The legal world and the cause of human rights have lost a towering figure with the passing of Sir Geoffrey Bindman. A solicitor whose career was defined by an unshakeable commitment to truth and justice, he spent decades championing the rights of the underdog and the dispossessed.
A Champion for Civil Liberties
Sir Geoffrey made his law firm synonymous with the fight for civil liberties and just causes. He was renowned for his unwavering support for those facing their darkest hours, offering not only legal expertise but also genuine friendship and kindness to people enduring personal hell. His work ensured that his practice became the first port of call for those whose freedoms were under threat.
The Pinochet Case and a Defining Insight
One of the most significant chapters in his career was his representation of victims tortured under the brutal regime of General Augusto Pinochet in Chile. During the high-profile extradition proceedings against the former dictator, Bindman provided a characteristically astute and human perspective on the nature of justice.
When asked what he thought the outcome might be, he outlined the possibilities with sharp clarity. He might get off, he might go to prison, Bindman noted. But he also foresaw a third, grinding alternative: that Pinochet could lose on every legal count yet remain trapped, stuck in his house talking to lawyers all day for the rest of his life. Bindman observed that few could comprehend how long and arduous a punishment that would be, highlighting his deep understanding of the law's real-world impact.
A Legacy Built on Truth
For Sir Geoffrey Bindman, the pursuit of truth was not merely a legal tactic; it was the very foundation of justice. He dedicated his life to protecting the freedoms of ordinary people, standing up for what was right regardless of the personal or professional consequences. His legacy is one of courage, principle, and an enduring belief in the power of the law to defend the vulnerable against oppression.
His passing marks the end of an era for human rights advocacy in the United Kingdom and beyond, leaving behind a blueprint for what it means to be a lawyer in the service of the public good.
