The ‘friendly, attentive and supportive’ team at JE Bennett Law often works with mentally vulnerable clients and their families under the excellent leadership of Jane Bennett. Clients of the firm have suffered injuries as a result of catastrophic accidents, clinical negligence or disease. The firm receives regular referrals from a number of national personal injury and clinical negligence specialist lawyers to act as professional deputy. Additionally, Bennett’s expert witness practice is flourishing, while Richard Shearing now handles in excess of 50 deputyship clients. The ’approachable’ Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby receives plaudits for ‘always being professional and caring’  when helping clients with the management of their property and affairs. Jemma Cahan works with clients who have sustained serious brain injuries as a result of catastrophic accidents, or birth trauma. Ian Macara heads the public deputy team with responsibility for panel and local authority matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'J E Bennett are market leaders in their particular legal sector. With years of experience in COP/vulnerable client welfare and a team of approachable knowledgeable lawyers and support staff, they provide excellent advice using technology to assist but never losing the personal touch.'

  • ‘Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby is a very personable individual. She is excellent at her role, highly professional with a genuine empathy for her clients which is an outstanding and rare quality to find in this industry.'

  • ‘Ian Macara has proved to be a good listener. Clear about actions to be taken. Speaks to client on a level they have a chance to understand. Good back up staff, who have been reliable and helpful.’

  • ‘What really sets JE Bennett Law apart is their ability to take control of a complicated situation and handle everything with care, clarity, and professionalism. I was able to leave the case in their hands, which significantly reduced my stress.' 

  • 'Jemma Cahan is amazing. She is client centred, approachable and available.'

  • ‘The firm managed my case with a high level of professionalism and efficiency. Time management and clear communication were key strengths throughout the process. I felt well-supported at every stage, and I will definitely work with this firm again in the future.’

Key clients

  • Shoosmiths
  • DWF Law
  • Clyde & Co
  • Weightmans
  • DAC Beachcroft
  • CL Medilaw

Work highlights

Acting for an elderly gentleman with dementia who was effectively kidnapped and exposed to high-level financial abuse/extortion. Urgent steps were taken to protect DS, remove him from harm and protect his remaining assets.
Achieved a positive outcome for a highly vulnerable client in a financial deputyship case involving the removal of the client to more appropriate accommodation (involving health and welfare law overlap) due to changing needs and amidst disputes with various parties.
Acting in a cross jurisdictional catastrophic personal injury case pre-settlement. The case involves a client with cerebral palsy and requires very careful handling due to familial sensitivities and differences of opinion with regard to the ongoing management of the settlement fund.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Jane Bennett

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Jemma Cahan
Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby
Richard Shearing

Practice head

Jane Bennett

Other key lawyers

Jemma Cahan; Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby; Richard Shearing; Ian Macara; Alexandra Gunn