Chris Johnston

Chris Johnston serves as the Principal at our firm, bringing a wealth of expertise in corporate law. With over 15 years in the legal domain, Chris has previously held the role of corporate counsel for several Fortune 500 companies. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School, holding a J.D., and is an active member of the Bar Association. Renowned for his strategic handling of complex legal matters, Chris has successfully negotiated numerous high-stakes contracts on behalf of clients. In addition to his corporate law experience, Chris is deeply involved in the migration sector. He is the State President of the Migration Institute of Australia's South Australian Chapter, where he provides leadership to the Branch Committee, oversees the development of annual plans, and engages with stakeholders to enhance the profession. As the founder and Principal Solicitor at Work Visa Lawyers, Chris manages a team focused on achieving excellent outcomes in immigration law, from global talent visas and business innovation to family migration and judicial reviews. Chris also co-manages the Australia Study Team, helping international students with educational enrolments and visa services. This role further extends his influence and expertise in stakeholder engagement within the educational sector. His previous positions include serving as a solicitor and migration agent at McDonald Steed McGrath Lawyers and offering migration assistance at Migration Solutions. Notably, Chris was part of the legal team involved in the precedent-setting Supreme Court case Trevorrow v State of South Australia. His extensive background is complemented by his academic achievements including an LLB with Honours from the University of New England and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Adelaide.