Kent’s JE Bennett Law restructures to meet growing probate demand

JE Bennett Law, a Tunbridge Wells-based firm which specialises in representing people in vulnerable circumstances, has established a private client division to meet growing demand for wills and probate services.

The restructuring means the firm now manages three divisions – personal injury and expert witness, panel and local authority, and private client.

Jane Bennett, founder and managing partner, said: “Our core business of deputyships has increased by 78 per cent over the last three years as a result of extending and deepening our referrer network.

“As we represent more and more deputyship clients, this has led to a corresponding increase in demand for affiliated legal services.

“We have therefore restructured into three fee-earning divisions to give focus to the respective areas and to drive future growth in line with our core values of protecting and empowering our clients and delivering appropriate legal support to the highest standards.”

The firm has also boosted its headcount by 61 per cent over the past three years.

“We now have eight partners and two solicitors; a team of 12 paralegals; a trainee; and administration support staff, representing clients across the UK,” said Jane.

Senior partner Richard Shearing has been chosen to lead the new division.

He added: “The growth in demand for wills and probate has created a solid platform for further strategic growth.

“We anticipate more organic growth as we extend this service to the clients in vulnerable circumstances that we represent.

“But we’re also looking to offer private client services to a wider client base in our home territories of Kent and Sussex.”