Bindmans LLP remains a standout force in public and administrative law, with a large and highly specialised team handling a broad spectrum of domestic and international matters. The group’s expertise spans all aspects of public law and regulatory casework, encompassing traditional claimant judicial reviews as well as regulatory, commercial, and defendant-side work. With deep-rooted experience in the health and social care, housing, and education sectors, the firm advises on decisions made by detaining authorities, local authorities, central government, and regulators. The practice is led by the widely respected John Halford, known for his representation of individuals, unions, campaign groups, and NGOs both as claimants and as interveners in high-profile public interest cases. Alice Hardy regularly acts for political and environmental activists, NGOs, and journalists in judicial reviews and civil actions. Nancy Collins handles complex civil liberties litigation, while Emma Varley and Shirin Marker provide vital representation for vulnerable clients across diverse public law and civil claims.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Bindmans is one of the best-known names in claimant judicial review. They have strength in depth and tremendous experience in managing (and winning) high-profile and difficult litigation. They are sensible, pragmatic, and have the trust of the Court.’
‘Alice Hardy is an excellent partner. A true pleasure to work with. Sensible, calm, responsive and hard-working.'
- 'Shirin Marker is a high-flying associate.’
‘The Bindmans administrative and public law team is second to none for cutting-edge claimant cases. Alice Hardy is a stand-out partner, who is a fearless claimant lawyer and a very creative thinker.'
‘John Halford and his team are exceptional public lawyers.’
‘I have worked with Karen May and her team. They are very dedicated to the interests of their clients and work so hard to ensure they do the best job possible for them. Their key strength is evidence gathering and ensuring that the client's voice is clearly heard. It also goes without saying that they are on top of deadlines and ensure they are met. I get lovely, clear briefs from them!’
Key clients
- WASPI (Woman Against State Pension Inequality)
- Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
- Al Haq
- RWU (by his Litigation Friend, LTA)
- Asylum-seeking families in inadequate hotel accommodation
- Afghan prosecutors and their families
- World Uyghur Conference
- Humanists UK
- London Mining Network
Work highlights
Acts for WASPI in its campaign for compensation for 3.6 million women affected by maladministration over State Pension age changes.
Acted for the claimant in Roberts v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2025], where the High Court ruled that Universal Credit rent deductions made without consulting claimants are unlawful.
Represent Al Haq in a judicial review challenging UK arms sales to Israel, arguing breaches of export criteria due to the risk of serious violations of international humanitarian law.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
John Halford
Other key lawyers
Alice Hardy; Nancy Collins; Emma Varley; Shirin Marker; Karen May