Bindmans LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Bindmans LLP Offices
236 GRAY'S INN ROAD
LONDON
WC1X 8HB
England
Bindmans LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Crime, fraud and licensing > Crime: general Tier 1
The general crime practice at Bindmans LLP is headed by the ‘knowledgeable and pragmatic‘ Katie Wheatley, with the team described by clients as ‘very strong and competent‘. The practice is experienced in the full gamut of crime cases at all stages of criminal proceedings, which includes murder, terrorism, extradition appeals, drug importation and supply, and sexual offences. Tayab Ali, solicitor advocate, is recommended for his work on counter-terrorism law, cybercrime, and international criminal law. Kate Goold is especially adept at defending high-profile clients in politically sensitive and controversial cases, while Catherine Jackson is experienced in representing professionals in criminal cases and high-profile individuals in historic sexual offences. Jude Lanchin is recommended for her work with juveniles.Practice head(s):
Katie Wheatley
Other key lawyers:
Tayab Ali; Kate Goold; Catherine Jackson; Jude Lanchin; Anna Ford
Testimonials
‘Bindmans deserve their reputation for being utterly committed to their clients. No stone is left unturned whilst remaining practical and realistic at all times.’
‘Katie Wheatley is calm, efficient, knowledgeable and pragmatic as well as being excellent on the technical side. Kate Goold has fantastic client skills, superb oversight of the case and the important issues and whilst she is incredibly personable, she is also a fearsome opponent.’
‘Katie Wheatley leads a very strong and competent team that has a dominant position in a series of industry niches. They are particularly strong at the complex intersection of crime and public law.’
‘Bindmans is a class act. The lawyers are diligent, knowledgeable, and meticulous.’
‘The team at Bindmans is fantastic. They are incredibly responsive to both clients and counsel. There is a real aura about them that they are in total control of the cases they have, and aware of the finer detail that would escape the attention of others.’
‘The team has an excellent mix of practitioners across a range of practice areas. Their dedication to each client and each case is impressive.’
‘One of the top names dealing with high-profile protest and human rights related criminal cases in the UK. The team are at the top of their game and every case is thoroughly prepared by solicitors who are experts in their field.’
‘Katie Wheatley has a nationally renowned niche in cases related to media and press freedom. Clients know that they’re getting the best advice possible. She is attentive to the needs of clients and provides frank and cogent advice. Her exceptional relationships with leading counsel mean that clients are capable of securing silks at short notice who would normally be unavailable for months.’
Key clients
Jack Letts
Zhanbolat Mamay
Work highlights
- Represented Jack Letts, who has been detained by Kurdish forces in Syria and is accused of participating in terrorist activity as a member of ISIS, which he denies.
- Instructed by Zhanbolat Mamay to carry out an independent investigation into the reason behind his prosecution and the manner in which the government is dealing with him, as the client fears that he will not receive a fair trial and that the prosecution is designed to suppress him as a political opponent.
- Conducted a criminal investigation and subsequently submitted a complaint to the International Criminal Court on behalf of high-profile journalists and their representative unions into Israel’s alleged policy of targeting journalists reporting on Israel’s international law violations.
Employment > Immigration
Bindmans LLP draws on complementary practices within the firm to provide comprehensive assistance for a range of clients, and has particular strength in crime and extradition. The ‘exceptionally skilled, knowledgeable, effective, tenacious and organised’ team is noted for their bespoke solutions across the full gamut of immigration work. Co-head Alison Stanley is noted for her ‘unparalleled experience and real client commitment’, and is experienced in immigration litigation at all levels. She works alongside co-head Liz Barratt, whose practice encompasses a range of complex issues arising from nationality, and is highly active on behalf of Turkish clients. Senior consultant Tanya Goldfarb leads the team in business immigration matters, working across all sectors but with substantial experience in the creative sector. Roberta Haslam is a crucial contact for asylum, human rights, and deportation issues, while Karma Hickman specialises in family matters, particularly those involving surrogacy. Solicitor Elisabeth Attwood, who joined the firm in May 2022, is noted for the complexity of her litigation work.Practice head(s):
Alison Stanley; Liz Barratt; Tanya Goldfarb
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Roberta Haslam is a force to be reckoned with. She is always on top of the case, and always listens to your needs. She is also very compassionate and considerate towards the emotional well being of client.’
‘I have been advised by Karma Hickman, who I really felt understood my situation and wanted to help.‘
‘One of the key strengths of this team is their deep expertise in their respective fields. Each member of the team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and they work collaboratively to provide clients with the highest level of service. Additionally, the team is highly responsive and always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that clients feel supported and valued. Overall, I would highly recommend Bindmans LLP to anyone in need of legal services.‘
‘The firm is very responsive and fast acting. They have depth in resources and experience. The whole resource contributes to the case in hand.’
