Our founding partner, Jane Bennett, and senior partner Ian Macara are both members of the Office of the Public Guardian’s national panel of professional deputies.
The Court of Protection chooses deputies from this list when no one else is willing or able to act as a deputy for someone who lacks mental capacity
Panel members are appointed by the Court after a thorough application process, and there are only around 60 panel deputies nationwide. JE Bennett Law is currently the only law firm in the south east of England with multiple panel deputies.
JE Bennett are ranked highly in the prestigious Legal 500 rankings, recognised as a Leading Firm for Court of Protection and Jane Bennett has been named in the Hall of Fame in her field, making her part of what is considered a very elite list. Our partners Richard Shearing, Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby and Amy Paxton are recognised as Next Generation Partners. These are quotes from recent Legal 500 editorial:
‘Highly professional service at a fair price. An experienced and user-friendly team’
‘A very strong team ethic as the practice has developed over the last few years. Jane Bennett is a leading industry figure, with a strong business acumen built upon excellent client care. Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby is a rising star of the team’
‘Jane Bennett is always prompt and deals with instructions efficiently. She is helpful and approachable. I value her professionalism and turnaround times in cases where things can be a bit last minute. Jane always delivers for us.’
‘Lorna is infectiously passionate about promoting independence and is happy to think outside the box in ensuring her clients have access to the necessary support and rehabilitation services. Her approach is one of someone highly skilled in her field. Lorna remains professional at all times and nothing seems too much’
‘Richard is very practically involved with his clients. He is highly respected by clients and professionals alike. Richard is very approachable and is obviously highly skilled and knowledgeable’
Jane Bennett has been ranked in Chambers and Partners rankings 2021. Jane is 1 of only 24 lawyers nationwide to make the rankings for, Court of Protection: Property & Affairs (UK-wide).
JE Bennett Law has Lexcel accreditation since 2019. This is the Law Society’s legal practice quality mark for practice management and client care. Our firm is audited annually to ensure continued accreditation.
Jane is a fully Accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly and a lifelong member of Headway for whom JE Bennett Law are a corporate supporter.
Jane is an Affiliate member of STEP. The JE Bennett Law team are members of the professional institutions shown in the image.
JE Bennett Law and Jane Bennett have now been ranked by the Legal500 for 4 consecutive years.
'Richard is very practically involved with his clients. He is highly respected by clients and professionals alike. Richard is very approachable and is obviously highly skilled and knowledgeable'
'Lorna is infectiously passionate about promoting independence and is happy to think outside the box in ensuring her clients have access to the necessary support and rehabilitation services. Her approach is one of someone highly skilled in her field. Lorna remains professional at all times and nothing seems too much'
"I am a Case Manager. I would highly recommend Jemma Cahan. She has a professional yet personable and compassionate manner. Communication was excellent with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the client and their individual circumstances."
Jemma (Cahan) is a first-class solicitor who can be relied upon to do her very best for those she represents.
Jane is a true expert in this specialised area of the law. Thoroughly recommend her.
I have worked with Jane on numerous high value complex brain injury cases over the years. Her expert witness reports are clear, well written and are well liked by counsel.
Jane is easy to work with and can always be relied upon to give a sensible opinion on points of difficulty.
I have worked with Jane on many cases. She invariably brings expertise and experience... I value her input whatever her role in a case and would unhesitatingly recommend her as experienced, skilful and extremely competent in all that she does.
I would, unhesitatingly, recommend working with Jane and her team.
"We recognise the need for specialists who are professional and reliable so are always happy to refer to JE Bennett Law for expert witness work."
JE Bennett Law speak in a language that clients and families understand and adapt their style to the individual circumstances presented. It was no surprise that Jane won the honour of obtaining panel status for the Court of Protection, which many firms failed to do. This means that she now attracts recommendations from other solicitors across the UK too. Jane can also be found fronting expert panels for other deputies helping to answer more complex questions.
Having referred cases for appointment of a Deputy we have found JE Bennett Law to be helpful, reliable and flexible in the way that they have worked with us
I have worked with Jane and the team on a number of matters involving vulnerable clients and their families and I am very happy to recommend JE Bennett Law to any of my clients. The entire team at JEB are very personable, professional and take great care with the individual needs of each client. They are quick to respond and I have first hand experience and feedback from clients and families about the positive impact that Jane and the team have had in helping to change their lives for the better, often under extremely difficult and emotional circumstances.
'Highly professional service at a fair price. An experienced and user-friendly team'
'A very strong team ethic as the practice has developed over the last few years. Jane Bennett is a leading industry figure, with a strong business acumen built upon excellent client care. Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby is a rising star of the team'
'Jane Bennett is always prompt and deals with instructions efficiently. She is helpful and approachable. I value her professionalism and turnaround times in cases where things can be a bit last minute. Jane always delivers for us.'
Eridge House, 1 Linden Close, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 8HH
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