We are pleased to announce the promotion of three associates, alongside the arrival of Axel Landin, who joins the firm as an associate in our Media and Information team.

Joanna Bennett
Associate, Actions against Police and State

Joanna is highly experienced in bringing civil, public law and other regulatory disciplinary actions against the police and other public authorities. She regularly represents bereaved families during inquests and other related proceedings where individuals have died whilst in police custody, or under the care of mental health services. She also previously acted on the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire on behalf of the residents and bereaved family members. With particular expertise in representing young and vulnerable clients in claims that include elements of discrimination, Joanna is recognised in Chambers and Partners as ‘unbelievably committed and passionate about each case and each client’, and is ranked as an ‘Associate to Watch’ in Police Law. Find out more on Joanna’s profile here.

Emily-Jade Defriend
Associate, Actions against Police and State

Emily-Jade specialises in civil claims and public law challenges against the police and state, with particular expertise in representing clients in claims arising from unlawful arrests and unlawful prosecutions. Alongside this, Emily-Jade’s busy practice encompasses acting for clients in claims for discrimination, negligence, and for breaches of the Human Rights Act 1998. She has also acted for several families in inquests following the death of their loved ones. Recognised for her ‘energy, poise, and bravery… making the absolute most of a case’, Emily is ranked as an ‘Associate to Watch’ for Police Law and Civil Liberties and Human Rights in Chambers and Partners. Find out more about Emily-Jade’s expertise here.

Axel Landin
Associate, Media and Information

We are pleased to welcome Axel to the firm as he joins our Media and Information team. Axel advises on all aspects of Media Law, with an emphasis on defamation and privacy, breach of confidence, and data protection. He has experience representing a wide range of clients from high-profile political figures, to membership organisations and NGOs. He also advises clients on privacy law including convention rights, and the application of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, as well as the torts of breach of confidence and misuse of private information.

In addition to his Media Law practice, Axel has experience advising on regulation and Public Law. He has represented clients in judicial review claims, and in regulatory processes before institutions such as the Independent Press Standards Organisation and the Financial Conduct Authority. He has also advised candidates, political parties and commercial clients on the statutory restrictions of, and criminal liability for, communications in election campaigns, as well as other aspects of UK election law. Find out more about Axel’s expertise here.

Emma Varley
Associate, Public Law and Human Rights

Emma acts in a wide range of public law matters, including education-related judicial review challenges of decisions by local authorities and educational institutions, as well as cases relating to social security entitlement and benefit. Emma is also frequently instructed by the Official Solicitor and family members in complex health and welfare disputes in the Court of Protection. Ranked as an ‘Associate to Watch’ for Education Law in Chambers and Partners, and a ‘Rising Star’ for Administrative and Public Law in the Legal 500, Emma is commended as a ‘strong, confident solicitor with a very sharp intellect and excellent drafting skills.’ Visit Emma’s profile here.

Jon Crocker, Managing Partner at Bindmans, comments:

It is great to be celebrating our colleagues’ successes as we announce our 2023 Associate promotions. Congratulations to Emily-Jade, Emma, and Joanna on their thoroughly deserved recognition.

Alongside this, it’s a pleasure to welcome Axel to our Media and Information team. His expertise and experience in this field will open new avenues for our practice, and we look forward to seeing what is to come.