K2 X Border launches Australian legal practice, names Marianne Bateman lead lawyer

K2 X Border opened an Incorporated Legal Practice in Australia on June 1 and appointed immigration specialist Marianne Bateman as principal lawyer. The move gives the global immigration firm a stronger foothold in a market where visa rules are complex and legal advice is tightly regulated. Why it matters: - K2 X Border is expanding in Australia as demand grows for immigration support tied to talent relocation. - Australia’s visa system includes hundreds of subclasses and frequent rule changes, making specialist legal guidance more valuable. - Only immigration lawyers or licensed immigration practitioners can provide immigration advice in Australia. What happened: - K2 X Border established an Incorporated Legal Practice in Australia on June 1, 2026. - The company appointed Marianne Bateman as Principal Lawyer and Immigration Leader. - K2 X Border is part of K2 Group and provides immigration consultancy, document handling, visa application management, and permits and residency application management. - The company announced the move in Sydney on June 18, 2026. The details: - K2 X Border works across a global network of 15 offices and has 25+ specialists, immigration lawyers, and licensed immigration practitioners. - Marianne Bateman is an Australian-qualified lawyer and immigration specialist with a current practicing certificate in New South Wales. - Bateman’s practice areas include corporate immigration law, general skilled migration, family visas, and business innovation and investment visas. - Her previous roles include Head of Immigration Services/Client Advisory at The Migration Agency, Consulting Solicitor at GTC Lawyers, Senior Consultant at KPMG, and Associate at Baker & McKenzie. - From K2 X Border’s Sydney office, Bateman will support existing Australian clients and help develop new business with Global Head of Immigration Jesper Albrekt and Head of Strategic Alliances and Client Development - APAC Kim Thomas. - K2 X Border said Bateman has been a friend of the company for seven years and has a strong understanding of its human-centric service model. Between the lines: - The ILP structure gives K2 X Border a more direct legal platform in a market where immigration compliance can affect hiring, transfers and business expansion. - Naming a lawyer with deep Australian experience suggests the company wants to compete on specialized, locally regulated advice rather than only general consulting support. - Jesper Albrekt said Bateman’s qualifications and experience make her the most qualified professional to lead the Australian immigration practice and help clients navigate Australia’s changing framework. What’s next: - K2 X Border plans to use the Sydney base to serve current clients and pursue new business in Australia. - The company is directing potential clients to its website for more information on the ILP, Bateman’s appointment and its service offering. - Prospective clients can contact the K2 X Border team through the company’s website contact page. - K2 X Border’s public social channels include LinkedIn , Instagram , and YouTube .