we won the right to have [then Immigration Minister] Chris Bowen reconsider the case.

More recently we recently received Permanent Residency for over 45 Afghan women refugees and their families through a special program implemented by the previous Immigration Minister, Mr Alexander Hawke.

It is cases like these that continue to motivate me to work in the industry.

Click here to view full Q&A from Who’s Who Legal.

Follow Anne O’Donoghue on LinkedIn.

See below for reviews from our clients!

					I was in a real scary position with my visa and I really thought I was destined for failure. After reaching out to this team I was relieved and felt… Read more better instantly after the phone call. They went to work immediately and got me on a the right path. Worth every penny spent and treated me like I was the most important client. Will highly recommend to all my friends who need help. I will forever be thankful of this team and shout out to Jane and Diane Markantonakis as they were the real deal and kept me here and understanding of the law.				
William Murphy
October 14, 2024 

					Having Immigration Solutions Lawyers support me throughout my immigration process, from the first visa to PR to citizenship, was incredibly valuable. Their knowledge and professionalism made all the difference in… Read more what could be a stressful process. I would recommend them for their understanding of how the system works and what is required. They have always provided a reassuring level of clarification, which made my journey really straightforward.				
Ana Carolina
September 17, 2024 

					Hi.. I don’t have words today that how to thank whole team of immigration solutions who helped me in getting grant of PR. Mine was a complex case but we… Read more trusted Anne and team and today after getting my PR, I can say that they are the Best in city. A whole professional team who work with ease with their clients and very very helpful throughout the process. They know their job and only they can make things happen when one has no hope. Once again, I thank Anne, Reema, Jane and team who turned my dream into reality. I recommend them to everyone who are looking for  reliable lawyers.				
G.P. SINGH
August 17, 2024 

					Immigration Solutions Lawyers were instrumental in helping me get Australian Citizenship by Descent. They knew exactly what approach to take and guided me through the whole process in great detail.… Read more  They were prompt, professional and courteous at all times. I felt well looked after and knew I was in safe hands.  I’d like to give particular thanks to Diane Markantonakis and Anne O’Donoghue; thank you!!				
mark burcher
August 17, 2024 

					Immigration Solutions helped with a subclass 186 Visa Application. Very happy with the outcome.				
cyril d’monty
July 17, 2024 

					Our name’s are John &Dung Scott we employed Immigration Solutions Lawyers back 2019 just  prior to the covid-19  debacle. Without  the guidance of Anne O’Donoghue and her… Read more team solicitors, we believe that there would have been no  way we could  have dealt with the immense and comprehensive explanations of our  lives and reasons why we desired for Dung to become my wife and live here in Australia with  me . Saying that we are truly  grateful to you all to the staff who  answered our calls the people  in the back ground such as Michael, Reema ofcourse Anne, but we  would especially like to thank Jane for her efforts and the sensitivity shown to us. Which kept us positive through it all to achieve permanent residency 801 in 2024 so with deep  and sincere  thanks God bless. John & Dung.				
John Scott
July 17, 2024 

Read full review here
Want to share your experience? Click here to write your own review.

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.

The post Anne O’Donoghue – Global Elite Corporate Immigration 2023 | Who’s Who Legal appeared first on Immigration Solutions Lawyers Sydney.

Anne O’Donoghue – Corporate Immigration 2023 | Who’s Who Legal

Diane Markantonakis — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 09:58:20 +0000

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.

Follow Anne O’Donoghue on LinkedIn.

See below for reviews from our clients!

