Tributes pour in after “untimely” passing of former Lawyers in Local Government president

Tributes have been made following the "untimely and sudden" death of a former president of Lawyers in Local Government (LLG), Suki Binjal.

Binjal was president of the membership organisation from 2017 to 2019 and was a local government lawyer for over two decades.

She was formally the director of law at Hackney Council and the interim monitoring officer at Northumberland County Council.

In February of this year, she was sent into Tower Hamlets council as a commissioner.

Responding to her passing, LLG has said: "It was with absolute heartbreak that LLG learnt of the news of the untimely and sudden passing of Suki Binjal.

"A former LLG President, Suki was instrumental in the shaping of the company as it now stands and a prominent figure in local government law and practice.

Beyond all that however, she was a valued and close colleague."

It added: "She was the epitome of joyous revelry - the sage pioneer for equalities; a mentor, a zealous and passionate promoter of local government - but above all of this, she was a great friend.

"She will be sorely missed and many of us simply cannot take in the news.

"Our thoughts of course remain with her husband Paul, and her dear family. We stand united as we always do. Together in unity and supported by our family of lawyers in local government.

"We are greatly touched by the outpouring from our community and will update on arrangements as they develop.

"For now, we can only pay testament to the great character that Suki was and grieve her in our own way. She leaves an aching hole in the landscape, and she will be greatly, greatly missed."

Numerous tributes have been posted to social media following the news.

Writing on LinkedIn, Rachel McKoy, Director of Law & Governance at the London Boroughs of Newham (Monitoring Officer) and Havering and former LLG president, described Binjal as a "champion of all women, guardian, mentor and font of wise counsel".

She added: "One of the brightness lights in local government has made the transition into another dimension prematurely.

"Your radiance, joy, impact, and love for our wonderful community will remain with us. May your legacy of investing in relationships and supporting each other continue. Whilst heartbroken, I am grateful for everything you gave and represented."

Helen Randall, a partner at Trowers and Hamlins, said the news was "an awful shock for us all", adding: "I have been in denial since hearing the news and can barely bring myself to talk about Suki Binjal in the past tense!

"Suki you were so much deeper than many people knew, wise, astute, pragmatic and a bloody good lawyer. But above all, the most generous and genuine of spirits."

Bethan Evans said Binjal was an "irreplaceable personality and member of the local government family".

She added: "I have so many memories of times with her going back so many years, including a night out with her and friends in Blackpool that I am sure is up there (if only I could remember most of it). It's just so sad that she doesn't get to see what people thought of her and the impact she made."

A statement from Solace, a membership organisation for local authority and public sector professionals, added: "Suki was a real force of nature and so supportive to Solace and our members, clients and staff. She was full of life and joy and will be very sadly missed by us all. As we are sure she will be missed by the whole LG sector.

"Suki always showed unwavering generosity with her time, support and knowledge and we will remember her for that... as well as for the fun and joy that she brought into any room."

The Bristol Law Society also released a statement, which said: "It was with great sadness that we learned of the untimely and sudden passing of Suki Binjal at the weekend. Those members who work in Local Government would know Suki from her time as President of the Lawyers in Local Government. She was also a Law Society Council member.

"Tributes to her speak of her as a force of nature, an ability to light up a room, her courage and determination and a good heart. Our thoughts go to her family and friends at this difficult time."

Adam Carey