Leanne Devine
Partner
Leanne is a partner in the human rights department
Leanne is a partner in the human rights team specialising in the representation of bereaved families in inquests and claims under the Human Rights Act arising from the death of a loved one.
What people say
“I will always be forever thankful for all you have done for me and our family. You came on the journey with us through all of the highs and lows. You went above and beyond. We will always be immensely grateful for your tireless dedication and hard work and it was only through this that we managed to achieve some form of accountability and justice. We will never forget the kindness and compassion that you showed us and it is a privilege to work with you. The work you do is so incredibly important and we know you will continue to make a difference to people's
lives with the work that you do.”
- Police restraint death, family member.
What clients say
Leanne was our solicitor when the Hillsborough Inquests re-opened. Her professionalism and sincerity was second to none. I cannot thank her enough for the support she gave us at one of the most difficult times in our lives. I found it really hard to trust people and Leanne turned that round for me.
Hillsborough family member
Legal expertise
Leanne acts for bereaved families in inquest proceedings, with a particular emphasis on mental health related deaths, people who have died in local authority care, in prison and cases involving police. Leanne’s experience involves cases concerning restraint and whilst in police and prison custody. She is experienced in acting for families where their loved one has been subject to domestic abuse. Often the cases Leanne deals with involve multiple state bodies. Leanne also acts in claims for compensation arising from deaths where the state is involved.
She has been involved in challenging decisions of public authorities and Coroners by judicial review (such as the case of Chidlow challenging issues left to the jury) and Attorney General Fiat applications seeking to quash inquests and hold fresh inquests.
Further experience
Leanne has worked in legal practice since 1997 before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011. She is committed to helping people fight for their rights and access justice. She has previously worked with the Citizens Advice Bureau and she led the Legal Services and Policy Teams for the housing and homelessness charity Shelter. Leanne led the ‘Emergency Response’ team at Broudie Jackson Canter as part of the legal team acting for bereaved families in the fresh Hillsborough Inquests between 2013-2016. She later became a director and head of civil liberties leading a large team dealing with a wide range of human rights and discrimination challenges.
Before joining Leigh Day, Leanne was practicing as a consultant solicitor at Scott Moncrieff & Associates specialising in human rights and representing bereaved families in inquests.
Leanne is currently obtaining qualifications in coaching. She is a passionate leader dedicated to leading teams of legal experts to ensure we offer the legal support needed to bereaved families we assist.
She serves as the Chair of the Trustee board for the charity Love Jasmine who provide support and counselling to families who have lost a child. She is a member of INQUEST lawyers group and a panel member of Centre for Women’s Justice.
Education
Leanne completed her law degree with the Open University and Post Graduate qualification at Liverpool John Moores University.
Membership
Inquest Lawyers Group member and Centre for Women’s Justice Panel member.
What clients say
I couldn’t thank you enough for the incredible support and dedication you have shown me in the past 5 years. Your sensitivity and compassion throughout has made an awful situation bearable and I feel a huge relief has been achieved.
Mental health death, family member
Leanne Devine in the news
- Jury conclude that Andrew Clark died due to neglect by mental health hospital Inquest 29.11.23
- Families affected by Covid-19 care home crisis demand justice with Hillsborough lawyer Mirror 13.6.20
- June Angela Challis inquest: Kent mental health ward failures contributed to death Inquest 12.6.23
- Inquest to examine role of race and Huddersfield Police restraint in death of Andrew Hall Inquest 2.4.21
- Inquest finds use of Taser by Devon and Cornwall Police contributed to death of Marc Cole when experiencing paranoia Inquest 28.1.24
- Inquest concludes into the death of Adam Harris in Greater Manchester Police Custody Inquest 14.6.19
Pre-inquest review into the death of Dan Kay, 45
A pre-inquest review (PIR) has been held in relation to the death of Dan Kay who died aged 45 on 7 May 2023 following a collision with a train.
Inquest into the death of Maia Schroder-Lewis, aged 21
Cardiff University medical student Maia Schroder-Lewis died after her family reached out for help to community mental health services, GP service and ambulance service in her home city of Bristol.
Leigh Day expands service with two new partners in the North West
Law firm Leigh Day has welcomed two new legal partners to its rapidly expanding Liverpool and Manchester offices, strengthening its expertise in asbestos and human rights work.