Our Team
Dr. Xuebin Li
Managing Partner
With nearly 30 years of experience in financial crime compliance, cross-border legal affairs, and judicial cooperation, Xuebin has served 15 years at the UK Ministry of Justice and five years as a senior overseas legal advisor to Sinopec, where he was also selected as a member of its expert pool of legal specialists. He holds a PhD in Criminology from the UK, with doctoral research focused on money laundering, providing in-depth analysis of illicit asset concealment mechanisms and cultivating unique expertise in tracing criminal proceeds. Xuebin has taught law at BPP University Law School and the University of Cambridge, published multiple papers with leading international publishers, and delivered keynote speeches at major global conferences on economic crime. With extensive legal practice experience, he has successfully handled numerous complex contract disputes and notably guided a Chinese enterprise in recovering USD 10 million in assets through international arbitration.
Bo Xu
Managing Director
Bo has nearly 30 years of professional experience across government, education, investment, and international consultancy. Her previous roles include: Operations Director, Sun UK Consulting (Dubai), Founder and CEO, Sun UK Education (UK), Founder and CEO, SunUK Holdings (UK), Co-Founder, New Oriental London, Founder and CEO, BE Group (UK), specialising in energy and raw material investment, Lecturer in Law, BPP University Law School (UK), Senior Administrative Officer, UK Ministry of Justice, Founder and Director, Northeast China’s first internet company, Deputy Director, Shenyang Education Exchange Centre. She holds postgraduate degrees in macroeconomics and financial regulation, and is a registered auditor and certified network engineer.
Alexander Morries
Director of Legal
Alexander Morries is a UK solicitor with extensive experience leading complex, high-value transactions. Having practised at the world’s largest international law firm, he has acted on multi-billion-dollar corporate real estate acquisitions, international real estate financings, and large-scale data centre transactions.
Lisa Mao
Senior Management Team Co-ordinator
Lisa has developed a broad range of experience across corporate, family, mental health, and compliance. Her background includes supporting cross-border transactions, assisting with high-profile compliance and asset recovery cases, and advising clients under the Mental Health Act. In her current role, she contributes to contract review, legal operations, and the coordination of client matters across multiple jurisdictions.
Maria Beaumont
Senior Associate
Maria focuses on corporate and commercial matters across our London and Dubai offices, advising on cross border transactions, regulatory considerations and the structuring of international operations. She began her career in the finance sector in France, gaining early insight into the commercial and strategic pressures that shape complex deals. She later qualified in London with an international law firm, where she worked on multi-jurisdictional mandates and developed a strong grounding in transactional practice.
Maria has a particular interest in international corporate governance, emerging market transactions and the regulatory frameworks that support cross border growth. She regularly assists clients navigating operational change and strategic expansion, providing clear and commercially informed guidance. Her approach is defined by precision, structure and a commitment to helping clients manage complexity with confidence.
Patrick Ackerman
Senior Associate
Patrick’s practice centres on advising clients on operational risk, corporate governance and the implementation of business-critical frameworks. He works with organisations on issues such as internal controls, compliance architecture and the legal foundations of cross border operating models. His work often involves helping clients translate complex regulatory or contractual requirements into practical systems that function across multiple jurisdictions.
Patrick has supported clients developing new governance structures, implementing risk management programmes and building cross border compliance workflows. His experience includes advising senior leadership teams on the design of decision-making frameworks, assisting with the roll-out of internal policies and supporting project teams during large-scale organisational changes. He also has experience coordinating with technical specialists, consultants and international counsel on matters requiring multidisciplinary input. Patrick is known for his systematic approach, his attention to operational detail and his ability to build legal structures that are practical, durable and easy for clients to apply across their businesses.
Andrei Ionescu
Senior Associate
Andrei is an Associate at KILC, working across our international practice from the London office. He joined KILC after holding roles at prominent firms in Eastern Europe, where he developed experience across a broad range of commercial and regulatory mandates. He is admitted to practice in England and Wales as well as his home jurisdiction.
Andrei advises on corporate and regulatory compliance, cross border commercial matters and the legal aspects of operational risk management. He has experience supporting clients on complex transactions, due diligence exercises and multi-jurisdictional advisory projects, with a particular focus on navigating regulatory obligations and operational liabilities.
He also has a growing specialism in sustainability and ESG-driven legal issues, including advising on compliance frameworks, risk assessments and emerging international standards. His work includes assisting clients with governance structures, internal policies and regulatory reporting requirements across diverse industries.
