Leigh Day operates a claimant-focused practice, advising on international multi-party actions arising from environmental damage. Co-founder Martyn Day specialises in international environmental and product liability claims, with a particular emphasis on group actions. Daniel Leader focuses his practice on business and human rights, with significant experience in complex group litigation, mass tort claims, and parent company liability. Tessa Gregory advises on matters concerning wildlife and habitats, particularly in the context of planning decisions and development consenting, frequently representing claimants challenging environmental impacts. Rowan Smith specialises in judicial review, with a strong focus on environmental, planning, and human rights law. Ricardo Gama provides further expertise on environmental judicial review claims.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Leigh Day is the leading firm in acting for claimants in environmental claims, especially group claims. They have unrivalled expertise and ability.'
- 'They take on cases other firms would be afraid to run and make new law in the process. They are utterly fearless and committed.'
- 'This is an exceptional team and an absolute joy to work with. Their capacity for running multiple cases at the same time, whilst maintaining an acute attention to detail in each case, is outstanding.'
- 'Leigh Day's growing environment team remains at the forefront of claimant work. They are the go-to team for NGO work, their cases are always interesting, and they are always in the news. Unquestionably number one.'
- 'Ricardo Gama is an absolute star - he’s very engaged, thoughtful, and committed. He’s a model partner who keeps the wider legal team and client on the right track.'
- 'The Leigh Day team is without doubt the top team for public law environmental challenges, particularly when acting for NGOs, campaign groups, and similar. Their experience and expertise in the law and in the practical aspects of challenges is second to none.'
- 'They care very much about their work and are committed to their clients in a way that makes them stand out.'
- 'They offer unmatched expertise across both domestic and international environmental work, covering both public law issues and civil/private law issues.'
- 'The team was hugely responsive and motivated to get the best for their client. I was very impressed by how skilfully they managed the legal process.''They are usually much more knowledgeable of the field than other solicitors I have worked with. They care very much about their work and are committed to their clients in a way that makes them stand out. Junior solicitors in the team are particularly impressive in that they are empowered to handle and drive matters forwards independently, and do so successfully, which is something that I have seen less in other firms. I have also worked with partners in the Environment Team, and they are equally committed, respectful, and kind. It is always a joy to work with Leigh Day's environment team.'
Key clients
- Global Feedback Ltd
- River Action
- Friends of the Earth
- Lifescape Project
- We Are Possible (“Possible”) and Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (“GALBA)
- Wild Justice
- Save Greater Manchester Green Belt: challenge to Greater Manchester plan
- Rights Community Action: energy efficiency WMS
- SoS Biscathorpe: challenge to oil well
- The Ogale and Bille Communities, Nigeria v (1) Shell PLC (2) the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria
- Kabwe Lead Poisoning Class Action
- Catarina Oliveira Da Silva & Others v Brazil Iron Limited and Brazil Iron Trading Limited
- Various claimants (residents of the Wye Valley)
- Diesel emissions litigation
- The Bodo Community, Nigeria v (1) Shell PLC (2) the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria
- Madagascar
Work highlights
Filed a claim for Judicial Review on behalf of Wild Justice on the basis of decisions by the Secretary of State of licences for the release of gamebirds in or within 500m of two Special Protection Areas under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Represented Friends of the Earth in the legal challenge concerning the Government’s failure to produce lawful climate adaptation plans.
Represented Ogale and Bille Communities in the Niger Delta in civil claims against Shell plc and its Nigerian subsidiary, SPDC.
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.
Tessa Gregory
Daniel Leader
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Ricardo Gama
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Rowan Smith
Other key lawyers
Martyn Day; Tessa Gregory; Daniel Leader; Rowan Smith; Ricardo Gama