Bindman, who writes a regular NLJ column, co-founded the human rights firm in 1974 to look after the rights and reputations of local Londoners. He was legal adviser to the Race Relations Board from 1966-76, and until 1983 for the Commission for Racial Equality. Other highlights of his varied career include membership of a UK mission monitoring the constitutional referendum in Chile in 1988, and acting as a United Nations Observer at the first democratic elections in South Africa in 1994.
Jon Crocker, managing partner at Bindmans, said: ‘Sir Geoffrey’s dedication to justice and human rights has been inspirational, and his unwavering commitment to defending those who cannot defend themselves has made an important, positive difference to so many.
‘Throughout his career, Sir Geoffrey has set the standard for excellence and professionalism, demonstrating a deep knowledge of the law and an unyielding passion for using it to protect and uphold the rights of all people.’
Also among the prize-winners at the awards ceremony, held in London last week, was Adam Woodhall, of Lawyers for Net Zero, who won Legal Personality of the Year. Non-profit Net Zero aims to ‘energise and equip’ in-house counsel to champion net zero solutions.
The Halsbury Award for Rule of Law went to barrister Shamini Jayanathan, barrister at Foundry Chambers and director of Arcturus Consultancy in Kenya, while Case of the Year went to Slater & Gordon for its representation in the VW NOX Emissions Group Litigation.
DLA Piper’s work on the Ukraine Advice Project won the firm the well-deserved Pro Bono Award. KX Legal won In-house Team of the Year. Crown Chambers took Chambers of the Year, and gunnercooke won Law Firm of the Year.