‘Liz Barratt is a very experienced solicitor. Her long experience and strategic thinking are evident in her work and advice. Liz evaluates all aspects of the case, and from her long experience she anticipates counterparty actions, and also the Judge’s possible views and judgements. She has a fantastic personality and confidence that can put clients at ease, knowing they are in safe hands.‘
‘All members of the team are excellent, from Alison Stanley down to the junior members. Clients would like to know that they will receive an excellent service and that the team can be relied upon to be entirely on top of the relevant law.’
‘Alison Stanley has unparalleled experience and real client commitment. Liz Barratt is super bright, has excellent strategic skills in litigation and is very pro client. Roberta Haslam has learned from the best, and so demonstrates superb client commitment and compassion in all she does.‘
‘In my experience, Bindmans are second to none in my areas of practice (asylum and immigration, with a protection / human rights focus). All of their lawyers are exceptionally skilled, knowledgeable, effective, tenacious and organised.‘
Work highlights
Public sector > Administrative and public law Tier 1
Hailed by clients as ‘one of the strongest public law teams in the UK’, Bindmans LLP has a long-established reputation for expertise in traditional claimant, commercial, regulatory, and defendant work, with particular strength in the health and social care, housing, and political sectors. Practice head John Halford is a renowned public law specialist and represents a diverse range of clients, encompassing individuals, campaign groups, regulators, commercial companies and other public sector entities. Karen May’s practice focuses heavily on education and community care judicial review cases, and she regularly appears before the High Court and Court of Appeal. Shirin Marker‘s practice has a particular focus on challenges related to immigration rights and national security, while associate Emma Varley specialises in challenging decisions by local authorities, schools and health bodies.Practice head(s):
John Halford
Other key lawyers:
Caroline Robinson; Jessie Brennan; Karen May; Anna Thwaites; Shirin Marker; Emma Varley; Alice Hardy
Testimonials
‘One of the strongest public law teams in the UK. Widely respected.’
‘High quality public law cases, including lots of variety.’
‘The leading public law firm in London – strong team, involved in all of the key cases.’
‘I have particularly noticed Shirin Marker, who is highly efficient and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Top-notch public law and human rights team. Fantastic client relations.’
‘Shirin Marker is first rate, great with clients and counsel, and extremely pragmatic.’
‘Bindmans have a very strong reputation in this area.’
‘A fantastic team of bright, diligent and creative lawyers who always put every possible effort into achieving positive outcomes for clients.’
Key clients
Jean Eveleigh and others
Women Against State Pension Inequality (‘WASPI’)
Helen Timson
Law Society of England and Wales
Age-disputed children
World Uyghur Conference
National Union of Journalists
Sian Berry and Open Rights Group
Mwatana for Human Rights
British Standards Institute
Government of the British Virgin Islands
Good Law Project: Bunzl Health Care challenge
Work highlights
- Acted for WASPI in judicial review proceedings challenging the outcome of the PHSO’s investigation into maladministration by the Department for Work and Pensions in its communication of changes to the state pension age for women born in the 1950s.
- Acting for the Law Society in challenging the UK Government’s decision to ignore the recommendation from the Independent Review of Legal Aid led by Sir Christopher Bellamy, recommending a 15% increase in funding for solicitors’ work as the minimum necessary to sustain the system.
- Representing young people who have been age disputed by the Home Office and/or local authorities.
Public sector > Civil liberties and human rights Tier 1
Offering a ‘cutting edge’ practice, Bindmans LLP commands a strong reputation in immigration work and actions against the police and state, as well as international work spanning torture and abuse claims, freedom of assembly matters and victims’ rights in criminal trials. The vastly experienced John Halford acts for a broad range of clients including individuals, NGOs and unions, while Jules Carey regularly handles matters for journalists, MPs and activists. Tayab Ali is seen as a leading authority on counter-terrorism law, while Anna Thwaites is highly regarded for her inquests expertise. Shirin Marker is building an excellent reputation for representing victims of trafficking, torture and individuals deprived of their British citizenship, while veteran Jamie Potter stepped down from the firm in 2022.Practice head(s):
Tayab Ali; Jules Carey; Kate Goold; John Halford; Paul Ridge
Other key lawyers:
Anna Thwaites; Theodora Middleton; Shirin Marker; Rachel Harger
Testimonials
‘The Bindmans civil liberties and human rights practice is cutting edge and very much at the forefront of the market. The practitioners are highly experienced and some of the best in the business, and the associates are universally brilliant.’
‘Shirin Marker really is one to watch. Her style is understated but she is extremely intelligent and has the strategic nous of a practitioner with many more years of experience.’
