Ferdinand Holley

Ferdinand Holley joined Harcourt Chambers as a tenant in October 2024, having completed pupillage under the supervision of Alison Williams, James Dove, and Jason Green.

Ferdinand’s practice covers the whole range of chambers’ practice areas, including public and private law children, financial remedies and Family Law Act 1996 injunctions. He regularly represents local authorities, parents, grandparents, and children’s guardians. Ferdinand is experienced in dealing with vulnerable and disadvantaged clients, clients with cognitive difficulties, and clients requiring an interpreter.

During pupillage, Ferdinand was instructed on multiple fact-finding and final hearings, involving allegations of attempted murder, sexual offences and transnational marriage abandonment. In financial remedies, Ferdinand has appeared in FDAs, FDRs and enforcement proceedings, including cases with an international element.

Previously, Ferdinand worked as a paralegal in a respected family law department, assisting on financial remedies, private law children, and international children cases. In this role, Ferdinand wrote articles about the law of nullity for a public audience and conducted court advocacy for non-molestation and prohibited steps order cases. Prior to that, Ferdinand worked as a paralegal in housing law, supporting individuals and families facing imminent homelessness. In both roles, Ferdinand worked extensively with vulnerable and disadvantaged clients.

Ferdinand studied Law at the University of Cambridge. He was the recipient of the Yarborough-Anderson Scholarship and an Exhibition Award from the Inner Temple in 2020. He undertook Bar Vocational Studies at City, University of London, graduating with a distinction. During his time at City, Ferdinand volunteered on family law cases for the City Law School Legal Advice Clinic.

In his spare time, Ferdinand enjoys acting, puzzles, and poetry.