Carla Benest

Overview

I’m a Partner of Mourant Ozannes (Jersey) LLP and Head of our Jersey Employment practice. I specialise in all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment law, particularly in employment tribunal claims, workplace disputes, high-value and complex dismissals, and restructurings.

I advise businesses relocating or starting up in Jersey, including on immigration and work permits, business and employment licences, and data protection matters. I also advise on general commercial litigation, including contentious property and trust matters.

I'm part of a team of specialists advising businesses on data protection matters including working with clients to ensure that their policies, procedures and third-party contracts can demonstrate compliance with data protection legislation, drafting information notices to meet the required standards of transparency and advising on the legality of international transfers of personal data.

A regular speaker on employment matters, I also contribute articles to publications and provide training to clients on employment law.

I joined Mourant Ozannes in September 2007.

Professional qualifications

• Advocate, Jersey, July 2008
• Distinction, Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School

Memberships

• Jersey Law Society
• Committee member of the Employment Lawyers Association, Jersey Branch

What the directories say

In Chambers and Partners UK 2025, Carla is ranked Band 1 in Offshore: Employment. She is described as "a very practical and commercial adviser with a great understanding of the business," who "has a wealth of knowledge and always offers excellent support and guidance."

In Legal 500 UK 2025, Carla is ranked as a Next Generation Partner in Employment. A source comments: "I have been working with Carla Benest for many years and I like her approach to employment matters, having a wealth of knowledge and experience."

In Chambers and Partners UK 2024, Carla is individually ranked Band 1 in Offshore: Employment. A source comments: "Carla sets the standard for employment lawyers in Jersey," while another adds: "Carla stands out in terms of knowledge, skills and the ability to have sensible, pragmatic discussions on any employment-related topic."

In Legal 500 UK 2024, Carla is ranked as a Next Generation Partner and a Recommended Lawyer in Employment. A source comments: "Carla has extensive experience in her field and provides first class advice which is clear, concise, balanced and communicated in a way which none of her competitors are able to do."

In Legal 500 UK 2023, Carla is recognised as a Next Generation Partner in the area of Employment. She is described as being "very well respected in her field" and demonstrating "a high level of relationship management and business acumen."

Carla is individually ranked in Chambers and Partners UK 2023 in Offshore: Employment. A source describes her as having "a large breadth of knowledge and a very commercial mindset."

"Carla Benest and Laurie Child are a formidable team in the Jersey employment arena." Legal 500, 2022. 

"She is extremely professional, personable and able to discuss complex issues in non-legal terms." Chambers and Partners UK, 2021

"Carla Benest is an exceptional employment lawyer. She is our trusted adviser when it comes to all employment matters. She provides technically strong advice in a coherent, pragmatic and digestible way which allows both in house counsel and the various managers in the business to understand complex legal matters quickly." Legal 500 UK, 2021. 

Legal 500 2020 states that Carla Benest is a go-to name for employment advice regarding corporate restructurings and entries to the Jersey market. 

Carla's clients describe her as 'approachable, practical and realistic,' adding that she has 'exceptional knowledge' and is 'great at seeking solutions.' Chambers and Partners, 2019.

The "exceptional" Carla Benest "goes above and beyond." Legal 500 UK 2018.

Carla is commended for her "excellent balance of technical skills and commercial advice." She is especially notable for her work on contentious matters in Chambers and Partners UK, 2017.

Chambers and Partners UK, 2017, lists Carla as a Star Associate.

'Carla is "a very strong lawyer with an adaptable style."' Legal 500 UK, 2016.

'Carla's clients have reported that "she had good knowledge of all legal matters and a great understanding of our situation",' Chambers UK, 2016.

"Peers say Carla 'is extremely good to work with. She is collaborative.' Her workload includes contentious and non-contentious matters." Chambers and Partners UK, 2015.