ABOUT BENET

Benet has been involved in rhetoric for over 20 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 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 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. Benet has represented his clients in forums as varied as the European Patent Office, the High Court and the Trade Mark Registry. He is consistently praised in the legal directories for his advocacy skills:

Chambers and Partners 2013 said, ‘Benet Brandreth impresses all round…One source described him as “a very bright and determined advocate who is very good at persuading judges of the merits of his case.”

Chambers and Partners 2010 said, ‘the “persuasive” Benet Brandreth, who is “extremely good on his feet and wise beyond his years.’

Legal 500 2009 said, ‘rising star, excellent on his feet and in skeleton arguments’

Benet is also an accomplished performer. His one man show The Brandreth Papers received five star reviews, was a Scotsman “Hot Show” and sold out at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with reviews saying he was "One of our nation's most accomplished raconteurs" and “…captivating…Brandreth holds the audience's complete attention.”

Benet’s experience in rhetoric and advocacy training is extensive. He has coached executives in public speaking, and has given lectures and workshops to various institutions including the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), Warwick University and the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

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