Civil liberties and human rights

Bindmans LLP

Boasting a ‘unique pedigree’ in pioneering civil liberties work, Bindmans LLP is lauded for its strong credentials in immigration law, actions against the police and state, protests and freedom of assembly matters, inquests, inquiries, and victims’ rights in criminal trials. A reliable adviser for applications to the ECtHR, the team is engaged in a wide range of individual and group claims with high public interest and national impact. The esteemed John Halford, whose interests lie in judicial review litigation, heads up the general public law team, supported by ’skilled tactician’ Alice Hardy, who joined the firm from Hodge Jones & Allen in June 2023, and acts for a wide variety of clients encompassing NGOs, environmental groups, and vulnerable individuals. Jules Carey demonstrates ‘creative flare’ in leading the actions against the police and state team, assisted by Anna Thwaites, whose ’razor sharp legal mind’ is best deployed in high-profile and contentious inquests. On the criminal law front, Tayab Ali is active in human rights claims at both national and international level. Rachel Harger is a ‘formidable opponent’ in actions asserting the right to protests, while Shirin Marker acts prolifically in citizen deprivation appeals. Salima Budhani left the firm in April 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Alice Hardy is a deeply committed, sympathetic, and passionate individual, highly intelligent, perceptive, and a skilled tactician. She is not afraid to be outspoken and works tirelessly to achieve the best outcomes for her clients. She is an outstanding lawyer in every respect.’
‘Anna Thwaites is a phenomenal lawyer. A fighter for just causes with a razor sharp legal mind. Fantastic to work with.’
‘Joanna Bennett works tirelessly for the most vulnerable of clients to achieve excellent outcomes, looks at a case from all angles, and is able to focus on the best points.’
‘Bindmans is at the forefront of civil liberties and human rights work in London and the UK, engaging in cutting-edge litigation in both the private law and public law spheres. The team is committed, approachable, talented, and highly professional.’
‘Rachel Harger is an exceptionally talented and empathetic lawyer who leaves no stone unturned in pursuing positive outcomes for her clients. She works tirelessly, possesses sharp instincts, and is a formidable opponent.’
‘Bindmans has a unique pedigree in civil liberties that spans many decades, and they are always looking to uphold the rights of the oppressed.’
‘Jules Carey is an outstanding senior partner and tactician with a huge heart for his clients, and creative flare.’
‘Joseph Morgan is a future star and one to watch. His legal analysis is excellent and his judgment and strategy is well beyond his PQE. He is incredibly hardworking and meticulous in his case preparation.’

Key clients

Kingsley Kanu
Individuals deprived of British citizenship
Claimants in hotel quarantine
Residents of Napier Barracks
Dr Mohammed Salman Butt
Muriel Maguire: Mother of Jackie, a patient who died due to failures in her medical care
Family of Edwige Nsilu
Matthew Broomfield
Professor Ghassan Abu Sitta
Citizens Against State Torture (CAST)

Work highlights

Represented the family of Nnamdi Kanu, the British national leader of IPOB, the Biafran separatist movement in Nigeria, with respect to his current detention in solitary confinement in Nigeria and the family’s concerns that he has been subject to torture and extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria.
Acted in several appeals concerning deprivation of citizenship on the basis that the clients are alleged to be threats to national security.
Advised nine asylum seekers who were unlawfully accommodated and detained by the Home Office at an ex-military site, Napier Barracks, during 2020–2021.

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