					I was in a real scary position with my visa and I really thought I was destined for failure. After reaching out to this team I was relieved and felt… Read more better instantly after the phone call. They went to work immediately and got me on a the right path. Worth every penny spent and treated me like I was the most important client. Will highly recommend to all my friends who need help. I will forever be thankful of this team and shout out to Jane and Diane Markantonakis as they were the real deal and kept me here and understanding of the law.				
William Murphy
October 14, 2024 

					Having Immigration Solutions Lawyers support me throughout my immigration process, from the first visa to PR to citizenship, was incredibly valuable. Their knowledge and professionalism made all the difference in… Read more what could be a stressful process. I would recommend them for their understanding of how the system works and what is required. They have always provided a reassuring level of clarification, which made my journey really straightforward.				
Ana Carolina
September 17, 2024 

					Hi.. I don’t have words today that how to thank whole team of immigration solutions who helped me in getting grant of PR. Mine was a complex case but we… Read more trusted Anne and team and today after getting my PR, I can say that they are the Best in city. A whole professional team who work with ease with their clients and very very helpful throughout the process. They know their job and only they can make things happen when one has no hope. Once again, I thank Anne, Reema, Jane and team who turned my dream into reality. I recommend them to everyone who are looking for  reliable lawyers.				
G.P. SINGH
August 17, 2024 

					Immigration Solutions Lawyers were instrumental in helping me get Australian Citizenship by Descent. They knew exactly what approach to take and guided me through the whole process in great detail.… Read more  They were prompt, professional and courteous at all times. I felt well looked after and knew I was in safe hands.  I’d like to give particular thanks to Diane Markantonakis and Anne O’Donoghue; thank you!!				
mark burcher
August 17, 2024 

					Immigration Solutions helped with a subclass 186 Visa Application. Very happy with the outcome.				
cyril d’monty
July 17, 2024 

					Our name’s are John &Dung Scott we employed Immigration Solutions Lawyers back 2019 just  prior to the covid-19  debacle. Without  the guidance of Anne O’Donoghue and her… Read more team solicitors, we believe that there would have been no  way we could  have dealt with the immense and comprehensive explanations of our  lives and reasons why we desired for Dung to become my wife and live here in Australia with  me . Saying that we are truly  grateful to you all to the staff who  answered our calls the people  in the back ground such as Michael, Reema ofcourse Anne, but we  would especially like to thank Jane for her efforts and the sensitivity shown to us. Which kept us positive through it all to achieve permanent residency 801 in 2024 so with deep  and sincere  thanks God bless. John & Dung.				
John Scott
July 17, 2024 

Read full review here
Want to share your experience? Click here to write your own review.

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.

The post Anne O’Donoghue – Corporate Immigration 2023 | Who’s Who Legal appeared first on Immigration Solutions Lawyers Sydney.

Skilled migration, remote work, and modern slavery – an international perspective

Diane Markantonakis — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 16:35:09 +0000

Anne O’Donoghue, Immigration Solutions Lawyers’ managing director will be attending & speaking at the Thomson Reuters Skilled Migration and Workforce Planning Conference 2023 on ‘Skilled migration, remote work, and modern slavery – international perspective.

Our director Anne O’Donoghue will be speaking at the Thomson Reuters Skilled Migration and Workforce Planning Conference 2023 in Sydney on topic ‘Skilled Migration, Remote Work, and Modern Slavery – An International Perspective’ along with other distinguished speakers. See below for what will be included in the topic.

Addressing concerns about the exploitation of overseas workers
Tackling the dangers of modern slavery
Supporting remote work arrangements in the global gig economy

This conference galvanises government, employers, industry bodies, and unions that will discuss, debate, and design the next step to unlocking the power of skilled migration for Australia’s economic recovery. The administration has allocated more than $36 million to process a crippling backlog of active non-humanitarian visa applications.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THIS SECTOR?

The current backlog is estimated at nearly one million people waiting for their applications to be decided, and in limbo within a byzantine visa processing system.

This backlog is against concerns there is a widespread skills shortage that has created a handbrake on the economy. Other than lifting the migration intake, moves are underway to offer better paths to permanent migration and continue attracting skilled foreign workers across areas of need in cities, towns, and regional areas.

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE?

Tackling Australia’s widespread shortage of workers across key sectors and attracting talent in a globally competitive marketplace.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

Escalate the intake of skilled overseas workers and reduce the red tape to source talent.

