Pictured above: Kelly Tomkinson

A Midland law firm has strengthened its roster with an international addition.

Leamington lawyers Wright Hassall have appointed solicitor, Kelly Tomkinson, formerly of London-based specialist immigration firm Sturtivant & Co, to their business immigration team.

Kelly, who is a dual-national with US and British Citizenship, has lived in USA, Iran, Thailand and the Philippines.

This international background drew Kelly to immigration law while the opportunity to work with such a distinguished team is what attracted her to Wright Hassall.

She said "I studied Psychology and Anthropology at Durham University before completing a Master's degree in Social Anthropology at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London.

"I went on to work for Amnesty International and this convinced me to pursue a career in law.

"I qualified in 1999 and worked initially with refugees in a legal aid firm before moving into business immigration.

"After seven years with Sturtivant & Co, I was attracted to the role at Wright Hassall and the opportunity to join such a well regarded immigration team outside of London. In particular I was looking forward to working with the head of the team, Marian Dixon, who has a national reputation within the industry.

"Since joining it has been everything I expected and more. The team acts for a number of companies who are household names and we want local companies to be aware that they do not need to look to London firms to provide this specialist service."

And Marian is just as pleased to have Kelly on board. 

She said: "Kelly is a great addition to our friendly, knowledgeable team.  She will help us move forward during this time of immense change in immigration law.

"Kelly's appointment has added an extra dimension and we have enjoyed working with her in the short time she has been here. Long may it continue."

For more information about Wright Hassall, please visit their website here: www.wrighthassall.co.uk