Our firm, Benussi & Co, was founded 16 years ago – yet we can call upon 150 years of experience. Between us – that’s 25 partners and staff – we have been guiding people through the divorce process for a century and a half!
The number of years is significant because, when you’re talking about divorce and matrimonial issues, experience is extremely important. And we’re not talking only about legal experience, although that is vital; experience of life is just as crucial. Many of us have been divorced ourselves, so we understand how our clients feel. What’s more, because we’ve been round the block a few times, we can also offer widespread knowledge, discretion and common sense. A 25-year-old lawyer – however good they are – can’t do that.
What we do at Benussi & Co is to help people get through the divorce process as successfully as possible, both emotionally and financially, but more than that, we help clients to live their lives after the divorce is completed. Life begins again at the decree absolute, but many people need advice and support to embrace that life to the full.
I remember a judge once saying to me: “Divorce is about managing people’s expectations” and that is precisely what we do.
I set up my first legal practice in 1982 but changed direction to establish this niche matrimonial and family law firm because, having gone through a divorce myself, I understood how difficult the process can be without a first-class and sympathetic lawyer on your side. My ambition was to set up a firm that was as highly regarded in its own field as the top UK major commercial law firms are in theirs. Today, 16 years on, our partners and staff share the same objective: a dignified, practical and workable outcome for our clients.
One of the things my experience has taught me is something I always say to clients: that there are likely to be occasions in the future – such as graduation ceremonies and weddings – when they are going to have to stand side by side with their former spouse. How much better it will be if they are able to do so with civility and dignity. Again, this is where the 150 years of experience at Benussi & Co counts for so much. Those of us who have been through difficult divorces have probably had thoughts of cutting the trouser legs off suits or ripping dresses to shreds, but we know that vengeful behaviour doesn’t work, especially in the long term. How we conduct ourselves not only has an impact on how others see us but how we feel about ourselves.
But we are not in the business of preaching at people: rather, we understand that people are personalities and that everyone and every divorce is unique. Because our partners and staff have so much diverse experience, we are able to empathise as well as advise.
Legal expertise is vital to securing clients the best outcome; life experience is vital to helping them start living again. That’s why those 150 years are so significant.
