Updates, commentary, training and advice on immigration and asylum law

Job Ad: Thorntons Law are recruiting an Immigration Lawyer

Immigration Lawyer

Edinburgh

At Thorntons Law, every moment matters. Join our Immigration Team and you’ll feel inspired. You’ll feel connected. You’ll feel like you belong. And it all begins from the moment you join us.

That’s because we’ve created a different kind of law firm. Here, you’ll build relationships with clients and colleagues that really last. You’ll help shape what happens now, and what comes next. And we’ll support and encourage you to be the best you can be.

This is what life at Thorntons is all about. And this is your moment to be part of it.

About the role

Be the trusted expert through complex journeys .

As global mobility and immigration needs continue to evolve, clients are looking for trusted guidance to help them live, work, study, and invest in Scotland. At Thorntons, our highly ranked Global Mobility & Immigration team is at the forefront—supporting individuals, families, and organisations from around the world to make Scotland their home and grow their businesses here.

In this role, you’ll be a valued member of our specialist team, working directly with a diverse international client base and collaborating with colleagues across the firm to deliver seamless, end-to-end support. You’ll help clients navigate the full spectrum of UK immigration and nationality law—from complex personal applications to business and talent mobility.

Led by Partner Jacqueline Moore, a Law Society of Scotland Accredited Specialist and recognised leader in the field, this is a fantastic opportunity to develop your career within an ambitious, collaborative, and forward-thinking team that’s ranked highly in Chambers and The Legal 500

It’s about:

  • Supporting Global Clients – Helping individuals, families, and organisations navigate all aspects of UK immigration and nationality law.
  • Delivering Excellence – Providing clear, client-focused advice and managing a wide range of personal and business immigration cases.
  • Specialist Expertise – Developing your skills across key areas such as Appendix FM, Global Talent Visas, Innovator Founder Visas, and complex nationality matters.
  • Collaboration & Impact – Working with colleagues across the firm to provide comprehensive, joined-up support through our International Families and International Founders teams.
  • Growth & Opportunity – Building your expertise within a supportive environment that values innovation, learning, and professional development.
  • Being part of a brilliant team – Joining a motivated, highly regarded group who are passionate about helping clients achieve life-changing outcomes.

What you’ll need

We’re looking for:

  • An experienced Immigration Solicitor
  • Experience of handling a wide range of visa and nationality applications, with meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and compliance
  • A collaborative, team-oriented approach and a genuine interest in sharing expertise.
  • Excellent communication and drafting skills – with the ability to write clear, client-friendly advice.
  • Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload to tight deadlines.
  • A commitment to exceptional client service and professional integrity.
  • An interest in business development and building long-term client relationships.

It’s essential that you have experience in two or more of the following areas:

  • Appendix FM cases involving complex financial or personal circumstances
  • Global Talent Visas (all categories)
  • Innovator Founder Visas
  • Global Mobility for individuals and businesses
  • Complex nationality cases
  • Privately funded appeals before the FTT and UT
  • International adoption and surrogacy
  • International sportspersons

Why join Thorntons

At Thorntons, we value our people and invest in their success. Here you’ll have:

  • The opportunity to be part of one of Scotland’s leading Immigration teams, highly ranked in Chambers and Legal 500.
  • A clear path for career progression with tailored mentoring and development support.
  • The chance to work with a diverse international client base on high-impact, meaningful matters.
  • A friendly, collaborative workplace culture where your ideas are encouraged and valued.
  • A varied and rewarding workload that makes a real difference in clients’ lives.

What we offer

We offer much more than just a competitive salary, and we’re committed to looking after our people in every way.  Here’s just some of the benefits available:

Benefits

  • 39 Days Annual Leave (includes 5 fixed public holidays)
  • Contributory Pension Scheme with salary exchange
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Critical Illness Cover
  • Income Protection Cover
  • Group Life Assurance
  • Exceptional maternity, paternity, partner and adoption leave packages
  • Assisted Conception & IVF Leave
  • Health care cash plan to support everyday health expenses
  • 24-hour wellbeing support
  • Free Legal fees for moving home and life planning
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Gym Discounts
  • Retail Discounts

Professional development

Access to a wide range of opportunities to build your expertise and advance your career, through courses, specialist accreditations, training, or business skills development.

Belonging

At Thorntons, we embrace diversity and are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure that everyone has a positive experience when applying to join us. If you have a disability or are neurodivergent and need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know — we’ll do everything we can to support you.

We work flexibly to meet the needs of our clients and our people. While not every role is the same, most offer a hybrid working pattern. We’ll work with you to agree the right arrangement that supports you, the role, and our clients.

Make the moment matter

If you’re looking for a career with a different kind of law firm, this is the moment to find out more – and apply.

Choosing the right company is about more than just the work—it’s about the people, the culture, and the opportunities to grow. At Thorntons Law, we’ve built something different. We’re one of Scotland’s largest and most respected full-service legal firms, but more importantly, we’re a firm that invests in you—your development, your ambitions, and your future.

All you need to do is apply by 9th November and we’ll be in touch.

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Free Movement

The Free Movement blog was founded in 2007 by Colin Yeo, a barrister at Garden Court Chambers specialising in immigration law. The blog provides updates and commentary on immigration and asylum law by a variety of authors.

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