‘Rachel Harger handles complex and high-profile cases with ease; highly astute and sharp practitioner. Commands respect from clients, and is on top of both the law and the running of the case.’
‘Bindmans are an outstanding team with exceptional lawyers at all levels. They are highly experienced; approachable; committed and collaborative.’
‘Brilliant, inventive lawyers who really care about their clients.’
‘Bindmans’ civil liberties and human rights team is standout in the field. Consistently at the top of their game. Everyone in the team is a leader.’
Key clients
Bereaved, Survivors and Residents (BSRs) of the Grenfell Tower Fire
‘Reclaim these Streets’, a group dedicated to women’s safety (Anna Birley, Jessica Leigh, Henna Shah, and Jamie Klingler)
Muriel Maguire: Mother of Jackie, a patient who died due to failures in her medical care
The family of Christopher Nota
Core Participants to the Undercover Policing Inquiry
Kingsley Kanu
Individuals deprived of their British citizenship
Amna Bibi & Ors
The Death of Yusuf Mahmud Ahmed
International Centre of Justice for Palestinians
Anton Abu Akleh & Shatha Hanaysha, Ali Samoudi and others
Dr Mohammed Salman Butt
Big Brother Watch
Work highlights
- Appealing a High Court ruling in relation to a significant human rights case centred on Nnamdi Kanu, the British national leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, a group which calls for self-determination for Biafra Land.
- Representing over 200 bereaved, survivors and residents in the Grenfell Tower inquiry.
Real estate > Social housing: tenant Tier 1
Bindmans LLP’s broad social housing practice covers the full spectrum of housing law. The team displays niche areas of expertise, with experience in cases involving mental capacity, civil liberties, and community care. Practice head Paul Ridge has a keen focus on public law, community care, and disability rights within housing law. Ridge continues to lead the team in its key role assisting the Grenfell victims, with the support of the firm’s bespoke Grenfell team, and has been advising an increasing number of victims of the cladding scandal. The social housing group has continued to develop its expertise in this area, with Christian Hansen handling a number of large group claims related to fire safety issues. The group also assists clients with possession claims, HRA damages, injunctions, and capacity issues.Practice head(s):
Paul Ridge
Other key lawyers:
Will Whitaker; Christian Hansen; Jacob Howell Jones
Testimonials
‘The team is very good.’
‘Christian Hansen and Paul Ridge are great solicitors.’
‘Devoted to their clients’ cause, they ceaselessly fight the clients corner and are creative in their approaches.’
‘Paul Ridge is an experienced housing lawyer – very capable and excellent client manner.’
Key clients
Grenfell Tower
Richmond House
Pavilions Action Group
Lancaster West Residents’ Association and all RBKC tenants
The Exchange
Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 2
Bindmans LLP‘s ‘exceptional’ personal injury team is lauded for its ability to deal with ‘traumatised clients in complex circumstances‘, with particular strength in cases involving complex causation issues – an area in which Alla Murphy has specialist experience. Areas of expertise include catastrophic brain and spinal injury claims; orthopaedic injuries; psychiatric injuries; and complex pain conditions, including those which have been difficult to diagnose, with additional experience in multiparty claims. Jon Crocker leads the team, specialising in claims involving brain damage or amputation. Yagmur Ekici is praised for her ‘detailed and considered insights’; she has particular strength in cases involving complex quantum issues.Practice head(s):
Jon Crocker
Other key lawyers:
Yagmur Ekici; Alla Murphy; Shelly Pastakia; Rosaleen Wyllie; Siobhan Kelly
Testimonials
‘Very experienced team with client focus at the heart of the work that they carry out. They also understand how to instruct and approach experts on cases where relevant.’
‘Extremely experienced and good communicators.’
‘Specialist team, who have the knowledge, experience and aptitude to make a positive difference when supporting clients through the litigation process. The team have integrity in their approach, whilst dealing with the diverse, complex issues that often arise.’
‘An exceptional team dealing with difficult often traumatised clients in complex circumstances, and well able to distil the legal parameters when issuing medico-legal instructions.’
‘Alla Murphy has been exceptional in her efficiency and handling of complex cases.’
‘Siobhan Kelly is excellent, a very smart lawyer, patient with clients and knows the importance of collaborative working in cases.’
‘Yagmur Ekici always demonstrated detailed and considered insights, and I felt very comfortable with her advice and expertise. She was also so supportive, compassionate and driven.’
