We offer expert legal advice tailored to the unique needs of businesses, organisations, individuals, and families. We are one team, delivering high-quality advice across the whole range of legal services to help our clients to navigate complex challenges confidently.
BCR Law was created on 1 January 2016 from the merger of David Benest Law, a boutique litigation firm known for personal injury, clinical negligence and private client disputes, and Hanson Renouf, a respected multi-disciplinary practice specialising in family, property and trust law. Based at 12 Hill Street, St Helier, the new firm combined complementary strengths and shared a vision to offer Jersey a complete range of legal services delivered with excellence, integrity and accessibility. We lead in our industry while maintaining our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and are dedicated to creating lasting value for our customers and communities.
In April 2016, only months after forming, Benest Corbett Renouf grew again when Wendy Lambert and her team at Lambert Legal joined, strengthening commercial property and wills and estates. Adam Harrison also joined to focus on criminal law. With its wider client base and expanding expertise, the firm quickly gained a reputation as a market disrupter. Offering clients all services under one roof became a defining characteristic and a theme that has remained central to its growth and identity.
By the close of 2017 the firm had grown significantly in size and scope, attracting new clients who valued its practical Jersey insight. The partners remained committed to embracing change and investing in people, recruiting talented lawyers and developing the skills of the existing team. This year also saw the launch of the first trainee programme, marking a major step in nurturing the next generation of advocates and demonstrating BCR’s long-term commitment to training and professional development on the island.
2018 was transformative. The firm changed its name to BCR Law, reflecting simplicity and accessibility while retaining the legacy of its founders. Advocate Stephen Crane and his practice joined, bringing more than twenty years’ expertise in residential and commercial property and wills and estates. Known for proactive, personal service, Crane Law fitted seamlessly with the culture of BCR. That year the firm also successfully represented the X Children v Minister for Health in the largest personal injury claim in British history.
2019 was marked by growth, change and a new home. Senior changes at the end of 2018 left the business streamlined but still delivering across all practice areas. This created opportunities to welcome new faces, especially within support teams, strengthening the firm’s foundation. It was also the year we bought the historic building we now call home. Alongside these milestones we introduced a much loved tradition of birthday cakes, which quickly became part of our culture and continues today.
The year 2020 brought challenges everywhere. BCR Law adapted swiftly, moving to remote working, online client meetings and virtual hearings. Thanks to good planning and strong teamwork, the transition was smooth and clients continued to receive trusted support. The year also marked an important legal milestone as the firm incorporated as BCR Law LLP on 1 January 2020. Despite the upheaval of the pandemic, the firm emerged stronger, more connected and better prepared for the future of modern practice.
In 2021 Jersey emerged into a changed landscape. For BCR it became a time for reflection and consolidation after the experiences of the pandemic. The year offered space to take stock of lessons learned and to strengthen the way teams worked together. There was also a focus on fun and rebuilding social connections, recognising that shared experiences outside the office are as valuable as professional success. This balance of recovery and enjoyment helped lay the foundations for the years ahead.
By 2022 the firm was seven years old and had weathered many changes in people, clients and the wider environment. The year felt like a breath of fresh air, free from masks and restrictions and closer to business as usual. It was a time to look ahead with confidence. We appointed a new CEO, formerly our CFO, and introduced a rotational trainee scheme. This return to traditional training ensured new lawyers would gain rounded experience across all areas of practice.
2023 carried the momentum of 2022 with the firm busier than ever. BCR’s reputation for quality and delivery was firmly established, attracting more clients and more complex work. It was also the right moment to invest in the future, planning a complete refresh of our legal technology to support clients and teams for years to come. In addition, we were delighted to welcome Christina Hall as Partner in our dispute resolution team, strengthening our litigation offering and client service further.
2024 was dedicated to our people. Lessons from Covid highlighted the importance of flexibility and wellbeing, so we introduced a nine day fortnight, improved benefits, wellbeing allowances and more opportunities for feedback. We also enhanced flexible working to support work life balance. Alongside this, client focused technology was rolled out and work began on a refreshed brand identity. These steps reinforced our values of excellence, delivery, respect and elegance, celebrating what makes us different and proud to be BCR.
2025 opened with the arrival of James Collins and his tax team from Evelyn Partners, joining the newly regulated BCR Professional Services. This created a unique Jersey offering, a true one stop private client service bringing law, tax and estates together under one group. Alongside this, we unveiled our refreshed brand and invested in our people by building a fully equipped staff gym. These changes reflected our belief that caring for our team is as important as caring for our clients.