Profile
Friendly Family Law
about the secret of her success. Born and raised in Liverpool, Karen attended some of the finest educational establishments the city has to offer. Receiving her secondary education in Belvedere Academy (then Belvedere School) Karen went on to achieve her Law degree at Te University of Liverpool which marked the beginning of her journey into the legal profession. With an extensive career in legal practice, at the tender age of 28 Karen became a successful senior partner and co-founder of a law firm now known as the esteemed IBB Law firm in London, a truly astonishing feat for any young woman, especially in 1985. Perfecting her practice for 15 years, Karen decided to go back to her roots in the North West and North Wales and set up her own family law firm. First establishing the firm 12 years ago, Karen tells us:
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Liverpool Telephone: 0151 2445442 5TH Floor, Horton House Exchange Flags, Liverpool, L2 3PF
ecently Waterfront caught up with Karen Bennett, family law solicitor, mediator and Director of the Bennett Smith Solicitors group to ask her
“As much as I enjoyed my time in London it was great to be back.” Although Bennett Smith are situated in a
more tranquil setting than Karen’s previous law firm she assured us that whilst it is different to be back up north there is still plenty to keep her and the firm busy. Now a director, Karen has taken on more responsibilities, overseeing the business and tending to her client’s needs. Tere are also now three offices for Bennett Smith in North Wales, Chester and Liverpool. Bennett Smith pride themselves on being a
small bespoke family law service, striving to make their clients feel at ease and this means that sensitivity towards people’s situations is key. We asked Karen what her methods were regarding this and she stated: “As a mediator and as a family lawyer I have to wear two distinctly different hats. I’m mediating between a couple one day but I will be acting for one person in the relationship another day. Certainly having the skills of a mediator is enormously helpful
Chester Telephone: 01244 893196 Herons Way, Chester Business Park Chester, CH4 9QR
because you can bring those skills to the table.” It is Karen’s passion for her profession that
truly emphasises why she has become so successful over the years. Despite Bennett Smith being a private firm, Karen expressed how the future may hold difficulties for families seeking legal aid. It will become increasingly difficult for those even in the most extreme of cases, such as that of domestic violence, to receive the legal help they need. With criteria for eligibility becoming even stricter later in the year, this will have a serious impact on the family law sector. Bennett Smith’s special team of solicitors offer representation and advice across the spectrum of family law. With advancements in technology they will continue to offer services to clients across the country at the fraction of the cost of London and other big city firms. In addition, Bennett Smith also works with specialist family law barristers and other experts to ensure the best available legal representation and advice for their clients.
North Wales Telephone: 01248 679000 Garth Bach, Nant y Garth Y Felinheli, Gwynedd, LL56 4QF
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