Ashfords bolsters immigration practice in London with new hires

UK law firm Ashfords has appointed partner and immigration specialist Ben Xu, and associate Mairi Lubelska, to its employment team in London, bolstering the firm's UK immigration offering. 

Ben specialises in business immigration and is individually recognised for his expertise in this area in the Chambers Guide 2026. He advises on matters across a wide range of sectors including technology, financial services, healthcare and life sciences, business service industries and accountancy. 

Ben also has significant expertise advising private clients on their complex private immigration and nationality matters.

Ashfords immigration partner Ben Xu said:

"Ashfords’ strength across employment, immigration and private wealth creates the perfect platform for the work my team and I do. The firm’s growth plans and in particular its continued investment in growing its London presence make this an exciting time to join. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to guide clients through the challenges of an ever changing immigration environment."

Stephen Moore, partner and head of employment, said: 

"Ben is an excellent addition to our team and is part of continued investment in building a market leading UK employment and immigration practice. His experience strengthens our capability in London and support for clients across the UK.”

Ben’s arrival builds on Ashfords’ ongoing investment in London. In the past 18 months the firm has strengthened its capabilities in the capital with the hires of healthcare specialist and banking & finance partner Deborah Rowntree, venture capital specialist and corporate partner Sam Brown, and trusts & estates partner Thomas Middlehurst.

Ashfords’ employment team supports UK and international businesses, covering the full spectrum of employment law and HR issues, from recruitment to termination, including investigations, sensitive disputes, restrictive covenant enforcement, and tribunal representation. The team's renowned immigration practice supports employers, businesses and private individuals in the UK and internationally, with the complex and changing UK immigration system.

For further information, please contact our employment team.