Irwin Mitchell launches rights practice

Irwin Mitchell is to launch what it claims is the first national human rights practice.

The six-partner department will be led by Sara Leslie, head of the

employment practice in the firm's London office.

It will deal with cases arising from the Human Rights Act when it comes

into force at the end of next year.

"As soon as the act comes into effect people will be looking to test its

boundaries," says Leslie.

"We are starting the practice now with a team of senior partners all of

whom are experienced in human rights.

"It is a highly specialised practice area, and we need greater

co-ordination," she adds.

"There is a huge training job to be done, and we don't want people all

over the firm dipping into it."

Leading civil rights lawyer Geoffrey Bindman, of Bindman & Partners, says:

"It is interesting to see a national firm moving in this direction.

"City firms will be advising companies how to avoid liability under the

act, but being a mainly claimant firm, Irwin Mitchell will be well-placed

to take cases on for individuals."