Harneys appoints Kennedys Law exec as counsel in Bermuda

Harneys, a legal services firm, has appointed global corporate and insurance lawyer Michael Skrbic  as counsel in its Bermuda office. Skrbic’s joins Harneys from Kennedys Law, where he was a partner in the London and Hong Kong offices. Prior to that, he held various roles, including launching and heading the London office of Peterson & Ross, a specialist Chicago/New York-based insurance law firm; and heading the Hong Kong Insurance Practice of what is now CMS Cameron McKenna, which he developed into one of the largest (re)insurance practices in Hong Kong. Skrbic has more than 25 years’ experience in insurance and banking law gained in London, Hong Kong and Bermuda. He has held senior positions at major insurers including ACE Group and Zurich Financial Services; investment banks Dresdner Kleinwort and Commerzbank; and international law firms including Kennedys Law and CMS Cameron McKenna. In its first 6 months in Bermuda, Harneys has grown to more than 22 staff with nine lawyers, launched a Fiduciary practice, and continued to attract local talent. Harneys plans to announce additional hires in Bermuda in the coming weeks and months. Sarah-Jane Hurrion, managing partner of Harneys Bermuda, said: “Michael has a wealth of international relationships in the ILS market, as well as with financial institutions and (re)insurance companies in Asia. The addition of Michael adds significant depth of expertise and further strengthens our leading corporate, insurance, and investment funds practices, led by Michael Burns.  “Harneys is committed to building a leading full-service Bermuda legal and fiduciary services practice in Bermuda, and we are delighted to welcome Michael to the team.” Skrbic added: “It is an exciting time to join Harneys, who are actively growing in Bermuda. In the past few years the firm has also developed into one of the largest offshore law firms in Hong Kong. Combined with Singapore, Tokyo and Shanghai offices, Harneys has a strong presence in Asia, which drives a significant amount of business to Bermuda. “I look forward to bringing my Asia and ILS market knowledge and expertise to bear in Bermuda as the ILS market continues to mature here, and in turn boosts Harneys’ insurance and corporate practice, and other areas such as asset management.”