Founder of Bindmans and architect of UK human rights law, remembered for lifelong advocacy
Sir Geoffrey Bindman, one of Britain’s most influential human rights lawyers and founder of Bindmans LLP, has died aged 92, his firm announced on Wednesday.
In a statement confirming his death, the London-based law firm said: “Sir Geoffrey co-founded Bindmans in 1974, a firm aiming to protect the rights and reputations of local Londoners as well as acting for progressive organisations and businesses. He had an extraordinarily impactful legal career, not only as a litigator but as an architect of UK equality and human rights law.”
Bindman’s work helped shape the framework of modern civil liberties law in the UK. Over the course of five decades, he became known for representing individuals, trade unions, and campaign groups in landmark human rights and discrimination cases. His legacy extends beyond litigation he was a consistent advocate for the rule of law, access to justice, and legal aid reform.
After stepping down as a partner, Sir Geoffrey continued to serve as a consultant at Bindmans, remaining closely involved in its work and mentoring younger lawyers. The firm said: “After his retirement from the partnership, he continued to take a keen interest in the firm as a consultant, writing articles and providing support and advice to us all.”
The firm’s statement described him as “a magnificent lawyer and a profoundly honourable man. He was a significant force for good and will be deeply missed. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family.”
Sir Geoffrey’s contribution to British law and society was recognised with a knighthood in 2007 for services to human rights and an honorary Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) appointment in 2011. In 2023, he received a lifetime contribution award recognising the sustained and significant impact of his legal career.
Embed from Getty Images
Born in London in 1933, Geoffrey Bindman studied law at Oriel College, Oxford, before beginning his career as a solicitor in the early 1960s. He worked for the Race Relations Board, advising on the early enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, and was later instrumental in shaping public policy and legal frameworks around equality and freedom of expression.
Under his leadership, Bindmans LLP developed a reputation for fearless advocacy, acting for clients in politically sensitive and socially significant cases. The firm became synonymous with civil liberties, employment law, and public law work, representing individuals and organisations challenging injustice and abuse of power.
Throughout his career, Sir Geoffrey was a vocal defender of human rights protections in the UK, particularly the Human Rights Act 1998, which incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into domestic law. He frequently wrote and spoke about the importance of preserving access to justice and maintaining judicial independence.
He also served as chair of the British Institute of Human Rights, vice-chair of the Mary Ward Legal Centre, and as a trustee for several charitable organisations promoting equality and civil rights.
In tributes following the announcement, colleagues and peers described Sir Geoffrey as a towering figure in public law whose influence spanned generations of lawyers. His career reflected a lifelong commitment to fairness, accountability, and the belief that the law should serve the public good.
Bindmans LLP said his values remain embedded in the firm’s work: “His legacy will continue to inspire us. Sir Geoffrey built this firm on the principle that the law should protect the vulnerable and hold the powerful to account a principle that guides us still.”