NINA BENEST

Nina has over twenty years’ experience in the legal profession in Jersey. She was sworn in as an Advocate of the Royal Court in August 1999, having been called to the English Bar in 1996 (Middle Temple). Nina joined Benest & Syvret at its inception in October 1997.

As an Advocate, Nina regularly appears in Court as well as before other tribunals. As the Partner heading our dispute resolution and litigation team, she also has a wealth of experience undertaking lawyer led negotiations, mediation, arbitration and private FDRs as alternative means of resolving disputes, not just through the Courts.

Nina appeared in Downes v Marshall [2010] JRC 115B, in which the court redefined the test for Appeals from the Family Registrar to the Royal Court. In De La Haye v Walton [2013] JRC 021, Nina successfully represented the plaintiff in a case that developed the doctrine of rapport á la masse in succession cases.

Nina is a former chair of the Jersey Family Law Association and is an accredited member of Jersey's Children Panel and as such represents both children and primary carers in public children law cases.

Nina is an Associate member of the Jersey Construction Council and contributes to it's work by sitting on the Policy Sub Committee.

She is also a member of the Clergy Disciplinary Division of the Ecclesiastical Court.

Outside of the office, Nina is an accomplished musician and plays viola in the Jersey Symphony Orchestra. She enjoys gardening and trying new recipes from her extensive cookery book collection.

Philip Syvret

Over the last 10 years Philip has concentrated on the Jersey property market and advises a number of local property development firms. He is a leading property lawyer and has been lead advisor for some of the islands largest residential developments. His experience in preliminary purchase agreements, land options, Planning appeals and conveyancing work is regularly called upon by clients. Philip was instrumental in the implementation of the first Planning Obligation Agreement registered in the Island. Philip’s team work efficiently and effectively to manage the client experience from beginning to end.

Philip appeared as Solicitor Advocate in the Matter of Walton Degrevement [2015] JRC 003 in which the Royal Court determined that land held by a tenant in common could be subject to the foreclosure process known as degrevement.

Philip also heads up the team administering delegates under the Capacity and Self Determination (Jersey) Law 2016. He was convened to a working party on the implementation of the new law. He also gave expert evidence in respect of delegate matters to the Royal Court in the case of The X Children v Minister for Health [2018] JRC 226, the largest negligence claim by value in British legal history.

Philip obtains Grants of Probate for both residents and non-jersey residents. He has lectured on Jersey Succession and Probate Law for local training firms.

Philip was formerly head of Jersey Solicitors Association (the Chambre d’Ecrivains) and a member of the Jersey Consumer Council. He presently sits as a member of the Law Society Conveyancing Sub-committee and has been appointed by the Chief Minister to the working party on Conveyancing Reform.

In his spare time Philip has a love of all things automotive including classic cars and motorsport, as well as his beloved Tottenham Hotspur.

DARRY ROBINSON

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.

Darry is an accredited member of the Jersey Children’s Panel and is able to work for both children and parents.

Hobbies

Outside of work Darry likes spending time with his family and rowing. He has on a number of occasions competed as part of a team in the demanding Sark to Jersey rowing race.

Claire Kingham

Claire provides tailored advice and solutions to Employers and Human Resource departments. She has been involved in creating and advising on their Policies and Procedures and ensuring that changes in employment regulation are managed and implemented correctly. Claire provides employment advice on a variety of employment related claims including discrimination, unfair dismissal, redundancy and compromise agreements along with business restructures and re-organisation.

Claire also heads up our team dealing with Estates for both Jersey residents and non-residents and the application for Jersey Probate. She is able to provide an efficient service whilst dealing with such matters at a sensitive time for those clients involved. Claire has also built strong relationships with UK and Worldwide Legal practices who require support and guidance to manage their clients through the Jersey Probate procedures.

Having drafted thousands of Wills over her career, Claire is very well versed on ensuring that the final wishes of clients are carried out, making sure that even the most complex instructions are detailed to ensure that they can be followed through. Claire has provided guidance to clients and others regarding mental capacity issues and Lasting Powers of Attorney in Jersey which became available from the 1^st of October 2018.

Having studied at Nottingham Trent University, Claire completed her Legal Practice Course at the College of Law, Guilford. Claire also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Employment Law from the University of Surrey.

Throughout Claire’s career she has been known for her approachable style and attention to detail, whilst going the extra mile to ensure that her clients receive a high level of service. Claire regularly speaks at events in Jersey and contributes to articles regarding changes in the law.

Claire spends her spare time with her family and friends and enjoys walking.

ELISABETTA QUARANTA

Elisabetta completed her LLB in Law via long distance learning with Nottingham Trent University in 2013.

She joined Benest and Syvret in March 2021 to gain more practical experience in different areas. She brings with her over 10 years’ experience in Family Law and has an approachable style, attention to detail and strong organisational skills.

Elisabetta hopes to qualify as a Jersey Solicitor and is enrolled for the Jersey Law Course to start in late 2021.

She loves spending her free time with her family and friends and enjoys taking part in Zumba classes and dance charity events.

Freya completed her law degree at Lancaster University in 2022 and has started her career with Benest & Syvret within the  team dealing with Wills, LPAs and Estates.

Whilst studying Freya was involved in a student run law clinic, dealing with client cases in a number of areas of law and provided her with valuable experience.

Feya enjoys spending time with her family and friends.