Partner
Languages spoken
English | French
Annabel Mace is a partner in our Labour & Employment practice group and leads our UK Business Immigration team. She has more than 20 years’ experience advising businesses across a range of sectors on all aspects of business immigration and employment law.
She has in-depth expertise in the Home Office’s Points Based System, particularly in relation to compliance issues arising out of maintaining sponsor licences.
She also regularly advises clients on more complex matters (particularly where there is an immigration/employment overlap) such as:
The immigration implications of mergers, acquisitions and business restructures
Reinstatement of sponsor licences where they have been suspended or revoked
Illegal-working allegations where civil penalties have been (or are likely to be) threatened by the Home Office (and defending them, if issued)
C-suite hires and departures, including where visas need to be obtained urgently and/or there is an immigration-related challenge of a sensitive nature
Supporting employees whose visas has been curtailed or who have been detained at a port of entry
Cross-border projects and international assignments, including overseas remote working and the impact of Brexit
Immigration compliance programmes and audits
Annabel speaks regularly at seminars and workshops as part of the Labour & Employment Practice’s national seminar programme, as well as at bespoke client training sessions. She is also an updating author for immigration matters on the employment law website XpertHR.
She is an active participant in the firm’s pro bono initiatives.
Recommended in Chambers UK 2027 for Immigration: Business – UK-wide
Recognised as a Leading Partner in Legal 500 UK 2027 for Immigration: London
“She (Annabel) has helped us navigate difficult immigration situations. She is always available, explains options and asks questions to ensure she understands our business needs.” Chambers 2027
“Annabel’s support has been exceptional.” Chambers 2027
“Annabel is always responsive and gives us very thoughtful responses and advice. She is pivotal to our business in terms of immigration topics.” Chambers 2027
“Annabel is an immigration specialist and excellent employment lawyer. She is a true immigration expert.” Chambers 2027
“Annabel is extremely professional and understands our company culture and business needs.” Chambers 2027
“Annabel listens to the client and takes time to fully understand the scenario. We can therefore be assured that the advice we receive is exactly what we need and our next step is a confident one.” Legal 500 2027
“Annabel is incredibly knowledgeable, supportive and professional.” Chambers UK
“Annabel has an unrivalled ability to distil a complex legal position into pragmatic and commercial advice.” Chambers UK
“Annabel has done a wonderful job partnering with us and we consider her a valuable resource in answering immigration questions.” Chambers UK
“Annabel Mace is extremely knowledgeable on complex cases.” Legal 500 UK
“Annabel Mace and May Cheung have provided great, seamless support to our company. We are grateful to have them assigned to our account.” Legal 500 UK
“Annabel Mace heads the practice and is noted for being ‘extremely knowledgeable’ on matters relating to immigration compliance issues, reinstating sponsor licences at risk of revocation, and defending civil penalty claims."
“Annabel Mace is a seasoned immigration partner with considerable expertise advising companies on the transfer of employees to the UK and sponsor licence compliance.”
“Annabel is incredibly knowledgeable, supportive and professional.”
“Annabel has an unrivalled ability to distil a complex legal position into pragmatic and commercial advice.”
“Annabel has done a wonderful job partnering with us and we consider her a valuable resource in answering immigration questions.”
Chambers UK
Client via Chambers UK