Siti Aisyah Rahman
Associate
Siti Aisyah Rahman is an Associate at KILC advising on international arbitration and complex cross border disputes. Her work includes commercial arbitration, enforcement strategy and contentious risk management for clients operating across Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
She gained her law degree from the University of Oxford before training at a leading international law firm, where she went on to work for over a decade. During that time, she acted on high-value arbitration proceedings, contractual disputes and matters involving overlapping regulatory and jurisdictional frameworks, developing a deep understanding of multi-country dispute dynamics.
Siti has a particular interest in investor–state disputes and arbitration arising out of long-term commercial arrangements. She is known for her clear analytical approach, careful case preparation and ability to navigate legally and culturally complex matters with precision.
María Fernanda Ruiz
Associate
María Fernanda Ruiz is an Associate at KILC specialising in corporate finance and cross border capital markets matters. She advises on debt and equity issuances, private placements and financing structures for both corporate clients and financial institutions. Her practice also includes advising on disclosure obligations and navigating regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
María Fernanda completed her postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom before moving to Spain, where she worked in the banking sector on financing arrangements, credit analysis and risk management matters. She then joined a global law firm in London, gaining experience on complex capital markets transactions and international financing mandates.
She has a particular interest in emerging market financings, sustainable finance products and the regulatory frameworks shaping global capital flows. Clients value her analytical approach, her attention to detail and her ability to deliver clear, commercially focused advice on intricate cross border transactions.
Eleanor Chan
Associate
Eleanor Chan is a key Associate in KILC's innovative Future of Law division, specializing in the legal challenges presented by Emerging Technologies and Data Governance. Her practice sits at the nexus of technology, regulation, and international commerce, guiding clients through the complexities of data localization, AI ethics, and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).
Originally from Hong Kong, a global nexus for finance and technology, Eleanor brings invaluable experience in bridging the gap between Western and Asia-Pacific regulatory frameworks. She focuses on translating high-tech business objectives into robust, compliant legal strategies, ensuring KILC's clients can innovate responsibly and globally.
Itsuma Takahashi
Associate
Itsuma Takahashi is an Associate in KILC’s highly specialized Infrastructure and Project Finance practice group. She focuses on the acquisition, development, and financing of large-scale infrastructure assets, with a particular emphasis on projects that meet evolving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria.
Originally trained in Japan, a leader in high-speed rail and renewable energy technology, Itsuma brings rigorous technical and financial discipline to complex international transactions. She guides institutional investors and governmental agencies through the entire project life cycle, from early-stage permitting to syndicated debt structuring, ensuring projects are both financially viable and sustainably responsible.
Ariella Cohen
Associate
Ariella Cohen is an Associate in KILC’s powerful Dispute Resolution practice. She specializes in navigating and resolving multi-jurisdictional commercial disputes, including large-scale breach of contract claims, shareholder conflicts, and fraud investigations. Her approach is defined by strategic risk assessment and tenacious advocacy, aiming for commercially advantageous outcomes for KILC’s clients.
Ariella brings extensive experience in matters involving complex evidentiary issues and cross-border discovery, often coordinating litigation efforts across different legal systems. She is particularly skilled at advising corporate clients on proactive risk mitigation strategies to minimize future exposure to global regulatory penalties or litigation.
Mohamed Salih
Associate
Mohammad is an Associate in KILC’s Global Talent & Compliance division, operating from the firm's strategic Dubai office to service the burgeoning Middle East market. He specializes in UK and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council)business immigration, with a focus on advising multinational corporations and investors in the region on their talent mobility needs. His expertise is critical in navigating the transfer of executives and technical personnel between the UK and the UAE, managing complex visa routes, and ensuring compliance with both UK Sponsor Licence obligations and local Emiratisation policies.
Mohammad leverages his fluency in Arabic and his regional admission to offer integrated, commercially aware advice to clients with significant operations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. By providing clear guidance on the intricate legal and cultural nuances of the Middle East, he helps KILC’s clients secure the critical human capital necessary for their regional expansion. His dual perspective ensures a seamless experience for clients whose legal needs span the City of London and the financial hubs of the Gulf.
Sam Trey
Associate
Sam is an Associate in KILC’s Commercial Contracts & Regulatory Compliance division. His practice is built on a strong academic foundation, holding an LLB and a Masters in International Business Law. This rigorous grounding is complemented by his breadth of experience gained from previous roles in both private practice and as an in-house counsel, providing him with a unique dual perspective. He advises clients on a wide spectrum of commercial matters, from foundational corporate transactions and negotiating key commercial contracts to establishing robust compliance frameworks tailored for UK and international operations.