Private client > Court of protection Tier 2
The ‘excellent’ and ‘well-respected’ team at Bindmans LLP has ‘solicitors who pay a great attention to detail to get the best results for their clients’. Led by Laura Hobey-Hamsher, the thriving practice continues to act in both contentious and non-contentious matters for many vulnerable adults and their families. In addition, it receives a steady flow of instructions from the Official Solicitor, Independent Mental Capacity Advocates, NGOs, charities, and other members of the legal profession and judiciary. The group is well-placed to handle issues as diverse as medical treatment cases, cross-border matters, and health and welfare issues. In addition, it is skilled at advising on property and financial affairs matters for wealthy individuals. Karen May is a Law Society Accredited Legal Representative in relation to welfare cases. At associate level, Will Whitaker, is well-regarded.Practice head(s):
Laura Hobey-Hamsher
Other key lawyers:
Will Whitaker; Karen May; Elizabeth Cleaver; Emma Varley
Testimonials
‘Bindmans provides the full panoply of legal support – great admin; great leadership at a partner level. Will Whitaker is thoughtful and committed and passionate about his work. Emma Varley knows Court of Protection work backwards. Karen May is a brilliant operator’.
‘Probably the strongest all-round CoP team out there. Significant expertise in welfare cases, medical treatment cases, and also some property and financial affairs cases (including LPAs and statutory wills)’.
‘Laura Hobey-Hamsher – vastly experienced, excellent manner with clients, extremely hard-working I would also recommend Emma Varley and Will Whitaker in this team as particular stars’.
‘Excellent team, with solicitors that pay a great attention to detail to get the best results for their clients. The team has a number of solicitors who are experts in vital adjacent areas of law such as community care, mental health, public law and HRA and negligence claims. Will Whitaker Elizabeth Cleaver’.
‘Breadth of Bindmans public law practice- can offer clients full spectrum of legal services. Karen May is a stand out leader in the field’.
‘Karen May and Emma Varley are brilliant’.
‘Laura was an absolute gem. She was extremely strong, confident and caring. Laura was empathetic to the situation at hand, clearly outlined the options available to me, and was super personable in all dealings‘.
‘Laura Hobey-Hamsher is outstanding. She is also appointed as agent in Serious Medical treatment cases where she will meet with and liaise with the client at very short notice and convey their wishes and feelings to the court. She is smart, funny and a joy to work with’.
Key clients
Tony Hickmott
Health Service Executive of Ireland
Public sector > Education: individuals Tier 2
Bindmans LLP retains a ‘highly knowledgeable and well resourced team‘ that is capable of handling a wide range of cross-disciplinary matters for individuals. The practice has acted in tribunal appeals related to school placement on behalf of children with special educational needs and also advises on freedom of speech issues, allegations of academic misconduct, and school exclusions. Karen May, who leads the team, is highly recommended for her expertise in SEN matters and regularly acts alongside key contact Alex Temple in complex judicial review and tribunal cases. Other key contacts in the team include Kate Goold, an experienced criminal solicitor who acts in cases related to serious criminal and disciplinary accusations, and Emma Varley, who is noted for her expertise in educational matters with discrimination elements.Practice head(s):
Karen May
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Quick to respond and personable, clear advice.’
‘Karen May is confident and clear in her advice.’
‘Karen May is outstanding, kind, and knows how to build a rapport with a client. Great knowledge of local authorities, with exceptional clinical skills and understanding. Great at fighting in your corner.’
‘Claimant focused education law team that is excellent for community care cross-over work.’
‘I have been impressed by the way in which the Education team at Bindmans can use the firm’s cross-sector expertise (i.e. intersection between the crime team and education team) in higher education matters relating to student discipline.’
‘I would recommend Emma Varley without hesitation. She has been proactive, collaborative, responsive and shown great attention to detail.’
‘This is a very highly knowledgeable and well-resourced team. They will leave no stone unturned to provide the best solution for clients. The team is very hard-working and extremely professional.’
‘Emma Varley and Karen May are very knowledgeable about their areas of law, have an excellent grasp of procedure, and are very practically-minded.’
Work highlights
Public sector > Healthcare Tier 2
With ‘excellent strength in depth‘, the team at Bindmans LLP predominantly represents individuals in inquests and cases involving mental health, safeguarding and palliative care issues. Practice head Laura Hobey-Hamsher is a ‘first-class lawyer‘ who is well known for acting in Court of Protection cases concerning the medical treatment, health, and welfare of individuals under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Children Act 1989. Will Whitaker exhibits ‘excellent judgment‘ when handling the full gamut of human rights issues, with particular emphasis given to health and welfare. Praised for her ‘eye for detail‘, mental health expert Elizabeth Cleaver primarily represents individuals in health and social care matters, including challenges against policies and decisions. Basmah Sahib regularly appears before the Mental Health Tribunal, and handles judicial review challenges concerning policy.Practice head(s):
Laura Hobey-Hamsher
Other key lawyers:
Will Whitaker; Elizabeth Cleaver; Anna Thwaites; Basmah Sahib
Testimonials
‘Elizabeth Cleaver is both professional and compassionate. Her knowledge of the law is excellent and well used.’
