Stephen Bennett

Consultant

+44 (0)1628 502886

Stephen qualified in 1979 and joined Gardner Leader in 2014, he is based in our Maidenhead office. Stephen previously held the position of Senior and Managing Partner with a Chilterns and London based firm.

With a strong background in many kinds of litigation, latterly Stephen has specialised in White Collar and regulatory crime. He has wide experience of advising corporate clients and private individuals in both  non-contentious as well as contentious areas of law. He has represented both individual and corporate clients  in many high profile cases which have attracted media attention. This breadth of knowledge allows him to grasp instructions quickly and deliver advice in a constructive, cost effective and straightforward fashion.

Crime

A strong advocate and persuasive negotiator Stephen routinely receives recommendations from other solicitors, the Police, Trades Unions, Magistrates, and even Crown Court Judges. He prides himself in having an approachable nature coupled with a formidable reputation as an opponent.

Stephen often receives instructions to represent the children of existing clients charged with a variety of criminal matters ranging from road traffic to serious offences of physical and sexual assault.

Recognising the stresses placed upon both the parents and child in these proceedings, has earned Stephen a deserved reputation as the “go to” solicitor for cases of this kind.

Sharing a love of sport and of the Julian Alps (Slovenia), he was flattered to be asked to represent The Slovenian Olympic Authority in negotiations for their media and hospitality centre for the London Olympic Games.

Click here for Stephen’s helpful booklet on ‘The Consequences of using a mobile phone whilst driving’

Work Highlights

  • R v W Defence of director of waste processing plant prosecuted by the Environment Agency following serious fire on site.
  • R v M defence of one of several directors of company set up to provide training to apprentices. £50 million pound fraud of a government department.
  • Advising several clients charged with serious sexual offences where after investigation no further action taken.
  • R v B Defence of company directors prosecuted for VAT offences following failure to comply with Security request
  • R v W Court of Appeal. High profile case involving the representation of a former Head of a leading UK preparatory school in regard to allegations of historic sex abuse charges.
  • R v H Three year case involving allegations of £24 million VAT fraud and money laundering in UK, Europe, Dubai and Tanzania.
  • R v G Successful defence of client on high value drugs smuggling conspiracy.
  • R v W Defence in what was at the time largest known conspiracy to counterfeit currency in the UK.
  • R v S-K Successful defence of lady school teacher against allegations of sexual activity with a pupil.
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Recent insights by Stephen

Recent insights by Stephen

What our clients say about Stephen

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From the outset, Stephen Bennett gave us the very best advice and service that we could ever have wished for. He was approachable, straightforward, clear, dedicated and hardworking, going above and beyond all expectations, to achieve the most positive outcome possible.
My solicitor, Stephen Bennett, was extremely professional, eloquent, knowledgeable and efficient, and we had a very successful result of the proceedings. I would highly recommend Stephen and Gardner Leader to other people, and was really impressed with the service overall. Thank you.
Clear, precise advice, without too much 'jargon', but with 'the human touch and understanding' - thank you!
I can thoroughly recommend all aspects of the service. Steven Bennett has been outstanding in his advice, help and support. His colleagues have been similarly excellent.
Stephen was very clear from the first time I spoke with him with the value he could add and was also very honest and gave the pros and cons to going with the plea I decided. I would highly recommend using Stephen.
Gardner Leader provided an exemplary service with clear and upfront communication regarding my matter. Really appreciated the time given to my case and honesty from the outset. I would hire Stephen again, if another matter arose.
Stephen Bennett was amazing, truly brilliant, kind, calm, courteous, reassuring - kept me sane! Can't recommend highly enough!
Everything that was spoken about was to the letter, great communication, along with a positive attitude in helping in my circumstances. Can't thank enough for the help that was given to myself and I hope if anyone else finds themselves In a challenging situation to look no further.
From the outset I. was treated with courtesy and felt very much at ease when discussing the case. Stephen carried out all aspects of my request with professional courtesy and advised me accordingly on the way forward. We would not hesitate to recommend Stephen and his team.
I was very satisfied with the service I received from Gardner Leader and, specifically, Stephen Bennett. Stephen took the time to explain everything with care and attention to detail and helped make what could have been a very stressful and worrying time into a virtual walk in the park.
The matter I over which I consulted Gardner Leader was very new to me and very distressing. Mr Stephen Bennett was very kind in soothing my anxieties and was extremely helpful in explaining all processes in a clear and precise manner.