This combination of strong legal theory and practical in-house experience enables Sam to cut through complexity and deliver clear, commercially sensible solutions. His expertise is crucial in supporting a diverse range of matters across KILC’s practice areas, particularly those requiring the integration of corporate law and regulatory adherence (such as anti-money laundering and data protection). Sam is committed to ensuring clients receive advice that is not only legally sound but also strategically aligned with their operational and business objectives, acting as a true commercial partner.
Claire Ashworth
Associate
Claire Ashworth is a dynamic Associate in KILC’s highly active Corporate and M&A practice group. She specialises in advising private equity houses, institutional investors, and high-growth companies on complex domestic and cross-border transactions. Her work covers the entire investment lifecycle, from structuring and executing acquisitions and divestments to negotiating joint ventures and drafting shareholder agreements.
Claire provides commercially focused legal advice, helping clients navigate the intricacies of UK corporate governance and financial regulations. She is known for her meticulous attention to detail during due diligence and her pragmatic approach to resolving deal-critical issues. By integrating her transactional skills with the firm’s regulatory and tax specialists, Claire ensures seamless execution, enabling KILC’s clients to achieve their strategic investment goals efficiently and effectively.
Samantha Abbot
Associate
Samantha Abbott is an Associate in KILC's dedicated Employment and Pensions Law practice group. She specialises in providing strategic advice to corporate clients, particularly those undergoing complex transactions, reorganisations, or high-stakes employment disputes. Samantha's expertise spans the full range of UK labour law, including advising on executive dismissals, implementing restrictive covenants, and navigating the complexities of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) during M&A activity.
Samantha's focus is on proactive risk management and delivering compliant, commercial solutions that protect a company’s most critical asset: its workforce. Her work frequently involves advising multinational companies on harmonizing global employment policies with local UK requirements, particularly in areas like remote working and executive remuneration schemes. By integrating her legal expertise with the firm's corporate and M&A specialists, Samantha ensures clients minimise employment liabilities and maintain operational continuity through periods of change.
Michael Odobowa
Associate
Michael Odobowa is an Associate in KILC's highly discreet Family and Private Wealth practice. He specializes in handling complex financial remedies within divorce and separation proceedings, primarily for high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and those with multi-jurisdictional assets. Michael is highly skilled in matters involving complicated financial structures, including family trusts, corporate valuations, and offshore assets, ensuring a thorough and strategic approach to asset division and protection.
Operating at the critical intersection of family law and corporate finance, Michael works closely with KILC’s M&A, Tax, and Litigation teams to provide comprehensive advice. He is committed to achieving equitable, out-of-court settlements whenever possible, maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and discretion for the firm’s clients. When litigation is necessary, he provides robust representation, focusing on protecting pre-marital and non-matrimonial wealth from claims under UK law.
Olivier Bernard
Senior Consultant
Olivier Bernard is a Senior Consultant within KILC Consulting, the firm's dedicated advisory arm. He specialises in providing strategic counsel to financial institutions, FinTechs, and multinational corporations on navigating complex UK and EU regulatory frameworks. Olivier's expertise is focused on translating dense compliance obligations—such as MiFID II, PSD2, and the Consumer Duty—into clear, operational strategies that enable clients to launch new products, optimize internal controls, and execute seamless international market entry.
Leveraging his deep experience in both London and Paris, Olivier provides a unique cross-Channel perspective, which is crucial for KILC's clients managing post-Brexit regulatory divergence. He works closely with KILC legal teams on large-scale regulatory change programmes, often bridging the gap between legal interpretation and practical business implementation. Olivier is committed to delivering practical, risk-mitigating solutions that enhance operational efficiency while ensuring absolute adherence to rapidly evolving financial services governance.
Peter Cheng
Legal Consultant
Peter Cheng is a Consultant within KILC Consulting, specializing in Operational Resilience and Digital Transformation for regulated industries. He advises clients—particularly in the banking, insurance, and professional services sectors—on strengthening their core business processes against disruption, whether from cyber threats, technology failure, or external crises. Peter's work is crucial in helping firms meet the stringent operational resilience requirements set by UK regulators like the FCA and PRA, ensuring continuous service delivery in the face of unpredictable events.
