Harry Bentley

Harry Bentley’s areas of practice are Criminal Defence, Regulatory & Gambling law and Professional Discipline.

He has been involved in many high profile, complex and serious prosecutions both as both leading and junior counsel. His experience in Crime includes multi-handed murder trials, terrorism, investment fraud, drug importation, cheating the revenue and serious sexual offences. He has particular experience in conspiracy allegations ranging from conspiracies to cheat the public revenue, murder, steal museum artefacts, control prostitution or evade immigration controls through to conspiracies to import industrial amounts of cocaine. He is currently involved in a number of cases arising from Operation Venetic’s exploit of the EncroChat telecommunications system.

His experience in Regulatory law ranges from defending individuals in proceedings brought by the Environment Agency to advising companies on the Gambling Act 2005 or animal welfare regulations. In professional disciplinary proceedings he both presents and defends. He has significant experience presenting on behalf of Professional regulators such as the National College of Teaching and Leadership (as it was then) and has presented on behalf of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. He has also defended in Teaching Regulation Agency proceedings as well as having been regularly instructed on behalf of the Royal College of Nursing in Nursing and Midwifery Council proceedings.

Harry is ranked as a leading junior in Crime for both Chambers UK and Legal 500.

What others say:

“He’s undaunted by even the most serious and complicated cases, and has always been great with clients.” and “Harry is extremely hardworking and diligent and prepares meticulously.” – Chambers UK 2024

“Harry is an extremely committed and exceptionally hard working counsel. He is an effective advocate, great in front of a jury, and a great cross-examiner. He is always quick at picking up the facts and getting straight to the heart of matters.” – Legal 500 UK 2024

“Harry has a wide range of experience, strong advocacy skills, excellent legal knowledge and a thorough understanding of the law.” – Legal 500 UK 2023

“Comes into his own with clients as he is so personable. He offers excellent legal knowledge and advice.” – Chambers UK 2022

“With Harry, a belt and braces approach is taken when preparing any document for court. Everything is covered and nothing is left out. Weighty documents prepared are always commended by judges. Harry is an advocate, who always impresses, well prepared, measured and can captivate juries with a friendly manner. An advocate with presence who commands the courts respect.” – Legal 500 UK 2022

“A dedicated advocate who has excellent legal knowledge and a thorough understanding of the law. He has always demonstrated attention to detail at all times so far as preparation and advice is concerned together with excellent advocacy skills.” – Legal 500 UK 2021

“A knowledgeable and highly responsive barrister who instils confidence.” – Chambers UK 2021

“A fantastic barrister.” – Legal 500 2020

“Exceptionally good. He’s very conscientious and diligent, and is strong on his feet.” “Harry’s approach to cases is thorough and clinical but his approach to clients remains kind and empathetic to levels not often seen at the Bar.” – Chambers UK 2020

“He provides very methodical and considered opinions and is never flustered by the most complex cases.” – Legal 500 2019