Important Updates
Important Updates
July 8, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Automatic Residence Permit Extension
July 8, 2025 | CanadaCanada: IRCC Clarifies New Language and Study Requirements and Other Eligibility Criteria for Post-Graduation Work Permits
July 8, 2025 | United KingdomFragomen, Julia Onslow-Cole Shortlisted for FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards
July 8, 2025 | United KingdomLeading Britain's Conversation: UK Businesses Urged to Act Fast as Immigration Reforms Clash With Industrial Strategy
July 8, 2025 | United StatesPartners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in Law
July 8, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Automatic Residence Permit Extension
July 8, 2025 | CanadaCanada: IRCC Clarifies New Language and Study Requirements and Other Eligibility Criteria for Post-Graduation Work Permits
July 8, 2025 | United KingdomFragomen, Julia Onslow-Cole Shortlisted for FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards
July 8, 2025 | United KingdomLeading Britain's Conversation: UK Businesses Urged to Act Fast as Immigration Reforms Clash With Industrial Strategy
July 8, 2025 | United StatesPartners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in Law
July 8, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Automatic Residence Permit Extension
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

What Does it Mean to Work in Partnership?

June 14, 2016

janis-bailey

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Perth
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Perth
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Perth
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Janis M. Bailey

One of the most frequent phrases we hear from our clients is a desire for us to “work in partnership” and indeed, Fragomen partners, directors, and managers often find themselves saying to clients that we want to “work in partnership.” But what does this really mean? Without a definition, it can lose its meaning and become just another line of business-speak.

A partnership, by definition, is a two-way street and to my mind, it contains a number of core elements that are keys to its success.

  1. Communication & Transparency. In my experience with the best client relationships, there should hardly be such a thing as an “internal” email, the contents of which, cannot be shared with our client or vice versa – the client with Fragomen.  When we can be open in our communication, honest about the questions we have, the limitations we have, and any doubts, then the result will be fewer misunderstandings and a better quality of service and advice. Similarly, when our clients are open and transparent about the motivations behind a request, and even share details such as information about personalities involved, it allows us to advise and communicate more effectively and with greater certainty of purpose.
  2. Strong Personal Relationships.  This may seem like a strange one to throw in here, but I believe that we work best together when we remember that we are all people with lives beyond our name that appears on the screen in emails. There is a kind of false world that develops around email communications where the fact that we are all actually people is a fact that is easily lost. When we meet in person or speak regularly over the phone, our humanity is restored, and to the extent we can develop friendships, this helps to make communication and transparency easier and more natural.
  3. Understanding Each Other’s Business. I hope it almost goes without saying that immigration professionals at Fragomen need to understand our clients’ businesses. We not only need to know how the HR or Global Mobility organization is structured, including roles and responsibilities, but also the industry sector and the different pressures that may involve. It matters if someone is needed immediately to assist in the repair of a nuclear facility, or if someone doesn’t have access to emails due to being on an offshore rig, or whether the individuals involved will be going to head up a new business opportunity. It also helps a great deal, however, if our clients understand how we operate, who is who, what our capabilities are and where our capabilities lie. In our strongest partnerships, our clients understand us as well as we understand them and know how and what questions to ask as a result.
  4. Thinking & Planning Ahead.  Every now and then, we should all sit-down, meet, and discuss our goals and the best ways to achieve them. We should set projects and priorities and work together to form strategies. Too often, we spend our time reacting to day-to-day events. Even in business review meetings, the focus may be on statistics (e.g. volume, spend, etc.), without much focus on what the program goals are and how we can work together to achieve those goals.  At least once a year, perhaps twice, a strategy meeting between key stakeholders is crucial to a good partnership.
  5. Integration. Although not always an absolutely necessary ingredient, integration of technology and sometimes people can strengthen a partnership. Integrated technology using data feeds or messaging or other methods of sharing information can only improve communication and give rise to a sense that we are functioning with a single purpose. Similarly, sometimes people placements between organizations can strengthen those ties and achieve greater understanding between the parties. I recently heard an anecdote about one of our team members who has been working onsite with a client a few days a week. The difference that has made to our understanding of the client’s motivations and how we work with them has been immeasurable.
 
