Former Harney’s partner Peter Ferrer is set to join 7 King’s Bench Walk (7KBW), returning to practice after retiring last year.
Ferrer, a barrister, retired from Harneys in January 2025 after nine years practising offshore in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), having previously practised at Quadrant Chambers in London from 1998 to 2016. He was promoted to co-head of Harneys’ litigation, insolvency and restructuring team in 2021, having joined the firm as a partner. He later served on the firm’s global executive committee.
Writing on LinkedIn, he said: “It turns out (probably entirely predictably) that, in fact, retirement is one of those things you dream about when you’re younger, and then you discover that you miss the work and the clients.”
Welcoming the arrival, 7KBW’s veteran head of chambers, Gavin Kealey KC, said: “Peter is a highly experienced commercial barrister and advocate. His arrival brings an offshore and cross-border insolvency capability that complements and deepens chambers’ strengths and ambitions as a set across the broad range of commercial practice in the US, offshore and internationally.”
At 7KBW, Ferrer will act for high-net-worth individuals, companies and governments in commercial litigation and arbitration disputes, including asset finance, aviation and travel, civil fraud, energy, insurance and reinsurance, international trade, professional negligence and shipping.
Ferrer commented: “Having worked closely with various members over the past few years, I’m excited to join 7KBW and look forward to being part of their continued growth, particularly in the offshore sphere.”
Before relocating to the BVI in 2016, Ferrer frequently appeared in the Commercial Court and Court of Appeal. He also represented clients in the UK Supreme Court. While practising in the BVI, Farrer participated in numerous first-instance cases, several cases before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court of Appeal, and one case before the Privy Council. Additionally, he served as an expert witness in the US, Singapore and Pakistan.
Ferrer’s arrival at 7KBW follows Stephen Du’s move to Twenty Essex last year, while the set welcomed Michael Ryan’s elevation to silk in March. It also welcomed the return of Sir Julian Flaux and Sir Clive Freedman as arbitrators last year, with Flaux subsequently being appointed to the Bermuda Court of Appeal in January, thereby accentuating its offshore credentials. James Bailey has also developed an active BVI practice, often alongside Duxton Hill Chambers’ Jern-Fei Ng KC, being called there in 2022.
Ferrer’s return to London coincides with his former firm’s announcement that it would move to new offices in the City’s Broadgate Tower, where it offers BVI and other offshore and onshore legal advice, including high-value disputes.
Harney’s London managing partner Rachel Graham commented: “This move reflects the continued growth and expansion of our London practice. The Broadgate Tower offers a fantastic location that is both convenient and easily accessible for our clients, and the new office space provides a light and bright working environment with areas for both collaboration and quiet working, enabling our teams to work together collegiately, effectively and creatively.”
A spokesperson for Harney’s added: “We would like to wish Peter the best in his new role.”
Last September, Sullivan & Cromwell lured former Weil Gotshal & Manges London managing partner, Mike Francies, out of retirement.
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