Mr Walker joins Brian Ward & Partners after 28 years as a partner at MinterEllison, where he was also the firm’s national head of insolvency and reconstruction for 14 years.

He has more than 30 years' experience in security enforcement, banking litigation, insolvency, restructuring and workout issues.

Throughout his career, he has acted for many lenders, including all four major banks, and advised many insolvency appointees on creditor rights, their powers and duties and the full range of commercial and legal issues that face insolvency practitioners.

"My fellow directors and I are delighted that a senior lawyer of Ian's gravitas and stature within the legal profession and wider business community is joining our company,” said Brian Ward & Partners managing director Philip Gleed, commenting on Mr Walker’s new role.

“His practice, skill set and experience in insolvency, restructuring and finance adds further strength to our already formidable corporate advisory and litigation practices."

Mr Walker said he is excited about his new role at a new firm.

"I am excited to be joining BWP as they transition from a first to second generation boutique corporate advisory law firm,” he said.

"The challenge in leading and forming a team of lawyers specialising in insolvency, reconstruction and workouts is of particular appeal to me.

“Being part of a premium boutique firm with highly talented lawyers also has great appeal to me, as well as to my clients and referrers. I am looking forward to making a significant contribution to the planned growth and success of BWP going forward."

Mr Walker’s appointment comes after Brian Ward & Partners appointed Scott Stewart as a director and head of planning and development last October.

The firm also appointed Philip Duffy as an associate director and head of workplace.