Leigh Day represents a broad range of NGOs, charities, and individuals in complex and high-profile domestic civil liberties and human rights cases. The human rights department, jointly led by Sapna Malik and Richard Meeran, handles private and public law matters involving health and social care, inquests, abuse and exploitation, privacy and data breaches, and discrimination-related claims, while the international & group litigation department, co-led by Jamie Beagent and Gene Matthews, acts against corporations and governments responsible for alleged injury, loss, and abuse. Malik brings extensive litigation experience with a notable focus on international personal injury and human rights claims. Meeran is well-regarded for his work on landmark cases against UK-domiciled multinational corporations. Beagent focuses on environmental litigation as well as the detention and welfare of immigrants and asylum seekers, while Matthews specialises in data protection claims, particularly group and multi-party actions. Sean Humber is a name to note in relation to data privacy claims, specifically those involving unauthorised disclosure of confidential medical or other personal information. Daniel Leader handles group action and mass tort claims, while Andrew Lord represents survivors of abuse in compensation-related civil claims.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'A truly exceptional team that deals with cases touching on every aspect of civil liberties - it is difficult to imagine what the legal landscape looks like without them. The unifying feature is a true belief in the importance of the work that they are doing.'
- 'Leigh Day is a standout firm for inquests and inquiries. Every member of the team takes great care to support bereaved families and to promote the stories of their loved ones. The firm is exceptionally well run and very polished. Instructions are always of a high quality, and the team is very responsive.'
- 'Utterly unique team of innovative, tenacious, strategic lawyers who are committed and meticulous in everything they do.'
- 'Deeply experienced and knowledgeable, fiercely committed to the case, and very strategic.'
- 'I have worked with Leigh Day's Civil Liberties and Human Rights practice for years, and in that time, they have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to justice, integrity, and client care.'
- 'They are forward-thinking, embracing diversity in a way that feels authentic and embedded, not just tokenistic.'
- 'The individuals I have worked with at Leigh Day have consistently demonstrated an exceptional combination of legal expertise, empathy, and professionalism. They are not only highly skilled in the field of human rights, but also genuinely committed to the people they represent.'
- 'I work with a team that is focused on difficult national security cases, with an international aspect. There are not many other solicitors doing this work.'
- 'Hands-down the best claimant law firm in the country for civil liberties and human rights. They have strength at every level of seniority and know the law back to front. They are also fearless lawyers and very creative thinkers – not to mention a pleasure to work with.'
- 'A very strong blend of environmental and human rights work of using tort laws of foreign countries in the UK courts. They are in a class of their own.'
Work highlights
Advised families of civilians killed by UK Special Forces in Afghanistan during night-raids in the period 2010-13.
Advised Stonewall and African Rainbow Family in MI v Switzerland (No. 56390/21) on permission to intervene to highlight Article 3 ECHR risks to gay Iranian men and unlawful targeting of LGBT refugees by Council of Europe states.
Advised two individuals in Milasi Josiya & others v British American Tobacco PLC, Imperial Brands PLC & others, representing thousands of Malawian tenant tobacco farmers alleging forced labour, hazardous child labour, and human rights abuses.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Sapna Malik; Richard Meeran; Jamie Beagent; Gene Matthews
Other key lawyers
Sean Humber; Daniel Leader; Andrew Lord