Erskine Chambers has added two silks to its ranks, with the moves coming as former chairman of the Bar Council and head of chambers, Michael Todd QC (pictured), has returned to full-time practice.

The company law and commercial set has recruited Peter Arden QC and Raquel Agnello QC from Enterprise Chambers and 11 Stone Buildings respectively.

Arden, who has a particular focus on company and corporate insolvency work, has been involved in cases arising from the collapse of the Icelandic banks, such as the BG Holding (Baugur) and Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander UK administrations.

Agnello deals with all aspects of corporate and personal insolvency and company and commercial litigation and has developed a practice acting for the Pensions Regulator on matters including the Sea Containers case and matters relating to Lehman Brothers' collapse. She sits in the High Court part-time as a deputy registrar in bankruptcy and sits in the Companies Court.

The appointments, which took effect from the start of this week (1 January), came as Todd returned to full-time practice at the set after a year as chairman of the Bar Council.

Todd said: "With the recruitment of Peter Arden QC and Raquel Agnello QC, Erskine Chambers has reinforced and strengthened its position as one of the chambers of choice in the related field of corporate restructuring and insolvency.

"Peter and Raquel are both outstanding practitioners. They will complement the expertise of the existing members of chambers and their arrival is an exciting opportunity for chambers to offer an enhanced service across all areas of company and insolvency law."

Last year 2 Bedford Row and Lincoln House Chambers barrister Maura McGowan QC was elected as the Bar Council's next chairman in an uncontested vote, with the criminal silk succeeding Todd from 1 January.