Benest & Syvret

Advocate Darry Robinson is a litigator with broad experience. He joined Benest & Syvret in July 2018, having previously worked within the Attorney General’s Office. Darry is a leading advocate with a practice that encompasses many aspects of public and private law cases and civil litigation arising out of family law, human rights, local authority duties, and negligence. Darry’s civil practice encompasses high value claims in tort, including group claims. He is particularly well known for bringing civil claims against the Government of Jersey on behalf of victims whose human rights have been contravened and for bringing high value claims against the Government of Jersey for individuals who have suffered severe physical and psychological injury. Darry is known for his confident manner in court, highly persuasive style of advocacy and excellent client care. He is an expert in administrative proceedings, judicial review and human rights. Darry succeeded for the plaintiffs in the landmark human rights Royal Court decision of F, H, Y, W, T, S [2021] JRC280, which examined the principle of real and effective consent for the purposes of Art 17 of the Children (Jersey) Law 2002 and the lawful authority to accommodate children as a consequence of instigating police protection measures under Art 41 of the Children (Jersey) Law 2002 and proportionate and necessary responses of social services and the police to avoid subverting the statutory regime. In the Royal Court case J -v- Chief Minister [2020] JRC215, Darry, acting on behalf of the appellant, successfully sought the dismissal of conditions imposed by the Chief Minister pursuant to Article 41 of the Control of Housing and Work (Jersey) Law 2012 preventing J’s family from accessing the Affordable Housing Gateway in Jersey and failing to recognise the needs of the children. Darry advanced proceeding to the Court of Appeal concerning a child who had been unlawfully placed in a UK residential unit. There was an important legal issue that required resolution by the Court of Appeal and which related to all Jersey children placed in UK residential units under Jersey care orders. Rather than proceeding to appeal the Government of Jersey lodged the Children (Arrangements to Assist Children to Live Outside Jersey) (Amendment) (Jersey) Law 2022 which was adopted by the States Assembly on 2 March 2022 to amend the Children Law and to enable the Court to approve arrangements for a child that is to live outside Jersey in suitable residential accommodation. Two further applications are presently before the Royal Court seeking to preserve the human rights of Jersey children, but those two cases are presently unavailable for comment. Darry is an accredited member of the Jersey Children’s Panel and is able to work for both children and parents.

Greg Herold-Howes

Greg is an accomplished Advocate and one of Jersey's accredited criminal practitioners for criminal legal aid, frequently appearing before all levels of the Island’s judiciary, from the Magistrate’s Court to the Court of Appeal. A litigator since 2012, Greg was called to the Jersey Bar in 2022 and is fast developing a reputation for his meticulous preparation, strategic insight, and persuasive advocacy, consistently achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients. Criminal practice lies at the heart of Greg’s work, encompassing the full spectrum of offences, from minor road traffic matters to the most serious and complex crimes. He has represented clients in high-profile and challenging cases involving attempted murder, large-scale drug importation, sexual offences, and financial crimes such as fraud and money laundering. Greg’s strategic and determined approach resulted in him securing acquittals in ground-breaking cases, such as the first prosecution in Jersey for operating an illegal taxi service and the circumvention of public vehicle service legislation. Greg is also known for achieving innovative sentencing outcomes, such as a significant non-custodial alternative to imprisonment in a case involving historic domestic violence, a decision now under review following a reference by the Attorney General. His skill in navigating the complexities of criminal procedure, combined with his ability to manage sensitive matters, has cemented his reputation as a trusted and effective advocate. A significant aspect of Greg’s criminal practice involves working with vulnerable clients, including those with mental health challenges. His deep understanding of mental health legislation and the justice system enables him to balance the needs and interests of his clients with the wider overriding objectives of the court. Greg is committed to providing advocacy that is both compassionate and precise, ensuring that his clients’ rights are protected while achieving outcomes that are fair and just. In cases involving complex evidence, such as forensic, psychological, or financial analysis, Greg draws on his extensive network of experts and counsel to provide robust and well-rounded representation. His ability to distil intricate evidence into compelling arguments has proven vital in securing positive results for his clients. Greg also works closely with his clients to explore alternative approaches to sentencing, including diversionary programmes and rehabilitative measures, where appropriate. In addition to his criminal work, Greg has a diverse civil and commercial litigation practice. He advises on contentious probate, personal and professional negligence claims, construction disputes, and insolvency matters, representing both plaintiffs and defendants. Known for his practical and results-focused approach, Greg provides clear and actionable advice tailored to his clients’ needs. Greg has also developed particular expertise in planning law, having successfully represented an appellant in a decade-long case involving multiple third-party planning appeals and tribunal proceedings. He regularly advises clients on their options for navigating the planning system, including proposed developments and challenging decisions, and appears before planning tribunals as part of his work. Greg combines technical evidence, practical advice and relentless focus on achieving the best outcomes, making him a trusted ally in even the most challenging legal disputes.

Nina Benest

Nina is an extraordinary Advocate with vast knowledge and experience gleaned over twenty years in family law practice. She is one of three partners of the firm and head of family law, dispute resolution and litigation teams. Advocate Benest has a wealth of experience undertaking negotiations, mediation, and private financial dispute resolution hearings as well as regularly appearing in court at all stages of the litigation process. She has represented a number of landmark cases in particular Downes v Marshall 2010 JRC 115B in which the court redefined the test for appeals from the family registrar to the Royal Court. In U v V [2019] JRC 110 Advocate Benest was representing children caught in the middle of lengthy and acrimonious proceedings between their parents. The Court in its judgement referred to her closing address as “devastatingly critical” of the parents’ conduct. From May 2020 until March 2022 Advocate Benest advised and represented a father in private children proceedings whose child had been abducted. She was involved in tracing the child’s whereabouts, assisting with the father’s representation in Hague Convention proceedings in another jurisdiction that went to appeal, securing the child’s return to Jersey, applying for ex-parte non-removal injunctions against the mother on her return to Jersey, and extended residence and contact hearings arising from the mother’s alienation of the children from its father. Ultimately Advocate Benest secured findings against the mother following a lengthy fact find hearing, a change in residence in favour of her client and successfully defended an appeal by the mother. Advocate Benest is an accredited member of the Jersey Children’s Panel and represents children and parents in public law proceedings. In addition, she is a member of Jersey Family Law Association having previously served as its Honorary Secretary and Honorary Chairman and is also a member of Resolution. Advocate Benest is very approachable, has great people skills, works diligently to understand different clients’ needs and provide the relevant support.

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