BINDMANS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Lawyers Senior Management Team
- Solicitor
Afolake is based in the Chiswick office and joined Bindmans following the acquisition of Sutton-Mattocks in December 2023. Afolake is a solicitor in the Residential Property Department, handling all aspects of leasehold and freehold property transactions including sales, purchases, right to buy, new build, shared ownership, leases, re-mortgaging, transfer of equity, secured lending etc.
She joined Sutton-Mattocks in October 2021, having held various contract roles in small to medium size firms, which has broadened her knowledge and experience in Property Law. Afolake acts for individuals, investors and lenders and has done so for the past 15 years. She prides herself in providing an unparalleled level of service with a friendly and professional approach. Her clients praise her ability to understand their complex issues, which along with strong technical skills and approachable manner inspires confidence as a legal adviser.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Fellow of the Legal Education Foundation 's Justice First Fellowship
Alex is a solicitor in our Public Law and Human Rights team. He acts in a range of matters against public authorities.
He also specialises in a range of education law cases, and has experience in bringing challenges to the decisions of public bodies including schools, local authorities and police forces.
He has a particular interest in education law, including cases concerning special educational needs provision, discrimination, children missing education and school disciplinary powers.
Alex also has experience of cases arising from decisions made in the criminal justice system. His work includes challenges to the proper prosecution of vulnerable people, the rights of children in the police station and the criminal records system.
His work includes high profile successes in the appeal courts, as well as changes to national law through negotiation with government departments. Alex has worked with organisations striving to make legal change and takes a holistic approach to these cases. He understands how to maximise the impact of strategic work by bringing together a legal case with public communications and policy influencing.
Most recently, he secured changes to education regulations introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic which risked discriminating against disabled learners.
Alex was a member of the steering group for the Special Educational Consortium between 2019 and 2021, sitting on the working group for behaviour and school exclusions
In 2019 Alex created and launched the School Exclusions Hub, a comprehensive online toolkit for frontline workers supporting young people facing exclusion
Alex Temple worked for me and represented me by constructing an appeal that also set the foundations for a complaint if the appeal was unsuccessful. The appeal was successful and I credit Alex and his high quality work for achieving this. Alex was always available for discussion and, often, reassurance, during the life span of his work for me.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Immigration Solicitor
Alice advises on all aspects of immigration, asylum and nationality law. She has extensive experience of advising on the immigration rules, particularly in respect of family-based applications and the points-based system.
Alice has in depth knowledge of European law and has given seminars about the EU Settlement Scheme to businesses seeking advice for their European national employees. Alice is often instructed by local authorities who wish to regularise the immigration status of/ register as British, children in their care. She also advises about complex nationality matters and represents victims of domestic violence in applications for indefinite leave to remain under the rules.
Alice represents clients at both the application stage and at appeal in the First-tier and Upper Tribunal. She is also experienced in acting in cases in the Administrative Court and Court of Appeal.
Alice is a partner in our Public Law and Human Rights team. She specialises in human rights claims and public law challenges against government bodies and detaining authorities, with particular interest in women's rights, protest law, discrimination and coronial law.
Alice represents victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse and other individuals who have been poorly treated by the State, including the criminal justice system. Her caseload includes civil claims and judicial reviews against the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Justice, prosecuting agencies and local authorities.
She also acts for environmental and political activists and campaigning groups, challenging unlawful decisions and injunctions that restrict the right of protest and freedom of speech. She has acted in challenges to injunctions issued by Shell, Esso, Exxon, Valero, National Highways Limited, Transport for London, North Warwickshire Borough Council, Thurrock County Council and Three Countries Agricultural Society.
Alice also represents bereaved families at inquests and in judicial review challenges and civil claims, where their loved one has died in custody or in other circumstances in which the State is implicated in the death.
In 2022-2023 Alice acted for Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, whose daughter Ella died of asthma in 2013. She was the first person in the world to have air pollution listed as a cause of death on her death certificate.
In 2021-2022 she acted for the mother of Saskia Jones, who died in the Fishmongers Hall terrorist attack in November 2019.
Between 2016 and 2021 she represented a number of Hillsborough families in their claims against the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police following the Hillsborough tragedy in April 1989.
Alice Hardy is particularly strong in cases involving women's rights. she is passionate about achieving the best outcome for her clients.
Alison is a trainee solicitor in our Family and Matrimonial team.
Alison assists with a wide range of cases including public law children work and disputes around child arrangements including cases involving domestic abuse.
Before joining the Family and Matrimonial team, Alison was a trainee solicitor in our Public Law and Human Rights team assisting with a wide variety of complex public law cases including judicial review challenges to decisions taken by public authorities as well as civil claims including claims for damages under the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010.
She has experience in cases concerning challenges to age assessments of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and the suitability of asylum accommodation and support provided to care leavers, asylum seekers and victims of trafficking.
