Welcome to the OTB Legal Team

October 27

Meet the Team – Rachel Whickman

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OTB Legal

As the legal team at OTB legal continues to grow, we are proud to introduce our latest team member, Rachel Whickman.

We had a chat with her to find out more about the real person behind the professional lawyer.

  • Tell us a little bit about your background and why you decided to work in immigration law.

I first started working in immigration as a Decision Maker with the Home Office. I was making asylum decisions and I found the work really interesting, but I wanted to work more closely with the people who were making immigration applications. I then worked with Migrant Help and I was based in emergency accommodation helping new asylum seekers to access government support. I loved this job and it was through this work that I saw how big a difference good legal advice can make to a person’s immigration journey. It was this realisation that motivated me to pursue my legal career and I’ve now been working in immigration law since 2018. 

  • What attracted you to OTB Legal?

I wanted to join OTB Legal because of how innovative and client-focused the firm is; the top priority here is to deliver the best results for clients and the team are always looking for ways to do things better. The team at OTB Legal also have extensive experience in immigration law, so I was excited to work with colleagues who are experts in their field.

  • What will you be doing at OTB Legal?

I will be a member of the family and private immigration team at OTB Legal. This means I will be working mostly with individuals and families who want to come to the UK or extend their leave to remain once they’re here. I will also be taking on indefinite leave to remain and citizenship applications, and I also have a lot of experience with EU Settlement Scheme applications.

  • If you could change one thing about immigration law or procedure what would it be?

One thing I would change about immigration procedures in the UK is the cost of applying. The Home Office frequently reviews the cost of immigration applications and over the last few years we’ve seen huge increases in the applications fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge. It’s hard seeing people and families struggling to afford the cost of their applications, so if I could change one thing that’s what it would be!

  • What are you passionate about outside the work?

I love to get outdoors when I’m not working and in particular I am an avid bird watcher! I’m a member of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and you can frequently find me at my favourite local nature reserve, Attenborough Nature Centre.

  • Outside the box (OTB) question – If you could be an animal which one would you be and why?

If I could be an animal, I would definitely be one of my favourite birds: the swift. Swifts spend spring and summer in Europe before flying to Africa for the colder months, which sounds great to me. Swifts are also amazingly acrobatic in flight which would be fun!

Rachel Whickman


Rachel can be contacted at [email protected] and via telephone at 0115 850 1824.

To schedule a free initial consultation with Rachel please click below:

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