The team of ‘fearless lawyers and very creative thinkers’ at Leigh Day is noted as ’the best in the country’ by its clients. The group harnesses expertise across the remit of employment and discrimination matters, and is at the forefront of conversation regarding equal pay and workers’ rights in particular. The team’s client list is formed solely of individual and Trade Union claimants, and it frequently handles large-scale group litigation claims made against renowned names, an area which Chris Benson has particular experience in. Michael Newman has strong capabilities handling sector-spanning litigious matters at Supreme Court level; ‘absolute powerhouse’ Kiran Daurka acts across age discrimination and victimisation, and equal pay matters, often in collaboration with the ’endlessly enthusiastic’ Paula Lee. Further names to note include Elizabeth George who is also well-equipped to act on prominent equal pay claims, Nick Webster who is an expert in handling individual claimant matters, and Liana Wood who is developing a specialism in employment status and gig economy litigation work. The group is co-led by Nigel MacKay and Emma Satyamurti.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'A formidable firm, and hands-down the best claimant employment solicitors in the country. They have strength at every level of seniority and know the law back to front. They are also fearless lawyers and very creative thinkers. They are a pleasure to work with.'
- 'Nick Webster is a fantastic lawyer with incredible judgment; Michael Newman is the leading solicitor in the country for mass equal pay claims; Tom Hewitt is also a key name.'
- 'Leigh Day's employment team is in my view the pre-eminent employee rights team in the country, particularly in relation to multiple claims. They have shown huge innovation in the way they run these claims in a viable manner whilst maximising recovery for their clients.'
- 'Kiran Daurka is an absolute powerhouse. Paula Lee is endlessly enthusiastic about employment law and what it can do. Michael Newman is a hugely knowledgeable, reassuring presence on any multiple claim. Mandy Bhattal is thoughtful and intelligent. Jessica Hunt, Tom Hewitt and James Husbands are also noteworthy.'
- 'Kiran Daurka is one of the best discrimination lawyers out there, with nous, intuitive intelligence, and grit. Highly recommended. Mandy Bhattal is immensely hardworking, talented and rising. Michael Newman is clever, practical and determined. Nigel McKay is determined, clever and committed.'
- 'Michael Newman and Sam Velody are the best in the business on equal pay and we would know because we worked with or engaged with just about every equal pay expert there is! Michael is an industry leader and his advice far surpasses what we get elsewhere. He is creative, bold and forward-thinking and so available to us. We would be lost without him.'
- 'Leigh Day has a fantastically impressive team of intelligent, astute and committed people, who approach their work with both rigour and creativity. They have a range of different interests, outlooks and approaches and taken together, are a very impressive group of people.'
- 'Michael Newman is a very gifted litigator, able to drive his team and his cases forward. Emma Satyamurti is a dedicated claimant lawyer who always gives everything for her clients. Simon Cuthbert is utterly committed to his clients and cases - he is always aware of the detail without ever losing sight of the big picture.'
Work highlights
- Representing employees of a global chain in a group claim relating to sexual harassment.
- Representing the claimants in an equal pay claim against a well-known retailer.
- Acting for the group claimants in a case brought against a well-known retailer regarding the employment rights of delivery drivers.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Paula Lee
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Nigel Mackay; Emma Satyamurti
Other key lawyers
Chris Benson; Michael Newman; Paula Lee; Kiran Daurka; Elizabeth George; Lara Kennedy; Annie Powell; Nick Webster; Liana Wood; James Husbands; Jessica Hunt; Mandy Bhattal; Sam Velody; Simon Cuthbert; Tom Hewitt