So, this is what working in partnership means to me. Too often, these kinds of phrases are thrown around without much thought given to what they mean. It is, however, important that we all take some responsibility in achieving some meaning through action, through behaviour, through working together to achieve our shared goals.

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Perth
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Perth
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Perth
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools

This blog highlights the most significant immigration trends across both Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2025.

Learn more

Video

Canada Express Entry Explained: Who’s Eligible and How to Apply

In this video, Partner Jack Kim explains how Canada’s Express Entry system works.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen, Julia Onslow-Cole Shortlisted for FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Partner Julia Onslow-Cole are shortlisted for the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Leading Britain's Conversation: UK Businesses Urged to Act Fast as Immigration Reforms Clash With Industrial Strategy

Associate Aisha Shahid highlights how upcoming UK immigration reforms may impact key sectors and urges businesses to prepare.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in Law

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger are named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in Law list.

Learn more

Blog post

Private Client Options in APAC: Bespoke Services and Residency Planning

Business Immigration Manager Yvonne Lee and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock discuss bespoke services and residency planning options for private clients in the Asia-Pacific region.

Learn more

Media mentions

Público: Os cuidados que pessoas LGBTQIA+ devem ter quando decidirem emigrar

Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights the importance of understanding local laws and protections when LGBTQIA+ individuals consider emigrating.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Trump Eyes Time Limits on US Student Visas

Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how proposed student visa limits could create challenges and add administrative burdens for international students.

Learn more

Podcast

David Kipp über Migration von Indien nach Deutschland

David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.

Learn more

Blog post

EB-5: What You Should Know—And Why It Might Be Worth It

Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.

Learn more

Media mentions

Startup Valley Magazin: Workation: Wettbewerbsvorteil oder rechtliches Minenfeld?

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer discusses workations as a way to support talent retention, noting the legal, tax and immigration considerations involved.

Learn more

Blog post

The 11th Seat: Timor-Leste's ASEAN Debut and the Shifting Map of Regional Mobility

Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools

This blog highlights the most significant immigration trends across both Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2025.

Learn more

Video

Canada Express Entry Explained: Who’s Eligible and How to Apply

In this video, Partner Jack Kim explains how Canada’s Express Entry system works.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen, Julia Onslow-Cole Shortlisted for FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Partner Julia Onslow-Cole are shortlisted for the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Leading Britain's Conversation: UK Businesses Urged to Act Fast as Immigration Reforms Clash With Industrial Strategy

Associate Aisha Shahid highlights how upcoming UK immigration reforms may impact key sectors and urges businesses to prepare.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in Law

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger are named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in Law list.

Learn more

Blog post

Private Client Options in APAC: Bespoke Services and Residency Planning

Business Immigration Manager Yvonne Lee and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock discuss bespoke services and residency planning options for private clients in the Asia-Pacific region.

Learn more

Media mentions

Público: Os cuidados que pessoas LGBTQIA+ devem ter quando decidirem emigrar

Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights the importance of understanding local laws and protections when LGBTQIA+ individuals consider emigrating.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Trump Eyes Time Limits on US Student Visas

Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how proposed student visa limits could create challenges and add administrative burdens for international students.

Learn more

Podcast

David Kipp über Migration von Indien nach Deutschland

David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.

Learn more

Blog post

EB-5: What You Should Know—And Why It Might Be Worth It

Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.

Learn more

Media mentions

Startup Valley Magazin: Workation: Wettbewerbsvorteil oder rechtliches Minenfeld?

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer discusses workations as a way to support talent retention, noting the legal, tax and immigration considerations involved.

Learn more

Blog post

The 11th Seat: Timor-Leste's ASEAN Debut and the Shifting Map of Regional Mobility

Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.