Alison also has experience in Victim's Rights to Review (VRR) cases with a focus on victims of domestic and sexual violence.
Alison has assisted solicitors in Court of Protection work including complex issues relating to care, residence, contact and deprivation of liberty. Alison has worked on matters where instructions are received from the Official Solicitors.
She has also assisted solicitors who represent individuals at the Mental Health Tribunal and bereaved families during inquests as well as community care matters and education.
Alison has a particular interest in cases involving vulnerable adults and children including children in need and care leavers.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Head of the Family Practice
- Partner / Head of Family and Matrimonial
Alison is a partner at Bindmans and Head of the Family and Matrimonial team. She specialises in all aspects of the law relating to children. She has a particular interest in domestic abuse, forced marriage, so called ‘honour' based violence and female genital mutilation (FGM) issues. Alison is highly rated in independent directories Chambers and Partners and Legal 500.
Alison regularly represents parents in complex care proceedings including those involving international elements; where non accidental injury, physical abuse or sexual abuse of children has been alleged; fabricated illness; domestic abuse and cases with parallel criminal proceedings. She is experienced in acting in private and public law children cases where there are issues of radicalisation.
Alison has experience of the many different aspects of international family law, including child abduction, wardship, jurisdictional disputes, international relocation of children, registration and enforcement of foreign orders, stranded spouses, forced marriage and FGM.
She also advises parents in respect of disputes about where a child lives and who child spends time with. This includes cases where there is social services involvement with the family.
Alison is experienced in acting for parents where there is a dispute with treating doctors as to what treatment a child should receive. Alison frequently represents vulnerable clients and is known for her calm, patient and compassionate approach.
Alison provides training in her fields of expertise for other professionals including lawyers, social workers, health care professionals and advice agencies. She also enjoys training and developing the next generation of lawyers, and is a mentor for YLAL (Young Legal Aid Lawyers).
Alison was named Family Lawyer of the Year at the British Family Law Awards 2024. She was also highly commended as Family Law Partner of the Year at the Family Law Awards 2023.
In 2022, Alison was shortlisted for Family Law Partner of the Year at the Family Law Awards, and was also shortlisted for Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Award in the Family Law category.
Before joining Bindmans Alison was a member partner, the head of the family department and on the firm's management team of a well-known and highly respected practice.
Experience
Alison's notable cases include:
Alison Leivesley has amazing dedication to clients and cases and she is unflappable. Clients get the Bindmans Rolls-Royce service.'
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant
- Co - Head of Department
- Joint Head
Since 1984 Alison has specialised in immigration law and associated fields. She has extensive experience in all aspects of immigration, asylum and nationality law. Her very diverse caseload varies from applications for high net worth individuals, through asylum to children in care.
Alison is instructed by individuals, NGOs, Local Authorities and businesses. She is very experienced in litigating at all levels of the Tribunal and Court system. Alison advises regularly on the interplay of immigration and asylum in extradition matters, and also on applications to INTERPOL/EUROPOL in relation to Red Notices, as well as litigating against the National Crime Agency. She frequently acts as an expert witness in immigration in litigation. Alison has a keen interest in policy issues in the immigration field, and legal aid.
Alison Stanley is a colossally effective litigator. She deals with complex cases for clients with great effectiveness
Alison is based in the Barnes office and joined Bindmans following the acquisition of Sutton-Mattocks in December 2023. Alison is a consultant at Sutton-Mattocks. As granddaughter of the firm's founder, F G Sutton-Mattocks, Alison has many clients that have been using the firm's services for many generations.
She advises them on their Wills, powers of attorney, probate and other inheritance matters. As she is winding down her work, Alison is generally only acting for established clients.
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Partner
- Member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
Alla is a partner in our Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury team. She has extensive experience of acting for people who have suffered catastrophic injuries, and also for those who have had more minor injuries, but with nevertheless devastating consequences to their lives and livelihoods. She has particular expertise in claims arising from accidents at work, notably on construction sites.
Alla has an exceptional record for maximizing the compensation paid to her clients; not just immediate settlements, but robust allocations for long-term aftercare and proper financial planning for possible future complications.
Alla has also worked on quantifying claims for those injured in the criminal justice system.
Alla Murphy is recommended for her handling of catastrophic neurological and orthopaedic injury cases on behalf of individuals as well as groups in multiparty litigation
"Alla Murphy has been very helpful and supportive. I have also been impressed by her client-focused approach"
Feedback says that "she is great with clients and understands complex litigation"
Alla is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
Alla Murphy is a natural leader - she is organised and efficient.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Lawyers Senior Management Team
- Solicitor
Amanda is a solicitor in our Private Client team. She undertakes a wide variety of private client work including Wills, Powers of Attorney, non-contentious Probate and the administration of taxable and non-taxable estates.