Peter’s expertise bridges technical and strategic needs. He guides executive teams through complex Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) transformations, helping them select, implement, and integrate the technology systems required to monitor and manage firm-wide risks effectively. He is committed to delivering solutions that not only achieve regulatory compliance but also enhance business efficiency and competitive advantage by leveraging robust, modern operational frameworks.
Haruto Sakamoto
Legal Consultant
Haruto Sakamoto is a Legal Consultant within KILC Consulting, specializing in the intersection of technology, commercial law, and regulatory compliance, with a deep focus on the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Drawing on his experience working with major multinational corporations in the Tokyo market, he advises clients on structuring and negotiating complex international commercial agreements, particularly in relation to large-scale IT outsourcing, cloud services, and software licensing. His expertise is crucial for firms expanding their digital footprint into or across Asia.
Haruto’s role is to bridge the gap between KILC's legal advisory teams and the operational needs of the client’s IT and procurement departments. He helps clients design robust vendor management frameworks and implement compliant digital contract strategies that mitigate risks associated with cross-border data transfer, jurisdiction, and varying consumer protection laws across APAC markets. He delivers clear, strategic solutions that allow KILC’s global clients to execute their digital transformation projects efficiently and securely.
Molly Stone
Legal Consultant
Molly Stone is a Legal Consultant within KILC Consulting, specialising in Competition Law and Antitrust Compliance. She plays a critical role in advising multinational clients on navigating the increasingly complex enforcement landscape governed by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the European Commission. Molly focuses on translating dense competition rules - spanning merger control, dominance, and illegal agreements - into practical, day-to-day operational guidelines for sales, marketing, and procurement teams.
Molly's expertise is focused on proactive risk mitigation. She designs and implements bespoke, firm-wide compliance programmes, conducts internal competition audits, and provides swift, strategic advice during dawn raids and investigations. By working alongside KILC's litigation lawyers, she ensures clients receive integrated advisory services that not only prevent violations but also effectively manage risk when inquiries arise, protecting the client's reputation and avoiding costly penalties.
Thabo Khumalo
Legal Consultant
Thabo Khumalo is a Legal Consultant within KILC Consulting, specialising in Corporate Governance, Ethics, and Internal Investigations. He advises boards and executive teams on establishing robust governance structures, enhancing corporate culture, and managing high profile integrity risks. Thabo is particularly skilled at conducting independent internal reviews into alleged misconduct, whistleblowing reports, and regulatory breaches, ensuring a thorough, discreet, and legally privileged process that protects the client's interests and reputation.
His practice is focused on the convergence of legal risk and corporate responsibility, including evolving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting and compliance requirements. Drawing on his experience in both the UK and South African markets, Thabo provides strategic advice to global clients on navigating cross-border corruption risks and establishing ethical supply chain standards. He helps KILC's clients move beyond mere compliance to embed genuine ethical practices that drive long-term corporate value.
Thuy Nguyen
Trainee Solicitor
Mia Jensen
Trainee Solicitor
Youssef Amrani
Trainee solicitor
Carter Wilson
Trainee solicitor
Jingyi Liao
Trainee Solicitor
Marina Oliveira
Trainee Solicitor
Anne Li
HR Manager
Marcelo Shao
Legal Tech Associate
Marcelo is KILC's Legal Tech Associate with a strong analytical background and a passion for the intersection of technology, data, and global business. A graduate of Imperial College London, with a Master's in Applied Machine Learning, he brings a proactive, solutions-driven approach to complex problems and thrives in fast-paced, multicultural environments. Marcelo supports the team with legal technology strategy, process optimisation, and cross-border insight, contributing to our mission of delivering innovative, internationally minded tech solutions.
Yiran Xu
Operations Associate
Specialising in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Yiran joined KILC's operations team after gaining her Master's from University College London, overseeing the firm's everyday business. She specialises in marketing operations, user growth support and performance-driven campaign execution.
Mr Qihuai Zhang – Founder and Managing Director, Lan Peng Law Firm, China
Honorary Senior Legal Advisor
Mr. Chenyang Hu – Managing Director, Jingshi Law Firm, Shanghai
Honorary Senior Legal Advisor
Mr. Qingyun Zhang – Managing Director, Taihetai Law Firm, Hangzhou
Honorary Senior Legal Advisor
Mr. Xide Fan- Managing Partner, Hanyao Law Firm, Shandong
Honorary Senior Legal Advisor
Mr. Ning Gu – Director of Compliance (Criminal Matters), Member of the Management Committee, Yingke Law Firm, Shenzhen
Honorary Chinese Compliance Specialist