Jane Bennett leads the ‘friendly and attentive’ team at JE Bennett Law, which is praised for ’keeping things as simple and straightforward as possible when explaining sometimes complicated scenarios’. The dedicated team helps physically and/or mentally vulnerable clients and their families. Their injuries are often acquired as a result of catastrophic accidents, clinical negligence, disease, or dementia. In addition, Bennett’s expert witness practice has continued to grow. Also recommended is Richard Shearing, who now handles in excess of 50 deputyship clients. The ‘very supportive’ Ian Macara is a panel deputy. Jemma Cahan works with clients who have sustained serious brain injuries as a result of catastrophic accidents or birth trauma. These clients often have received substantial damages. Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby and Amy Paxton are also key contacts.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Jane Bennett and Jemma Cahan have both shown great compassion and empathy for their clients whilst working towards long-term positive outcomes.'

  • ‘Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby is efficient, responsive, and proactive. It is clear she has a sound grasp of all of the intricate needs of her clients and she works collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for those clients.'

  • ‘A team that's grown significantly in recent years with some strong additions such as Richard Sheering.’

  • ‘Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby is an excellent example of someone who is fully invested in client care and outcomes. Always striving for the best results in sometimes incredibly difficult circumstances.’

  • 'Ian Macara's approach when talking to vulnerable clients and their families is done so with compassion and empathy. He has a unique ability to put clients at ease and instils confidence and calm in what is often difficult situations.' 

  • ‘Firm enjoys excellent, well-deserved reputation for Deputyship and COP work. Standout firm in this sector with strength and depth in their team and a client-centred, efficient and responsive approach.’

  • ‘Jane Bennett is not only an expert in her field but her relationships with clients and those affected by serious injury is exemplary. She is empathetic and understanding of the needs of those lacking capacity.’

  • ‘Jane Bennett and Richard Shearing provide a very personalised service for their clients, and work hard to achieve the best outcomes for their clients.’

Key clients

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

Work highlights

  • Provided an expert witness statement for CL Medilaw in the PI proceedings regarding the costs of a professional deputyship for property and affairs in which the client was the victim of a catastrophic injury claim after a road traffic accident.
  • Advising a client’s family, case managers, and litigation lawyers on Court of Protection matters in complex cross border case.
  • Acted for a client in successfully negotiating restitution payment to help secure the client’s long-term financial position.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Jane Bennett

Other key lawyers

Richard Shearing, Jemma Cahan, Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby, Ian Macara, Amy Paxton, Alexandra Edwards