Amanda specialises in simple and complex Wills for individuals or couples with embedded Will Trusts e.g. Vulnerable Persons Trusts, Discretionary Trusts and Life Interest Trusts.
She offers advice in relation to non-contentious probate and acts for executors or personal representatives in relation to applications for Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration and the wider aspects of estate administration.
Amanda has particular experience with drawing up Advance Directives, the creation and revocation of General and Lasting Powers of Attorney, including business LPAs, and the registration of Enduring powers of attorney.
Amanda also advises on Court of Protection matters including applications for Property and Finance Deputyships, Statutory Wills and the Appointment of Replacement Property Trustees.
She assists clients with Declarations of Trust and provides advice in relation to Property Trusts and joint ownership of properties including applications to HM Land Registry on behalf of individuals or trustees, for example, applications to update registered proprietors, sever Joint Tenancies, remove or enter restrictions.
Amrit is a partner at Bindmans and Head of our Private Client team. Having joined the firm in 2019, she established the Private Client team and has focused on the continued development of the team ever since.
With over 18 years' extensive experience in private client matters, her work covers all areas of private client work including will drafting, estate and trust administration, contentious estates and trusts, and a broad range of Court of Protection matters.
Amrit's work includes providing bespoke advice to clients dealing with their estate planning needs, including succession planning, preserving wealth, and tax mitigation. She has also advised clients in relation to trust structures and lifetime gifts. For many years, Amrit has acted for elderly clients and assisted with their later life planning needs.
She has specialist experience in handling contentious probate disputes, adopting a sensitive and pragmatic approach with an aim to achieve the most cost-effective resolutions for her clients. Amrit advises executors or personal representatives on all aspects of estate administration, she has experience in dealing with complex estates and trust matters often involving company matters with an element of international work.
Amrit's Court of Protection work covers all elements of assisting clients to manage their property and financial affairs, and she is a court appointed deputy for clients who have suffered brain damage. Having undertaken considerable Court of Protection work, Amrit has gained experience in dealing with individuals' mental capacity issues, helping clients to make decisions relating to their welfare and financial affairs, and advising on lasting powers of attorney and deputyship applications.
Amrit's experience spans working with clients from diverse communities, she has an excellent reputation and is known to adopt a sensitive and caring approach when dealing with client matters.
She has worked on high profile cases, having advised on the estates of murder victims, worked with US attorneys in relation to providing advice on plane crash victims‘ estates, and advice on estates of individuals who have died as a result of negligence.
Amy is a solicitor in the Public Law and Human Rights team.
Amy assists on a range of complex public law and judicial review cases, with a particular focus on cases at the intersection of immigration and public law. This includes cases concerning age assessments of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, the suitability of asylum accommodation, NHS charges for overseas visitors and deprivation of citizenship.
She has previously worked in the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality team, assisting with a wide range of asylum and immigration matters. Amy's asylum work covered all aspects of asylum claims, including initial asylum claims, appeals, judicial reviews, family reunion and settlement applications. Her immigration and nationality work included deportation matters, applications based on private and family life, sponsor license applications, skilled worker visas and Global Talent visas, and citizenship applications for children and adults.
Anna is a partner in our Actions against Police and State team. She is highly regarded for her work representing bereaved families in contentious inquests following the death of their loved ones in state custody (police, prison or in a psychiatric setting) or following recent state contact.
Anna also has expertise in judicial review challenges and compensation claims under the statutory miscarriage of justice scheme.
Anna-Louise Thwaites handles a full range of actions against the police, including those relating to deaths in custody, assault and false imprisonment. She also has expertise when advising on protest-related group actions.
Anna-Louise Thwaites is a well-regarded practitioner focusing her practice on actions against the state. She frequently represents bereaved families in high-profile and contentious inquests, including for those who have died after contact with the police or psychiatric institutions.
Job Titles:
- Associate / Media and Information Law
Job Titles:
- Member of the Lawyers Senior Management Team
- Solicitor
Job Titles:
- Head of Finance
- Member of the Lawyers Senior Management Team
- Partner
Job Titles:
- Secretary of State for Home Department
A libel claim on behalf of Dr Salman Butt against the Home Secretary following the issuing of a press release in which Dr Butt was named as an extremist and hate preacher
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Member of the Lawyers Senior Management Team
Job Titles:
- HR Director
- Member of the Lawyers Senior Management Team
Job Titles:
- Solicitor / Media and Information Law
Job Titles:
- Member of the Lawyers Senior Management Team
- Trainee Solicitor
Job Titles:
- Partner / Head of Public Law and Human Rights
Job Titles:
- Member of the Lawyers Senior Management Team
- Managing Partner / Head of Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury
Job Titles:
- Partner / Head of Actions Against Police and State
Job Titles:
- Partner / Head of Education Law
Job Titles:
- Partner / Head of Crime, Fraud and Regulatory
Job Titles:
- Partner / Employment
- Well Known Employment Specialist
Krishna is a partner in our Employment team. She acts for organisations and individual clients, providing pragmatic and strategic advice in relation to a range of employment issues.
