International law firm Withers LLP has announced the appointment of highly regarded immigration lawyer Philip Barth in its London office.

Withers have hired Philip to establish a European and Asian immigration practice, and he will work closely with Of Counsel Reaz Jafri in the US, who joined the firm's New York office in October 2012. Philip joins the firm from Pennington Solicitors, and has advised successful individuals and businesses on investment in, and migration to, the UK for over 20 years.

Philip's varied experience positions him at the forefront of the market, and he is described by Chambers and Partners as 'very respected' and 'a sought-after name in the field'. As well as advising key players in the global banking, private banking and wealth management sectors on immigration matters, Philip also advises corporate and educational sponsors on compliance and risk issues and has expertise in nationality law, human rights cases and those involving EU law, criminality and exclusion. Philip acted as a member of a high level UK Border Agency working group on the design of the Points Based System and has participated in a number of government consultations on immigration policy.

Richard Cassell, Joint Leader of Withers' Wealth Planning Practice Group, said:

'Withers is the leading international law firm dedicated to successful people, their families and their businesses and first class immigration advice is an essential service for clients with interests around the world. Philip is an acknowledged leader in the field and will provide our clients with trusted global advice, in collaboration with our immigration team in the US.'

Philip Barth comments:

'This is a fantastic opportunity to set up a new practice at one of the world's premier firms for private clients and their business interests. This focus complements my practice to date, and I look forward to drawing on the firm's extensive international resources to drive this forward. In particular, I am excited about working alongside Reaz to provide clients with multi-jurisdictional advice.'

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