Births on January 3

Geoffrey Bindman, English lawyer

Sir Geoffrey Lionel Bindman QC (Hon): A Doyen of British Human Rights Law

Sir Geoffrey Lionel Bindman, born on 3 January 1933, stands as a prominent figure in the landscape of British legal advocacy, particularly renowned for his profound and enduring contributions to human rights law. As a distinguished solicitor, his career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to justice, civil liberties, and the foundational principles of human dignity, influencing significant legal precedents and policies within the United Kingdom.

Founding a Legacy: Bindman & Partners

At the heart of Sir Geoffrey Bindman's professional legacy is the human rights law firm he founded, Bindman & Partners. Established with a vision to champion the rights of individuals against state overreach and systemic injustice, the firm, now known as Bindmans LLP, quickly garnered a reputation for its tenacious and pioneering work in complex and often politically sensitive areas of law. This included, but was not limited to, cases involving freedom of speech, privacy rights, discrimination, police misconduct, and judicial review, many of which were at the forefront of developing UK human rights jurisprudence following the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights into domestic law via the Human Rights Act 1998. The firm’s enduring success is a testament to Bindman’s foundational principles of legal excellence and social responsibility.

Leadership and Advocacy at the British Institute of Human Rights

Sir Geoffrey's commitment to advancing human rights extends beyond the courtroom. Since 2005, he has served as the distinguished Chair of the British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR). The BIHR is a leading independent human rights organisation in the UK, dedicated to bringing human rights to life and ensuring they are a reality for everyone. Under Sir Geoffrey's stewardship, the Institute has played a crucial role in promoting a greater understanding of the Human Rights Act 1998, advocating for human rights protections, and empowering individuals and organisations to use human rights as a tool for positive change in areas like healthcare, social care, and public services. His long tenure reflects his deep dedication to embedding human rights principles within public policy and practice.

Accolades and Recognition for Services to Justice

Sir Geoffrey Bindman's exceptional contributions have been widely recognized through several prestigious awards and honours:

• The Law Society Gazette Centenary Award for Human Rights (2003): This significant award, presented by the official magazine of The Law Society (the professional body for solicitors in England and Wales), acknowledged his profound impact and dedicated service in the field of human rights law over many decades. It highlighted his pioneering work and influence on the legal landscape.
• Knighthood for Services to Human Rights (2007): In recognition of his unparalleled and tireless advocacy for human rights, Sir Geoffrey was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours. This honour specifically celebrated his extensive work in defending civil liberties and ensuring legal protections for the most vulnerable in society, marking him as a national champion of justice.
• Appointment as Queen's Counsel (QC) (Hon) (2011): While typically a recognition for barristers, Sir Geoffrey's appointment as Queen's Counsel on an honorary basis underscored his exceptional legal standing and significant contributions to the law, even as a solicitor. The "QC (Hon)" designation is a rare mark of distinction for solicitors and those in legal academia or public service, signifying recognition of pre-eminence and expertise in their respective fields.

Broader Engagements: Patron of Humanists UK

Beyond his direct legal practice and human rights advocacy, Sir Geoffrey Bindman is also a valued patron of Humanists UK, formerly known as the British Humanist Association. As a patron, he supports the organisation's efforts to promote a secular state, defend freedom of belief, and advocate for ethical, evidence-based public policy. This role aligns seamlessly with his broader commitment to human rights, particularly those pertaining to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief, reinforcing his holistic approach to defending individual liberties and fostering a more just and rational society.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sir Geoffrey Lionel Bindman

Who is Sir Geoffrey Lionel Bindman?

Sir Geoffrey Lionel Bindman is a highly distinguished British solicitor, born in 1933, renowned for his extensive expertise and pioneering work in human rights law. He is the founder of the prominent law firm Bindman & Partners (now Bindmans LLP) and a leading advocate for civil liberties in the UK.

What is Bindman & Partners known for?

Bindman & Partners, founded by Sir Geoffrey Bindman, is celebrated for its groundbreaking work in human rights law, representing individuals in challenging cases against the state and advocating for civil liberties. The firm has been at the forefront of significant legal developments concerning privacy, freedom of speech, discrimination, and police misconduct.

What is Sir Geoffrey Bindman's role at the British Institute of Human Rights?

Sir Geoffrey Bindman has served as the Chair of the British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) since 2005. In this capacity, he leads an independent organisation dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights across the UK, working to ensure the Human Rights Act is understood and effectively used to benefit everyone.

What major honours has Sir Geoffrey Bindman received?

Sir Geoffrey Bindman has received several prestigious honours for his work, including The Law Society Gazette Centenary Award for Human Rights in 2003, a knighthood in 2007 for his profound services to human rights, and an honorary appointment as Queen's Counsel (QC) in 2011.

How is Sir Geoffrey Bindman connected to Humanists UK?

Sir Geoffrey Bindman is a patron of Humanists UK (formerly the British Humanist Association). This role reflects his support for the organisation's advocacy for secularism, freedom of belief, and evidence-based policy, aligning with his broader commitment to human rights and individual liberties.