The unexpected side of being a legal adviser

My name is Veronika, and I have been working as an immigration adviser at RMJ for the past three years, mostly supporting rough sleeping clients.

I wanted to share a glimpse into my wonderful, yet challenging, journey. Perhaps I can inspire someone to become an immigration adviser (check out our job vacancies here), or simply some insight into what life as an immigration adviser is really like.

1.       Meeting My Alter Ego – VA

During my first week at RMJ, I received a message from one of the managers starting with, “Hi VA.” I thought, that’s a bit cold - I’m not VA, I’m Veronika (a human!)

Soon though, I grew to like my other identity - VA.

VA is a qualified and experienced immigration adviser. VA is trained to handle challenging clients and difficult situations. VA can regulate emotional responses when hearing terrible stories, while still treating people with empathy and listening deeply. VA is an enthusiastic colleague and a great team player.

But then 5 o’clock hits, and I turn back into Veronika - who dreams of joining a circus, loves anything that raises her adrenaline, enjoys the outdoors, reading, and spending time with family. I’ve grown proud of having a professional persona, and I’ve also learned how to switch it off when needed.

(Note: The reason we use initials is that we need to record all correspondence, and using initials makes it much easier than typing full names of colleagues each time!)

2.       I did not expect to become a detective when I joined RMJ

I prepare applications based on clients’ long residence in the UK, often 20 years or more. Gathering evidence to prove this is incredibly difficult when someone has been living in the UK without immigration status and they’ve never had formal employment, stable accommodation, bank accounts or even registered with a GP.

Each case feels like solving a puzzle. I help clients recall events from 10, 15, sometimes 20 years ago. It’s obviously challenging. I find myself asking: Do you remember any significant events from around this time, such as 9/11 or the pandemic? Which station was it nearby? Then comes the detective work - following clues to track down agencies, friends, churches, mosques or A&E records that could prove a person’s presence in the UK.

Some cases take months of investigation, piecing together memories and tracking down evidence, before the case is finally ready to submit. And then, imagine the satisfaction when it’s all complete, and the client’s status is granted. That moment makes every bit of detective work worth it.

3. How creative the work of a legal adviser can be

My favourite part of the job! Getting creative in my drafting and legal argumentation.

None of my cases are ever straightforward. Missing ID, incomplete residential proof, or other evidence gaps are common and need to be addressed. So, I tailor representations to fit the unique circumstances of every client. This almost always involves legal research, exploring the country of origin, and plenty of thinking outside the box – all in an attempt to create persuasive arguments about why, despite the so-called gaps, the client still meets the requirements to be granted status.

There are often medical issues and additional vulnerabilities that must be carefully addressed and supported with evidence. Each case becomes a delicate balance of legal reasoning and empathy. Finding a way to present the client’s story with both accuracy and compassion.

4.       The never-ending learning process

After three years, you might think I’d ‘know it all’. How wrong I was! Almost every month, a case surprises me and pushes me to seek advice from my colleagues. Knowledge is also shared openly through our staff chat, which is incredibly helpful when you need advice on something new. You can be confident that at least one of your colleagues will be able to help.

This, coupled with the constant changes in immigration rules makes the learning process never ending - ideal for someone who enjoys learning and challenges, like I do.

5.       The bureaucracy (my least favourite part!)

No job is perfect! This is definitely my least favourite part of the role. Recording every exchanged message, every piece of work done, and every bit of progress can feel daunting. But I’ve learnt how important it is, if someone needs to cover your cases while you’re away, those records ensure continuity and clarity. Over time though, it becomes second nature.

6.       The resilience of my clients

I am constantly amazed at how my clients are able to survive on the streets for so long, they are so resilient. Life on the streets is harsh - it’s not just the cold, the lack of comfort, or limited access to washing facilities and food. Many rough sleepers are targeted by drug gangs, and some simply disappear. They are often attacked and beaten and face constant threats to their safety.

Despite all the risks and hardships, they find ways to navigate street life every day. Sadly, many people take advantage of their vulnerability, which only highlights the courage and resilience required to survive on the street.

7.       The poor quality of Home Office decisions

I was shocked by how little knowledge of immigration law some Home Office decision-makers have, especially when they are making life-changing decisions. Surely such roles require proper training.

You could spend weeks preparing a case - 20 pages of representations with 200 pages of supporting evidence – and all you get back is a few pages of a refusal letter that ignores most of it, sometimes even referencing the wrong countries because the decision-maker has obviously just used an existing template.

It’s no wonder that half of the cases that go to appeal are ultimately granted.

Working at RMJ has been both challenging, rewarding, and full of surprises. Every case reminds me that behind the paperwork is a real person with a story, a struggle, and dreams.