Leigh Day
Client SatisfactionAs a market leader in the group claims space, Leigh Day draws on its broad, cross-practice expertise to advise on UK and international claims in the human rights and employment sectors. The team noted a recent increase in group actions with a strong environmental aspect; it is at the forefront of the diesel emissions scandal, as well as handling an environmental competition collective action. Jamie Beagent and Gene Matthews head the human rights team; Nigel Mackay and Emma Satyamurti lead on the employment side; and Richard Meeran and Sapna Malik are co-heads of the international and group litigation team. Also in the international group litigation department, Oliver Holland represents a diverse range of communities, workers and consumers in group actions concerning human rights abuses and environmental damage, often related to parent company or supply chain liability, alongside Daniel Leader, who bolsters the team’s cross-border capabilities. Sean Humber, in the human rights team, focuses his practice on privacy and data breach claims, acting for individuals and campaign groups. An active member of the employment practice, Kiran Daurka represents employees in equal pay, age discrimination and victimisation, and harassment claims. Sarah Moore joined the firm from Hausfeld & Co LLP in January 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Martyn Day is one of the most experienced group litigators around and probably the person most responsible for pulling together the massive NOx diesel claims. Benjamin Croft is a good associate able to make senior decisions calmly, and easy to work with.’
‘Michael Newman – The leading solicitor in the country for mass equal pay claims. Sean Humber – The leading data breach group litigation lawyer for claimants. James Husbands – A star.’
‘Kiran Daurka is a fantastic partner, at the forefront of developing the law in the employment sphere. Paula Lee is a wonderful partner, thoughtful, strategic, and excellent in getting the very best from her team. Lara Kennedy deservedly made partner this year and is going to be a superstar of the future. Roshan Croker is an extremely clever, capable and thorough solicitor who considers all the angles.’
‘Martyn Day - the real leader in the field. Unrivalled experience. Nichola Marshall - a star, excellent lawyer and good with clients. Ben Croft - one of many great partners at Leigh Day, he is exceptionally bright. Shazia Yamin - fantastic tactician and lawyer. Gene Matthews - charming and excellent with clients.’
‘Martyn Day is the grandee of this area. No one else compares. Liberty Bridge is a hugely impressive up and coming individual in this area - clearly destined for partnership. Lucy Martin is a phenomenon. Her clients are very lucky to have her and everyone want her on their team.’
‘Sean Humber is outstanding. Gene Matthews is terrific. Really personably and hugely experienced.’
‘Emma Satyamurti, Nigel Mackay, Michael Newman (partners), Simon Cuthbert, Sharika Parbin. I have worked with all of these people in the last couple of years on ongoing matters. They are all extremely competent and engaged. the solicitor/barrister relationship is very rewarding because we feel very much like equal partners and work together collaboratively. In my cases the Leigh Day solicitors all have a very strong strategic and legal vision for the cases. They are also extremely committed to their clients and the work they do.’
‘Chris Benson has changed the face of employment litigation and group claims. The key individual of the last 10 years. Michael Newman has a reputation for excellence - lots of technical know-how coupled with an ability to drive claims forward.’
Key clients
- 6,300 easyJet customers
- 385 TalkTalk customers
- MoD
- NOx Emissions Group Litigation
- The Ogale and Bille Communities, Nigeria v (1) Shell PLC (2) the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria
- Faith Kirui & Others v Unilever Plc
- Professor Carolyn Roberts (Proposed Class Representative), an environmental and water consultant bringing competition claims on behalf of millions of household consumers of 6 water and sewerage services in England.
- Milasi Josiya & others v British American Tobacco PLC, British American Tobacco (GLP), Imperial Brands PLC & 5 others
- Andres Fernando Bravo & Others v Amerisur Resources Plc
- Kabwe Lead Poisoning Class Action
- Group of 37 individuals, either bereaved or seriously injured because of a rare, but potentially fatal, blood-clotting response allegedly caused by the vaccine.
- Stade de France Group Claim
- Equal pay claims brought on behalf of over 100,000 employees of major supermarkets and high street retailers, including ASDA, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons, Co-op and Next.
- Claims against Police Federation of England & Wales (PFEW)
- Amazon delivery drivers
- Judges – Clayson and others v MoJ; Dodds and others v MoJ (these are two separate claims)
- Claims against McDonald’s
Work highlights
- Instructed by over 240,000 UK vehicle owners against a number of vehicle manufacturers, following allegations that cheat devices were fitted to diesel vehicles to circumvent emissions tests.
- Acting for 385 customers of TalkTalk whose bank details and other personal data were published online following major breaches in 2014 and 2015.
- Bringing a collective legal action against McDonald’s, following a BBC investigation in which crew members working for the fast-food giant allege they “were being groped and harassed almost routinely”.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jamie Beagent, Gene Matthews, Nigel Mackay, Emma Satyamurti, Richard Meeran, Sapna Malik