Highlighted for striking a balance between ‘the personal feel of a boutique and the depth of a larger City firm’, Harbottle & Lewis LLP is turned to by HNW and high-profile clients for its multi-disciplinary approach and cross-sectoral expertise. Gary Ashford heads the combined private client, tax and immigration department, providing comprehensive private client immigration support. The ’reliable, thorough and responsive’ Sasha Lal handles matters concerning the Global Talent route, EU Settlement Scheme and nationality issues. Another key contact is Poppy Lucas, whose wide-ranging practice spans employment and immigration law. Former head of immigration Sarah Gogan and Charlotte Boyce departed the firm in June 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Harbottle & Lewis is a firm I trust and value highly. We have a well-established referral relationship, and I am always confident that clients I refer will be in excellent hands. What sets Harbottle apart is the way they combine deep legal expertise with a strong understanding of the industries their clients work in, particularly media, entertainment and technology. They have a clear grasp of the pressures and nuances that often come with those worlds, and their advice is always tailored, practical and well-considered.'
- 'Clients respond well to the team’s calm, thoughtful approach, as well as their discretion and responsiveness. Rather than just offering technical answers, they act as strategic advisers, often working across multiple departments to provide a joined-up service. That level of internal collaboration makes a real difference, especially when clients are dealing with complex or fast-moving situations.'
- 'Harbottle strikes a balance between the personal feel of a boutique and the depth of a larger City firm. I am always happy to recommend them.’
‘The individuals I work with at Harbottle are a credit to the firm. I enjoy working with them due to their mix of professionalism and approachability. They are clear, committed, and always willing to offer advice or talk something through when needed. That practical support is something I have come to value.'
- 'Sasha Lal is reliable, thorough and responsive. Easy to work with.'
Practice head
Gary Ashford
Other key lawyers
Sasha Lal; Poppy Lucas