‘Bindmans are one of the leading healthcare firms acting primarily for claimants. They have excellent strength in depth, with expertise across a wide range of related fields including public law, Court of Protection and human rights.’
‘Laura Hobey-Hamsher is a stand out practitioner, and Basmah Sahib is an excellent solicitor with great empathy for her clients. Will Whitaker is also excellent, he demonstrates excellent judgment and is always calm even in the most difficult cases.’
‘Bindmans have outstanding expertise in this area. They are extremely knowledgeable about public law principles, inquests, and about the technical subject matter. This makes them a class act.’
‘An excellent firm of solicitors with a history of providing representation over a wide range of areas, all at a very high level of skill.’
‘Elizabeth Cleaver has an extremely good brain with an eye for detail, and is able to provide empathetic support to clients.’
‘Laura Hobey-Hamsher is a first-class lawyer with a deserved reputation for detailing with complex matters before the Court of Protection.’
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 2
The reputation and crisis management team at Bindmans LLP represents both claimants and defendants in cases concerning libel, privacy, data protection and copyright issues. The team has a growing specialism in reputation and media management for whistleblowers, where it works closely with the firm’s employment and crime departments. Tamsin Allen leads the team with over 20 years of experience handling some of the most significant media cases before courts of all levels, particularly on behalf of individuals making libel claims against the media. Criminal lawyer Kate Goold deals with crime-related matters for journalists and media organisations. Monika Sobiecki is an expert in data protection and information law.Practice head(s):
Tamsin Allen
Other key lawyers:
Jules Carey; Kate Goold; Monika Sobiecki; Tayab Ali
Testimonials
‘A small but expert team with great knowledge in this area and who work together to ensure the best result for the clients. Cost effective and cost efficient. Able to consider the best way of achieving the aims of the client, which in this area may not be commencing litigation.’
‘Monika Sobiecki is excellent and works tirelessly for her clients.’
‘Depth of knowledge and client care are exceptional.’
‘Tamsin Allen – very clever, brilliant with clients, engaged and engaging.’
‘Extremely committed in the work that they do.’
‘The practitioners we work with are very experienced and knowledgeable. They are extremely well informed and have a knack for solving legal conundrums.’
Key clients
Caroline Watt
Joma Sison
Jolyon Maugham / GLP
Freedom from Torture
Pre-Publication Advice
Carole Cadwalladr
Nina Cresswell
Work highlights
- Represented Caroline Watt, the agent of Rebekah Vardy, in the Wagatha Christie proceedings, and successfully resisted the application to be joined as a party to the main proceedings.
- Successfully defended Joma Sison, a Filipino political refugee and prominent critic of President Duterte’s regime in the Philippines, from a defamation claim brought by a supporter of President Duterte.
- Advised the Good Law Project and Jolyon Maugham on various defamatory allegations made about him and Good Law Project in the press.
Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals) Tier 3
Remaining at the ‘forefront of criminal defence’, Bindmans LLP’s practice specialises in representing individuals caught up in complex financial crime investigations conducted by the FCA and HMRC, along with white-collar crime claims spanning from bribery to money laundering. Counting HNW individuals, professionals, and CEOs among her clientbase, the 'calm, efficient and pragmatic' Katie Wheatley leads the London group, bringing vast expertise of serious fraud and internal investigations to the team. ‘Simply fantastic’ Kate Goold has experience acting in complex extradition proceedings and tax investigations, while Tayab Ali regularly assists individuals with protecting their reputations against false public and criminal allegations, as well as covering both criminal and civil law issues.Practice head(s):
Katie Wheatley
Other key lawyers:
Kate Goold; Tayab Ali; Catherine Jackson
Testimonials
‘Bindmans are a brilliant firm. The passion and commitment of their lawyers is amazing. The firm is well-resourced and efficiently run.’
‘Bindmans have been at the forefront of criminal defence for many years and have maintained that position through continuing to recruit and nurture talented young lawyers. They are large enough to offer expertise across all areas of crime and to have the resources to run large cases, but not so large as to have lost their unique sense of identity.’
‘I have been extremely impressed by Catherine Jackson. Her intelligence and efficiency was quickly apparent from the speed at which she digested the evidence and identified the key issues in the case. Her judgement was impeccable.’
‘Katie Wheatley is excellent; a very thoughtful lawyer who is collaborative in common interest situations. Kate Goold is simply fantastic and hugely committed to her clients.’
