7 New Squared as chambers merge

The two barristers’ chambers practising from 7 New Square have merged to form a new, 19-strong set.

The chambers of Bernard Pearl has joined forces with neighbouring IP set, also 7 New Square, in a move designed to expand both sets’ capabilities. The new set will continue to be called 7 New Square.

IP barrister John FitzGerald becomes head of the enlarged chambers as Pearl retires. Civil practitioner Melvyn Harris becomes deputy head and treasurer.

The merger comes a month after 7 New Square IP tenants Mark Engelman and Ian Silcock moved to Hardwicke Building, depleting the set’s membership to just six barristers including one non-practising tenant.

The practice director of 7 New Square, Robert Woods, told The Lawyer: “IP fits in very well with the commercial side of things and also with the employment side of things. We’re just hoping that it’s a really good thing for everybody.”