Edward Bennett
Call: 2013
"Experienced and steady as an advocate, he is tactically impressive and tenacious, but he also cares for his clients."
Chambers UK Bar
Our work covers all areas of family law, with particular expertise in the following areas:
Call: 2013
"Experienced and steady as an advocate, he is tactically impressive and tenacious, but he also cares for his clients."
Chambers UK Bar
Edward is a highly respected advocate with a growing reputation in family and court of protection work, particularly focusing on international disputes concerning children or vulnerable adults, or complex and sensitive issues such as serious medical treatment.
Edward sits on the editorial board of the International Family Law Journal and was its General Editor from 2015 – 2020. In 2015, he was named Young Family Law Barrister of the Year at the Jordans (now Lexis Nexis) Family Law Awards.
Edward previously trained as a solicitor in the London and Prague offices of Allen & Overy. On qualification, he spent a year as the Judicial Assistant to the Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Lloyd in the Court of Appeal and a further year as Legal Adviser to the Head of International Family Justice for England & Wales, the Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Thorpe.
Outside the bar, Edward spent two years alongside his legal practice as a Research Assistant at the College of Arms.
To instruct Edward or for more information…
Call: 020 7353 6961
Email: clerks@harcourtchambers.co.uk
Edward has significant experience representing all parties in public law cases, in particular in relation to child protection cases with an international element, and those where questions of serious medical treatment arise.
Edward has wide-ranging experience of all private law children matters including, serious medical treatment, international child custody, relocation, forced marriage and stranded spouse cases, and international commercial surrogacy.
Withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. Whether there should be police presence at the bedside when withdrawal of treatment is carried out.
Court of Justice of the European Union – international child maintenance.
International relocation – the first international children’s case ever before the courts of the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
International commercial surrogacy.
European Custody Convention.
Edward has significant experience in cases of international children cases at first instance and appellate level.
Child abduction during the Covid-19 pandemic.
International child abduction.
Child abduction/first reported occasion a child returned to Sudan.
International child abduction.
International child abduction.
International child abduction.
Edward has significant experience in representing all parties, including Sovereign States, in Court of Protection cases and cases concerning vulnerable adults.
16/17-year-olds and deprivations of liberty.
Civil Law & Other Areas of Expertise
Edwards accepts instructions in ecclesiastical law.
Having spent two years at the College of Arms, Edward is one of the few juniors of the bar to have experience of contested peerage and baronetage disputes
Edward is qualified to accept instructions directly from members of the public under the Direct Access Scheme in appropriate circumstances.
"He is incredibly knowledgeable and good at identifying incredibly esoteric points which few would pick up on."
Chambers UK Bar 2020
"Down to earth, calm and has phenomenal intellectual ability without being stuffy or pretentious."
Chambers UK Bar 2019
"He's quiet but deadly."
Chambers UK Bar 2019
"He is already amassing a reputation well beyond his call for international children issues. His practice has already taken him to the High Court and Court of Appeal. Sources are quick to highlight his impressive intellect and calm approach."
Chambers UK Bar 2018