‘Kate Goold brings understanding, experience, and composure. She has been dealing with the most serious offences for many years and her client care skills are truly exceptional. Catherine Jackson is the perfect all-round solicitor – she is organised, dedicated, intelligent and thoughtful. Her cases are always litigated with the highest levels of professionalism and diligence.’
‘Katie Wheatley and Kate Goold are highly committed senior lawyers who will expertly fight the corner of an individual investigated for fraud.’
‘Bindmans has excellent business crime expertise and continues to punch above its weight.’
‘Katie Wheatley is calm, efficient and pragmatic, handling demanding clients with ease and ensuring the case stays firmly on the right track.’
Work highlights
Employment > Employees/unions Tier 3
Bindmans LLP‘s employment practice is noted for its expertise in matters involving whistleblowing, discrimination at work and trade union victimisation. The group also exhibits expertise relating to the use of NDAs in sexual harassment claims. Interim team head Krishna Santra is well versed in complex discrimination claims and settlement agreements. Yavnik Ganguly is well placed to advise on issues such as protected disclosure detriment claims.Practice head(s):
Krishna Santra
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They have an impressive proven track record and great legacy.’
‘Krishna Santra is an immensely talented and approachable lawyer.’
‘Takes good care of clients, while understanding the bigger picture issues raised by the case.’
‘This is a diverse team of highly experienced employment practitioners who are committed to their clients and regularly take on some of the most challenging employment cases. They are very accessible and dedicated.’
‘Krishna Santra is very user friendly and excellent when dealing with clients.’
Key clients
Agency Worker
Work highlights
Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 3
Bindmans LLP’s clinical negligence team maintains ‘a very high level of pastoral support for clients’, taking on only complex cases involving catastrophic and very serious injury under the leadership of ‘extremely experienced‘ Jon Crocker. The firm’s wider human rights expertise heightens the team’s ability to support clients in very complex psychiatric injury and suicide cases, and is particularly key to its specialism regarding substandard treatment of those in prison or detained. Yagmur Ekici is recommended as ‘an absolute star‘. Alla Murphy has particular specialist experience handling catastrophic neurological, orthopaedic and psychiatric injury cases for both individual clients and multiparty groups.Practice head(s):
Jon Crocker
Other key lawyers:
Alla Murphy; Siobhan Kelly; Yagmur Ekici; Rosaleen Wyllie; Megan Owen
Testimonials
‘It has been a particular pleasure to work with Jon Crocker. In addition to being an extremely experienced lawyer, he has an extensive knowledge of neurological problems and how they affect patients.’
‘Jon Crocker and his team have always explained clearly any course of action or proposal they have wanted me to agree to, and have always promptly responded to any request or question I have had.’
‘Yagmur Ekici is an absolute star, who mixes diligence, hard work and compassion.’
‘Jon Crocker is very responsive, responsible and experienced. A safe pair of hands.’
‘Bindmans attract some of the highest quality work in this field.’
‘Able to manage complicated cases with sometimes challenging and traumatised clients with a very high level of pastoral support for clients, though never losing sight of the legal issues.’
‘Alla Murphy has been superb in her efficiency and also empathetic handling of clients.’
‘Bindmans have a long history of working in this area. They have a strength in depth, and always put the client first. They can access good experts.’
Private client > Family Tier 3
Alison Leivesley heads the team at Bindmans LLP and she ‘brings a wealth of experience and care to her work, maintaining the Bindmans tradition of excellence’. It is recognised for its work on cross-border family law disputes, as well as for handling public law children cases. The practice attracts an interesting mix of divorce work, high-value and middle income financial remedies cases, TOLATA matters, and Schedule 1 cases. Maud Davis is well-regarded for her work as a children’s solicitor, and Melissa Arnold is another key figure. Olivia Piercy is now at Hunters Law LLP in July 2022.Practice head(s):
Alison Leivesley
Other key lawyers:
Maud Davis; Maeve Lucey; Melissa Arnold; Hannah Marshall; Annie Leach; Megan Rothman
Testimonials
‘Alison Leivesley has amazing dedication to clients and cases and she is unflappable. Clients get the Bindmans Rolls-Royce service.’
‘Melissa Arnold is brilliant; she has excellent client management skills and sound strategic instincts. Her preparation work is excellent, so her cases are always a pleasure to deal with. Maeve Lucey is also brilliant and has been an excellent addition to the team.’
‘Nothing is ever too much trouble and the quality of their work is consistently very high. I particularly wish to pay tribute to Alison Lievesley and Megan Rothman. Alison is very experienced and has great insight, and nothing is ever too much trouble for Megan, and her clients recognise that very quickly.’
‘Hannah Marshall is an excellent associate with a deservedly growing reputation. Diligent and detail-oriented, she is someone you definitely want in your corner.’
