Immigration Law Firm of the Year 2026

Migration has always been part of the human story. Though it is often viewed through a political lens, humans have been on the move for the vast majority of our collective history. One Planet Migration Law is a Sydney-based specialist immigration law firm honouring migration’s power to enrich lives and strengthen communities, whilst making the process effortless for the people and businesses it serves. We spoke with Founder and Principal Lawyer Tina Nematian below, as One Planet Migration Law is named in the APAC Legal Awards 2026.

Connecting humanity, one visa at a time.

A firm built around the human reality of migration

After almost 15 years practising exclusively in immigration law, Tina Nematian established One Planet Migration Law in 2023 with a clear purpose: to build a firm that delivers excellent legal work but also reflects the human reality behind every visa application. As the child of refugees, Tina grew up with the understanding that migration law is not just policy or paperwork, but safety, family, identity, opportunity, and dignity.

“I have always loved learning about different cultures and different ways of thinking,” she told APAC Insider. “As a Bahá’í, I have always valued the diversity of humanity and fundamentally believe in the oneness of humanity. That belief has shaped the way I see migration: not as something separate from society, but part of the human story. Our work is legal and technical, but it is also about helping people move through some of the most important moments of their lives with dignity and clarity.”

Supporting individuals, families, employers and organisations

Today, One Planet Migration Law assists individuals, families, employers, and organisations across a broad range of visa and migration matters. A core aspect of this work is corporate immigration; the firm works with businesses in industries such as construction, healthcare, hospitality, technology, and professional services, particularly where employers need skilled workers and require strategic advice on sponsorship obligations, workforce planning, and compliance.

At the same time, One Planet Migration Law also works with individuals and families navigating deeply personal migration pathways. Many of these clients are experiencing major life transitions that often overlap with family separation, trauma, financial stress, health issues, domestic violence, exploitation, or uncertainty about the future. For these clients, the firm focuses on helping them feel safe, informed, and supported through a process that can be life-changing.

The words clients have been waiting to hear

“The most rewarding part of working in immigration law is knowing that the work can change the course of someone’s life,” Tina shared. “Few moments compare to calling a client, whether a vulnerable client, a family separated for far too long, or an Australian business relying on critical workers, and saying the words they have been waiting to hear: ‘You got the visa.’ It may mean a family can stay together, a business can keep a critical worker, someone can travel to see a loved one, or a vulnerable person can finally feel safer.”

You got the visa.

Tina Nematian, Founder and Principal Lawyer

Access to justice as a core part of the business model

This passion for helping people has driven One Planet Migration Law to grow and innovate without ever losing sight of its purpose. The private law firm receives no external funding yet continues to take on significant pro bono and low bono work. In the past year, this has amounted to more than 10% of its annual revenue. This is a significant point of pride for the team, as it demonstrates that a profitable firm can still make access to justice a core component of its business model.

Expansion without compromising culture, quality or purpose

The next stage for One Planet Migration Law will be focused on expansion without compromising the culture, quality, and purpose that defines its work. Access to justice will remain central to this journey; the firm’s involvement in the Federal Court of Australia’s Pro Bono Referral Scheme, together with its collaboration with community organisations, not-for-profits and Community Legal Centres, is central to its pro bono and low bono commitment and reflects its broader mission. The team intends to continue taking on pro bono and low bono matters in a sustainable way.

Continued investment in technology and strong systems will support this, with increased efficiency providing more capacity to help clients who may otherwise be unable to access aid.

One Planet Migration Law is also exploring thought leadership opportunities, including more public education, speaking engagements, and content that helps explain immigration law in a way people can understand. Tina aims to use the firm’s platform to change how people talk about migration: not as something to fear, but as something that has always been part of the human story and a source of strength in diverse societies.

“I am proud that our work allows us to contribute to a better conversation around migration. It has always shaped societies, families, economies, and cultures,” she concluded. “Ultimately, I want One Planet Migration Law to keep growing as a profitable, specialist immigration law firm that makes a meaningful contribution to clients, to the profession, and to the broader conversation about migration.”