ABOUT BENET

Benet has been involved in rhetoric for over 14 years. Whether it is debating, rabble-rousing, after-dinner speaking or court-room advocacy, Benet has done it all. More than that – he’s won prizes for it:

Debating:
Benet represented Cambridge University and then the Middle Temple at numerous debating competitions including the World Universities Debating Championships in 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2000. He has won, “Best Individual Speaker” at both the Cambridge and Oxford inter-varsity debating competitions.

Public Speaking:
Benet has twice been the World Public Speaking Champion (Cork, Ireland in 1996 and Sydney, Australia in 2000) and came second (Stellenbosch, South Africa in 1997).

Professionally:
Benet was awarded the Richard DuCann Memorial Prize for Excellence in Advocacy in 2000.

Benet Brandreth is now a trial advocate specializing in Intellectual Property Rights and related areas. He is a member of one of the UK’s leading Intellectual Property Chambers and one of the panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown. Benet is also the editor of the Entertainment and Media Law Reports. Benet has represented his clients in forums as varied as the European Patent Office, the High Court and the Trade Mark Registry. Chambers UK 2006 cites Benet as a "highly proficient performer who is both frighteningly bright and knowledgeable."

Benet’s experience in rhetoric and advocacy training is extensive. Benet has coached executives in public speaking, given lectures and workshops to various institutions including the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and Warwick University, and acted as a mentor for solicitors during their advocacy training.

Education: 1988-93 St Paul's School, London; 1994-97 Magdalene College, Cambridge (MA Hons, Philosophy); 1998 Astbury Scholarship (Middle Temple), Harmsworth Exhibition (Middle Temple)

"Benet Brandreth's rhetoric workshops exploring the foundation and fundamental principles of argument and persuasion have excited and inspired our actors."
- Lyn Darnley, Head of Voice & Artist Development, Royal Shakespeare Company

Feedback from Warwick University Workshops:

• 'Brilliant!'
• 'Very inspiring workshop and excellent handout'
• 'Excellent session in debating'
• 'The workshop was precisely focused and relevant to all academics'
• 'I will use the training in seminars and when making points in lectures'
• 100% of the participants found the teaching and learning methods used effective

"Benet Brandreth is a colleague and friend in my chambers. His debating and public speaking skills are legendary. On one occasion he agreed to participate in a debate at my sons' school. Benet and his debating partner debated against two teachers. The teachers chose the subject a week in advance, whereas Benet was only told the title of the debate five minutes in advance. The teachers were destroyed, in a most entertaining manner. Of particular interest was the spontaneity and humor in Benet's presentation. The event had a considerable effect on the audience - as a result, my sons are both keen debaters."
- Henry Carr, QC, 11 South Square