‘Alison Leivesley has a thoughtful, hands-on approach, and has extensive public law knowledge and a pragmatic approach. Michaela Michelides is a highly experienced international children specialist with a real depth of knowledge in this area. Annie Leach is way ahead of her peers at her junior level.’
‘Alison Leivesley is an outstanding family partner. She goes above and beyond for every client, no matter their circumstances, and is an absolute pleasure to work with’.
‘Bindmans has an excellent team covering a mixture of international, care and private children work. Alison Leivesley has a long-standing background in complex care, which she utilises when dealing with difficult, high-profile, international and private client cases. She heads a team of excellent associates.’
‘Maud Davis is well known for her work within public law proceedings. She is dedicated, decisive, committed to her practice, calm, focused and robust when required with parties in a helpful constructive partnership.’
Dispute resolution > Professional discipline Tier 4
Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud
South East > Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud
Bindmans LLP > Firm Profile
Bindmans LLP is one of the country’s leading multidisciplinary law firms, with an exceptional track record offering a wide range of specialist legal services to clients, from medium-sized businesses and NGOs, to public figures and private individuals.
Founded in 1974, Bindmans has a long history of challenging injustice and protecting the rights and reputations of ordinary people. Over the past 50 years the firm has evolved and expanded to offer a broader range of unrivalled services to a variety of clients. Its lawyers work with rigour and purpose to defend their clients’ best interests, and to use the law to make an impact.
Ranked as a top-tier firm in many of its practice areas, Bindmans has a reputation for its cutting-edge work in some of the most complex cases. Its lawyers are among the most knowledgeable in the country, and many are nationally recognised as experts in their fields.
Bindmans’ client base is wide and developing, and includes forward-thinking businesses, regulators, charities, NGOs, campaigning groups, professional bodies, as well as MPs, public figures, and private individuals. The firm is renowned for achieving outstanding results for its clients across the spectrum of services it offers.
Services for individuals
Clinical negligence and personal injury
Court of Protection, healthcare and mental health
Criminal defence and extradition
Education law
Employment law
Family and matrimonial
Fraud and white-collar crime
Housing and property litigation
Immigration, asylum and nationality
Inquests and Inquiries
Media and information
Police law
Professional negligence
Wills, trusts and estates
Services for business and organisations
Business crime
Business immigration
Data protection and cybersecurity
Education law
Employment law
Media and information
Skills, apprenticeship and training law
Specialist services
Data privacy and digital rights
Discrimination and equality
Environmental and animal law
Human rights and civil liberties
Public Inquiries
Public law and judicial review
Public procurement and commercial regulation
Regulatory and compliance law
Religion, faith and belief law
Reputation and crisis management
Right to protest
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Actions Against Police and State | Jules Carey | ||
Administrative and Public Law | John Halford | ||
Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury | Jon Crocker | ||
Court of Protection | Laura Hobey-Hamsher | ||
Criminal Law and Fraud | Katie Wheatley | ||
Education Law | Karen May | ||
Family and Matrimonial | Alison Leivesley | ||
Housing and Property Litigation | Paul Ridge | ||
Immigration, Asylum and Nationality | Liz Barratt | ||
Immigration, Asylum and Nationality | Alison Stanley | ||
Media and Information | Tamsin Allen | ||
Private Client | Amrit Rana | ||
Professional Negligence | Jon Crocker |
Solicitor Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Tayab Ali | Partner, Crime, Fraud and Regulatory Law. Tayab’s practice encompasses criminal and civil/public… | View Profile | |
Tamsin Allen | Partner and Head of Media and Information Law. Tamsin manages a wide-ranging… | View Profile | |
Melissa Arnold | Partner, Family and Matrimonial Melissa qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive Lawyer… | View Profile | |
Elisabeth Attwood | Solicitor and Level 2 Senior Caseworker (Law Society’s Immigration and Asylum Accreditation… | View Profile | |
Liz Barratt | Partner and Head of Immigration. Liz has a wide-ranging practice covering all… | View Profile | |
Jessie Brennan | Solicitor, Public Law and Human Rights Jessie’s practice covers a wide range… | View Profile | |
Jules Carey | Partner and Head of Actions against Police and State. Since becoming a… | View Profile | |
Elizabeth Cleaver | Solicitor, Public Law and Human Rights Elizabeth’s areas of practice include mental… | View Profile | |
Jon Crocker | Managing Partner at Bindmans and Head of Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury.… | View Profile | |
Maud Davis | Associate, Family and Matrimonial. Maud specialises in children law, representing children in… | View Profile | |