Join us this March to ensure your business benefits from Australia’s revamped skilled migration effort. You will hear first-hand from employers, the legal profession, government, and industry bodies about the key milestones and opportunities.

For more information, click here.

See below for reviews from our clients!

					I was in a real scary position with my visa and I really thought I was destined for failure. After reaching out to this team I was relieved and felt… Read more better instantly after the phone call. They went to work immediately and got me on a the right path. Worth every penny spent and treated me like I was the most important client. Will highly recommend to all my friends who need help. I will forever be thankful of this team and shout out to Jane and Diane Markantonakis as they were the real deal and kept me here and understanding of the law.				
William Murphy
October 14, 2024 

					Having Immigration Solutions Lawyers support me throughout my immigration process, from the first visa to PR to citizenship, was incredibly valuable. Their knowledge and professionalism made all the difference in… Read more what could be a stressful process. I would recommend them for their understanding of how the system works and what is required. They have always provided a reassuring level of clarification, which made my journey really straightforward.				
Ana Carolina
September 17, 2024 

					Hi.. I don’t have words today that how to thank whole team of immigration solutions who helped me in getting grant of PR. Mine was a complex case but we… Read more trusted Anne and team and today after getting my PR, I can say that they are the Best in city. A whole professional team who work with ease with their clients and very very helpful throughout the process. They know their job and only they can make things happen when one has no hope. Once again, I thank Anne, Reema, Jane and team who turned my dream into reality. I recommend them to everyone who are looking for  reliable lawyers.				
G.P. SINGH
August 17, 2024 

					Immigration Solutions Lawyers were instrumental in helping me get Australian Citizenship by Descent. They knew exactly what approach to take and guided me through the whole process in great detail.… Read more  They were prompt, professional and courteous at all times. I felt well looked after and knew I was in safe hands.  I’d like to give particular thanks to Diane Markantonakis and Anne O’Donoghue; thank you!!				
mark burcher
August 17, 2024 

					Immigration Solutions helped with a subclass 186 Visa Application. Very happy with the outcome.				
cyril d’monty
July 17, 2024 

					Our name’s are John &Dung Scott we employed Immigration Solutions Lawyers back 2019 just  prior to the covid-19  debacle. Without  the guidance of Anne O’Donoghue and her… Read more team solicitors, we believe that there would have been no  way we could  have dealt with the immense and comprehensive explanations of our  lives and reasons why we desired for Dung to become my wife and live here in Australia with  me . Saying that we are truly  grateful to you all to the staff who  answered our calls the people  in the back ground such as Michael, Reema ofcourse Anne, but we  would especially like to thank Jane for her efforts and the sensitivity shown to us. Which kept us positive through it all to achieve permanent residency 801 in 2024 so with deep  and sincere  thanks God bless. John & Dung.				
John Scott
July 17, 2024 

Read full review here
Want to share your experience? Click here to write your own review.

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.

The post Skilled migration, remote work, and modern slavery – an international perspective appeared first on Immigration Solutions Lawyers Sydney.

Anne O’Donoghue, Australasian Lawyer Elite Woman 2022

Diane Markantonakis — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 09:03:23 +0000

Congratulations to our principle lawyer Anne O’Donoghue for being named one of 47 Elite Woman 2022 by Australasian Lawyer.

When it comes to presence, Australia’s legal profession has tipped in favour of women. They comprise 53% of all solicitors, and since 2011, their numbers have risen by 67% compared to their male cohort’s increase of 26%.

Australasian Lawyer’s Elite Women 2022 are at the vanguard of this and have all broken boundaries to support and succeed. They hold leadership roles within their organisations and are dedicated to mentoring and supporting other women in their legal careers. Many volunteer their time to non-profit causes, and every one of them is unwaveringly passionate about the area of law they practice in.

View Anne O’Donoghue’s Profile