After graduating with honours from Westminster University’s Law Department, Emel Yilmaz continued her academic journey by completing a Master’s degree at the University of Law. Early in her career, Emel gained hands-on experience at prominent private law firms, specialising in immigration, business, and corporate immigration law. Her practical expertise led to exceptional success rates in visa petitions and earned her widespread recognition across various media outlets even during her internship years.
With more than a decade of professional experience, Emel took the bold step of launching her own firm — Global Immigration Law — a consultancy dedicated to delivering top-tier immigration services. Her journey from legal apprentice to business owner has not only shaped her career but also made her a respected leader in the field.
The Drive Behind the Business
“Being a business owner is harder than being an employee, to be honest,” Emel admits. She highlights the immense responsibility of running a company where others depend on her leadership. As the founder and director of Global Immigration Law, she juggles multiple roles — from mentoring her team and overseeing client consultations to managing the strategic direction of the firm.
Her leadership philosophy is grounded in empowerment. She focuses on enhancing her team’s capabilities through continuous training and development, believing that the success of her employees is directly linked to the success of her business.
Global Immigration Law: A Trusted Name in Immigration Solutions
Headquartered in the UK, Global Immigration Law specialises in assisting corporate clients aiming to establish or expand their businesses in the UK. The firm also serves highly skilled professionals across various industries — from academia and tech to arts and STEM — who seek to relocate under specialised visa routes.
Global Immigration Law provides comprehensive support for:
- Sponsorship Licences
- Skilled Worker Visas
- Global Business Mobility Visa (launched in April 2022, formerly the Overseas Business Representative Visa)
- Startup and Innovator Visas
- High Potential Individual Visas
- Global Talent and Scale-Up Visas
- …and other key business immigration routes
The firm’s strength lies in its end-to-end services, guiding clients from the initial stages of application all the way through to visa approval — and beyond. “Visa and settlement processes take time. Even after clients receive their visas, we continue to offer support,” says Emel. This commitment to long-term service is what sets her firm apart in a highly competitive industry.
For corporate clients, the firm also manages Sponsor Management Systems (SMS), assigns Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), and oversees visa applications for overseas employees. With the UK experiencing a labour shortage in several sectors, there’s been a noticeable rise in companies applying for sponsorship licenses — and Emel’s team is meeting that demand with precision and expertise.
A Culture of Leadership and Compassion
Inside the office, Emel is described by her team as humble, supportive, and deeply committed to their growth. “I don’t like the idea of being a ‘boss’ — I prefer to lead,” she shares. She believes that mistakes are part of the human experience. “What matters is learning from them and striving not to repeat them.”
This mindset shapes the internal culture at Global Immigration Law. Professionalism and mutual respect form the backbone of the work environment, balanced by a familial atmosphere where everyone feels heard and valued. “Love your job and what you do, but never let go of professionalism,” is the mantra Emel upholds.
She makes a conscious effort to maintain work-life balance, setting a strong example for her team. Away from the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reinforcing her belief that personal and professional fulfilment go hand in hand.
Resilience Through Crisis
Like many businesses, Global Immigration Law faced unprecedented challenges during the global pandemic. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and a dramatic increase in visa applications led to processing delays and client frustrations. Many clients mistakenly attributed these delays to the firm, placing additional strain on the team.
Despite these setbacks, Emel’s leadership helped steer the company through turbulent times. “Everything came to a standstill during the pandemic, including visa processing,” she recalls. But instead of faltering, the firm adapted and emerged even stronger, reinforcing its reputation for resilience and reliability.
Global Recognition and Industry Accolades
Thanks to her dedication, expertise, and high client satisfaction, Emel and Global Immigration Law have received significant recognition both in the UK and internationally. Notable accolades include:
- Best Law Firm in the UK – Best of Europe Awards, February 2022
- Immigration Advisory Firm of the Year – Corporate LiveWire Global Awards 2021/22
- Featured in Lawyer’s Monthly Magazine with an article by Emel on immigration law
- Named one of the 5 Best Law Firms to Watch by Silicon Review
- Listed among the 5 Best Law Firms in 2022 by CIO Bulletin
- Recognised as a Recommended Firm by Corporate INTL and Global Law Experts
- Recently awarded Most Outstanding Immigration Counselling Firm by Acquisition International
With clients spanning the globe — from Turkey to Italy, the U.S. to Qatar, France to Germany — Emel’s firm is expanding its footprint and service scope every day.
Keys to Success in the Legal Profession
For Emel, success as a legal professional boils down to three core principles:
- Expertise
“Specialise in your field,” she insists. Unlike many legal professionals who diversify too quickly, Emel chose to focus solely on immigration law — a decision that has paid off. She stays continually updated on evolving immigration policies to maintain her edge. - Professionalism
Building rapport with clients while maintaining clear boundaries is crucial. “Professionalism is about respect — for your work, your clients, and yourself,” she says. - Communication
Transparency and open dialogue are essential. “Strong communication builds trust, and trust is everything in this business,” Emel adds.
Empowering Future Leaders
To the next generation of female leaders, Emel offers heartfelt and practical advice:
“Never give up. Trust in yourself, even when others don’t. Block out the negative voices and focus on your journey.”
She encourages aspiring professionals to complete their education, invest in their skills, and always rely on themselves. “You are all that you have in the end — so be your own best friend,” she says.
Conclusion
From a passionate law student to an award-winning entrepreneur, Emel Yilmaz has built an inspiring legacy in the world of immigration law. With her unwavering commitment to clients, her people-first leadership style, and a tireless drive for excellence, she continues to shape the future of legal immigration services in the UK and beyond.
As Global Immigration Law grows its international client base, one thing remains constant — Emel’s dedication to making a difference, one successful visa at a time.
Website: www.global-immigrationlaw.com