Yagmur Ekici | Partner, Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury. Yagmur advises and represents individuals in… | View Profile | |
Anna Ford | Solicitor, Crime, Fraud and Regulatory team. Anna has a breadth of experience… | View Profile | |
Tanya Goldfarb | Senior consultant and Head of our Business Immigration team. Tanya has over… | View Profile | |
Kate Goold | Partner, Crime, Fraud and Regulatory. With almost 30 years’ experience as a… | View Profile | |
John Halford | Partner and Head of Public Law and Human Rights department. John Halford… | View Profile | |
Christian Hansen | Solicitor, Housing and Public Law Christian frequently acts for groups of tenants… | View Profile | |
Alice Hardy | Partner, Public Law and Human Rights team. Alice specialises in human rights… | View Profile | |
Rachel Harger | Solicitor, Actions Against Police and State team. Rachel works on a wide… | View Profile | |
Roberta Haslam | Partner, Immigration, Asylum and Nationality. Roberta has a particular interest in asylum… | View Profile | |
Karma Hickman | Associate, Immigration, Asylum and Nationality team. Karma has experience across the field… | View Profile | |
Laura Hobey-Hamsher | Partner, Public Law and Human Rights. Laura is particularly well known for… | View Profile | |
Catherine Jackson | Associate, Crime, Fraud and Regulatory Catherine defends professionals such as accountants, teachers,… | View Profile | |
Ella Jefferson | Consultant, Crime, Fraud and Regulatory Ella has an outstanding record representing clients… | View Profile | |
Siobhan Kelly | Partner, Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury. Siobhan is passionate about helping vulnerable claimants… | View Profile | |
Jude Lanchin | Associate, Criminal Defence and Extradition. Jude has a strong reputation for outstanding… | View Profile | |
Annie Leach | Solicitor in our Family and Matrimonial team, specialising in all areas of… | View Profile | |
Alison Leivesley | Partner, Head of Family and Matrimonial. Alison specialises in all aspects of… | View Profile | |
Maeve Lucey | Solicitor in our Family and Matrimonial team, cross qualified as a solicitor… | View Profile | |
Shirin Marker | Solicitor, Public Law and Human Rights team. Shirin represents clients in a… | View Profile | |
Hannah Marshall | Associate, Family and Matrimonial Hannah has established a diverse and busy practice… | View Profile | |
Karen May | Partner and Head of Education Law. Karen mainly acts for individuals although… | View Profile | |
Theodora Middleton | Solicitor, Public Law and Human Rights Theodora represents clients in challenges to… | View Profile | |
Alla Murphy | Partner, Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury. Alla has extensive experience of acting… | View Profile | |
Megan Owen | Solicitor, in the Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury team. Megan joined the… | View Profile | |
Shelly Pastakia | Solicitor, in the Wills, Trusts and Estates team. Prior to May 2023,… | View Profile | |
Amrit Rana | Partner and Head of Private Client. Amrit has over 15 years of experience… | View Profile | |
Paul Ridge | Partner in the Public Law team and Head of Housing and Property. As… | View Profile | |
Caroline Robinson | Solicitor, Public Law and Human Rights Caroline’s varied judicial review practice includes… | View Profile | |
Megan Rothman | Solicitor, Family and Matrimonial team. Megan specialises in children law and represents… | View Profile | |
Basmah Sahib | Solicitor, Public Law and Human Rights Basmah has represented clients in relation… | View Profile | |
Krishna Santra | Partner, Employment team. Krishna acts for organisations and individual clients, providing pragmatic… | View Profile | |
Monika Sobiecki | Partner, Media and Information. Monika is a specialist Data Protection and Cybersecurity… | View Profile | |
Alison Stanley | Senior consultant, Immigration, Asylum and Nationality. Since 1984, Alison has specialised in… | View Profile | |
Alex Temple | Solicitor, Public Law and Human Rights team. Alex acts in a range… | View Profile | |
Anna Thwaites | Partner, Actions against Police and State. Anna is highly regarded for her… | View Profile | |
Emma Varley | Associate, Public Law and Human Rights. Emma specialises in judicial review challenges… | View Profile | |
Katie Wheatley | Partner, Head of Crime, Fraud and Regulatory. Katie has vast experience in… | View Profile | |
Will Whitaker | Associate, Public Law and Human Rights Will has represented a large number… | View Profile | |
Rosaleen Wyllie | Solicitor, Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury team. Rosa has assisted the partners… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 22 Number of other UK fee-earners : 55- Crime, fraud and licensing > Crime: general
- Employment > Immigration
- Public sector > Administrative and public law
- Public sector > Civil liberties and human rights
- Real estate > Social housing: tenant
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Insurance > Personal injury: claimant
- Private client > Court of protection
- Public sector > Education: individuals
- Public sector > Healthcare
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management