Manager
Russell Hodges
Country / Territory
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Languages
- English
Contact information
Russell is a Manager (Solicitor) based in Fragomen’s London office, with over 10 years’ experience in UK immigration law. He advises corporate clients spanning various industries and high net worth individuals on a broad range of matters under the UK immigration rules.
Russell assists with applications filed under the traditional sponsorship routes as well as Start-up, Innovator, Global Talent, Appendix FM, High Potential Individual, Settlement, British citizenship and EU Settlement scheme applications. Russell works closely with clients in the biopharmaceutical and life sciences sector, global foundations that promote healthcare and social justice, and media and entertainment companies requiring strategic mobility solutions.
Russell also supports talented individuals at the start of their entrepreneurial careers and assists with complex private client cases. In turn, he has forged a Global Talent network for emerging and established leaders in the fintech, artificial intelligence and healthcare space. Russell plays a key role in advising on the requirements and merits of applications, assessing supporting evidence and helping with the submission to the relevant endorser. Russell supports candidates on recognized accelerator programs with securing expedited endorsement decisions and continues to play a part in their career progression, with ongoing immigration support once investment has been sourced and start-ups achieve sustained growth.
Russell is part of Fragomen’s dedicated pro bono team and is involved in various volunteering initiatives. He has partnered with Here for Good, a charitable organization who provide free legal advice to European nationals and their families following the Brexit referendum result. He has attended events aimed at supporting these families in-person, and shared advice on safeguarding their rights in the UK for the foreseeable future. This included at City Hall on Brexit night alongside the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
Russell also provides free support to individuals impacted by the war in Ukraine, offering guidance on the Ukraine Family scheme and other visa alternatives.
Education
- The University of Law, Legal Practice Course, 2013
- University of Kent, Bachelor of Arts, 2012
More from Russell
Professional accomplishments
Legal Qualifications: Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales
Member, Law Society of England and Wales
Member, Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association
Experience
Presented to businesses in the wake of the EU referendum result to advise on recommended approaches to protect their EEA workforce. This included a Brexit advisory and planning talk with a viewership of over 1,000 people. Following the roll-out of the EU Settlement scheme, Russell supported corporate clients at in-person clinics by handling Pre-Settled and Settled status applications.
Liaised with Home Office officials to discuss policy changes and propose ideas for the simplification of the UK’s Visitor Rules.
Monitored and supported corporate clients with their compliance obligations by delivering audit checks, sponsorship management and developing compliant internal practices.
Supported an organization with acquiring UKVI approved endorsing body status under the Start-up and Innovator categories, which replaced the established Entrepreneur route. Organized and delivered training sessions on the compliance obligations for endorsing bodies when reviewing business plans, granting endorsements and fulfilling their ongoing monitoring requirements.
Assisted a private individual with a successful Indefinite Leave to Remain application following his time in the UK as an Entrepreneur. This included detailed representations pertaining to the furlough scheme and job creation as well as his excessive UK absences.
Navigated the Covid-19 pandemic for clients by managing Exceptional Assurance cases to prevent migrant workers from becoming overstayers, monitored the UK’s travel and quarantine requirements, adjusted right to work practices for A-rated sponsors in-line with published concessions and assisted those in occupations requiring quarantine exemptions to fulfil their vital UK functions. This included support for people engaged in manufacturing and supplying the Covid-19 vaccine.
Resolved a complex Long Residence application for the founder of an international and market leading organization. Produced a portfolio of documents showcasing her exceptional influence and benefit to the UK to combat her excessive absences. The application was successful and Indefinite Leave to Remain granted.
Supported Sole Representative of Overseas Business applications for global companies seeking to establish their UK footprint and expand their operations. This involved assisting representatives with their UK immigration needs in industries such as insurance and fund management, as well as media organizations bringing people to the UK to report on local and European news stories.
Publications and lectures
Co-author, “Exploring cost effective alternatives to visa sponsorship for science professionals.” Global Mobility Lawyer, 19 February 2025.
Russell’s insights
February 20, 2025 | Media mentions
April 25, 2024 | Blog post
