Leigh Day celebrates one year of human rights work in Manchester

Launched in autumn 2023, the team has supported people with claims in discrimination, welfare rights, migrants’ rights, judicial reviews, inquests and breaches of their human rights.

The work is part of Leigh Day’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that those in need of legal assistance can access it, regardless of geographical barriers.

Setting up the department in Manchester was a crucial step in providing local lawyers to help with cases that protect fundamental rights under the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010, often funded by legal aid.

It is led by Leigh Day partners Stephanie Hill and Ryan Bradshaw.

This year the firm has expanded its northern human rights operation even further by opening a human rights department in Liverpool in September 2024.

Led by partner Leanne Devine, the team focuses on inquests involving the state and claims against public authorities. With her extensive experience representing bereaved families, particularly in high-profile cases such as the Hillsborough Inquests, Leanne is set to offer invaluable legal support to those most in need.

The teams across Manchester and Liverpool have made a meaningful impact over the past year:

Representing migrant fishermen and recognised victims of trafficking:

Migrant fishermen who have been recognised as victims of modern slavery on UK vessels have received compensation from the government after human rights lawyers took up their case. Stephanie Hill represented a small group of Ghanaian fishermen in legal proceedings. The claimants argued that the UK Government breached their human rights not to be held in slavery or servitude and not to perform forced or compulsory labour.

Representing Windrush Scandal victim granted Judicial Review of the Home Office refusal to award him compensation:

Represented by Stephanie Hill, a member of the Windrush Generation who was denied entry to the UK and sent to Jamaica has been given permission to bring a judicial review of the Home Office’s decision to refuse him compensation under the Windrush Compensation Scheme. Raymond Lee, who first came to the UK as a child in 1971, went to school and worked here, as well as marrying and raising a family, was denied re-entry when he returned from a visit to Jamaica in July 1999. Raymond was travelling on a Jamaican passport, as he had done previously without any issues, when he was refused entry at Heathrow airport, detained and removed from the UK.

Disabled woman granted permission for support package allowing her chance to become a mother:

A woman with Escobar Syndrome, living in Anglesey, was granted a 24/7 support package by the Isle of Anglesey Council after initially being denied. This care package allows her to pursue surrogacy and IVF, fulfilling her dream of becoming a mother. Ryan Bradshaw argued that denying her support was discriminatory. The council approved the package, enabling her to begin fertility treatment. She expressed joy, calling it a “dream come true,” and looks forward to the next steps in her journey to parenthood.

Disabled cyclist wins battle over path barrier:

A disabled cyclist has claimed victory in a battle with council bosses over barriers which blocked him from a section of the National Cycle Network. Alastair Fulcher, who has Parkinson’s disease, started legal action against Newcastle City Council last year after finding barriers installed at Pottery Bank in Walker made it impossible for him to access the Hadrian’s Cycleway path. The barriers were intended to deter nuisance motorbikes, but also blocked the 61-year-old’s recumbent tricycle. Following an out-of-court agreement, Urban Green and Newcastle City Council confirmed the barriers would be moved. Alastair was represented by Ryan Bradshaw.

Representing Asylum Aid in challenging the Rwanda removals policy:

Following the re-introduction of the controversial plan to remove people seeking asylum to Rwanda, Asylum Aid issued a judicial review challenging the Home Office’s ‘Safety of Rwanda’ guidance. The charity argued that the Home Office’s policy unlawfully instructed decision makers to ignore compelling evidence put forward by individuals showing that they would be at individual risk of being sent from Rwanda to another country where they face a risk of persecution, torture or even death. The Home Secretary has since confirmed her intention to seek the repeal of the Safety of Rwanda Act 2024 by next summer. The related Safety of Rwanda policy guidance will be withdrawn.

Stephanie Hill said:

“It is vital that people whose human rights have been breached are able to challenge unlawful decisions and seek redress through the courts. In the past year, we’ve seen the positive difference that local legal representation can make. Expanding our work in the North West is an exciting opportunity to help even more individuals, especially those who may otherwise struggle to access justice.”

In 2023 Stephanie was shortlisted for a Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Award in the Public Law category. Legal 500 lists Stephanie as a Next Generation Partner in Administrative and Public Law and a Key Lawyer in Civil Liberties and Human Rights.

Ryan Bradshaw said:

“The past year has shown us just how vital our work is in the North West. Local communities have faced barriers to accessing justice for too long. Our team in Manchester has worked tirelessly to represent individuals whose rights have been violated, ensuring that people are able to access high quality human rights advice and obtain justice.”

Ryan was recognised for his work when named Solicitor of the Year at the 2024 Manchester Legal Awards. Legal 500 list Ryan as a Key Lawyer in Civil Liberties and Human Rights, as well as a Next Generation Partner in Employment.

The Leigh Day human rights department is led by partners Gene Matthews and partner Jamie Beagent.

Gene Matthews said:

“It’s inspiring to see our vision for improving access to justice in the North West becoming a reality. Both our Manchester and Liverpool teams are filled with passionate and skilled lawyers who are committed to making a difference in the lives of those whose rights have been violated. We are thrilled to continue this important work and look forward to expanding our reach further.”