Brabners increases its post-Brexit immigration focus with sport appointment

Leading independent law firm Brabners has added further experience to its specialist immigration offer as it continues to provide support to businesses and elite sport clubs across the UK following Brexit.

Arshia Hashmi joins Brabners as a senior associate from Freeths LLP with considerable experience operating in the sport sector. She serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Lancashire County Football Association and represents Lancashire as a Football Association (FA) Council Member, as well as sitting on The FA Judicial Panel as an Independent Legal Member. Arshia joins the firm as it continues to add to a stable of high-profile sporting clients which includes Leicester City FC, Liverpool FC and Wigan Warriors.

Arshia’s appointment comes at a time of uncertainty for many employers as they adapt to new immigration and right to work legislation following the UK’s exit from the EU. The changes are particularly impactful in elite level sport competitions, such as the Premier League, where freedom of movement between EU countries has supported exponential growth.

Alongside immigration specialists Laura Darnley and Brendan McAleese, Arshia will bring additional experience in both corporate and personal immigration with a focus on advising international businesses in transferring staff to the UK. Her appointment comes at a time of growth for Brabners’ now 40-strong employment team, with the team having created a number of new roles during the past twelve months across each of its offices in Liverpool, Manchester and Preston.

Lydia Edgar, head of sport and employment at Brabners Manchester office, said: “Arshia’s experience supporting UK and international clients regarding immigration and right to work legislation will make her a valuable asset to our growing team. The high standard of UK domestic sport has been an important draw for international athletes for decades. By continuing to work closely with elite level clubs and professional organisations, we can ensure that this remains the case for decades to come.

“Arshia’s role as an FA council member and her experience on The FA Judicial Panel means that she is well placed to drive our specialist offer and further strengthen our position as one of the UK’s leading advisers in the sport sector.”

Brabners managing partner Nik White said: “Our employment team has enjoyed a sustained period of growth over the last three years, with Brexit a recurring theme for employers both in the North and across the UK. We’ve seen particular growth in issues relating to freedom of movement and it’s our intention to continue supporting clients in every sector as they look to overcome new challenges regarding immigration and sustain the nation’s economic recovery.”