Krishna has experience advising SMEs in different sectors, including retail, hospitality, sports, telecommunications, construction/civil engineering, education, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, automotive, information technology and finance.
She provides in-house training to managers, senior executives, directors and HR practitioners.
She is regularly instructed to advise and/or act on behalf of employers and employees on contentious and non-contentious issues and has particular expertise in the following:
Disputes involving the misuse of confidential information, solicitation of customers or clients and post-terminations restrictions.
Advising businesses on all employment aspects of corporate transactions to include consultation under TUPE, undertaking due diligence and drafting warranties and indemnities.
Defending high value and complex discrimination claims.
Drafting contracts of employment and handbooks.
Advising on disciplinary and grievance issues.
Advising businesses on restructuring/reorganisation and redundancy.
Krishna Santra is a well known employment specialist and has a long history within this sector, always getting results for her clients.
Job Titles:
- Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis [2013]
Job Titles:
- Partner / Head of Immigration, Asylum and Nationality
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Member of the Lawyers Senior Management Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Lawyers Senior Management Team
- Solicitor
Job Titles:
- Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis ( 2011 )
Minio Paluello v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis (2011): claim by a protester whose arm was broken by a police officer during a lawful demonstration
Job Titles:
- Member of the International Association
- New Partner
- Partner / Media and Information Law
Monika is a barrister and partner in our Media and Information team. She has a specialist practice focusing on all aspects of data protection and information law. She is passionate about the protection of digital rights as human rights.
Monika acts for both claimants and defendants in litigation and provides advice to NGOs, campaigners, charities, inquiries, publishers, impact organisations and start-ups. As part of the Media team, her work covers sensitive and high-profile issues, often with an international element.
She is experienced in data protection, misuse of private information, breach of confidence and Human Rights Act claims. She has handled content takedown matters intersecting with freedom of expression issues; high-profile international cyber incidents; people (individually and collectively) pressing for compensation for loss or abuse of their data; complex data subject rights requests and Freedom of Information Act (FOI) requests made by journalists and campaigners.
On the advisory side, Monika has provided advice on reputation management, data protection law and compliance for organisations as varied as well-known charities, universities, government bodies and multinational companies. She is also Bindmans' Data Protection Officer (DPO) which provides her with a unique insider's perspective on the challenges facing DPOs.
She has been involved in advising on a range of cutting-edge issues such as online open source investigations (OOSI/OSINT); anonymisation and PETs; biometrics and facial recognition; cyber incident response and artificial intelligence.
Monika is a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)
Monika Sobiecki is a very committed and engaged new partner
Monika Sobiecki is excellent and works tirelessly for her clients
Job Titles:
- Locum Solicitor / Employment Law
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor / Media and Information
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Lawyers Senior Management Team
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor / Employment
Job Titles:
- Member of the Lawyers Senior Management Team
- Conveyancer
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Head of Media and Information Law
Tamsin Allen is a partner at Bindmans and Head of the Media and Information Law team. She manages a wide-ranging media practice with an emphasis on defamation and privacy, whistleblowing, information and data protection, copyright and human rights.
Tamsin works closely with crime, employment, family, public law and actions against the police to provide a seamless reputation and crisis management service.
She was awarded Solicitor of the Year - Private Practice by the Law Society for her pioneering work successfully defending high-profile whistle-blowers - most notably in the Cambridge Analytica and ‘Vote Leave' cases. You can read Tamsin's interview with the Law Gazette here.
Tamsin is an experienced and skilled media lawyer. She has acted for Christopher Wylie, the Cambridge Analytica whistleblower, since Autumn 2017, advising on strategy and wider legal issues arising out of the information he has brought to light about Facebook, Cambridge Analytica and the Brexit Referendum. These have included advice in relation to exposing confidential and contentious information safely; giving evidence to Parliament, Congress, the Senate, and the European Parliament; and advice on media strategy.
I want to have a shout out to my brilliant lawyer, Tamsin Allen. Because of her, I have been able to tell this story. Whistleblowers need protection, they need help, they need defence. We often forget there are a lot of people behind people, and Tamsin is the Captain of the ship.
Tamsin Allen is a brilliant media lawyer working on cutting edge cases. Clever and strategic lawyer who brings huge experience to the table.
Tamsin Allen is a highly experienced practitioner frequently acting on behalf of a wide range of high-profile individuals and corporations on defamation and privacy matters.
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant / Head of Business Immigration
Job Titles:
- Member of the Lawyers Senior Management Team
- Deputy Managing Partner