Leigh Day recognised in Times Best Law Firms UK 2026

The firm has been commended for its expertise in public law, employment, human rights, and personal injury and clinical negligence claims.

The Times also ranks Leigh Day as a joint best firm in administrative and public law, human rights, personal injury and clinical negligence.

Employment and discrimination 

Leigh Day's employment and discrimination team is dedicated to enhancing workers' rights by taking on complex cases and making innovative arguments aimed at setting new precedents. 

Recent victories include a landmark equal pay claim for Next retail staff and a claim for Addison Lee drivers raising novel arguments regarding unlawful wage deductions. These successes have set precedents which could allow for others to bring their cases forward.  

The firm also represents more than 700 McDonald's staff over its alleged treatment of young workers. 

Asbestos and industrial diseases 

Leigh Day’s specialist asbestos and industrial disease team is recommended by support groups across the country, including Mesothelioma UK, which refer cases to the firm.  

The team consistently secures settlements for people across the country affected by asbestos-related diseases. It is also leading the way on claims regarding silicosis, caused by cutting engineered stone or “quartz” used in countertops. The illness often affects workers early in their careers. 

Clinical negligence 

Leigh Day’s long standing clinical negligence department has built a reputation for taking on challenging cases that other firms may turn away.  

It handles a wide range of claims, including those for cerebral palsy, brain injury, spinal injury, and maternal injuries, and has extensive experience in handling inquests. The team also includes experienced midwives to support clients.  

International and group litigation 

Leigh Day's international and group litigation team aims to hold large corporations and governments to account for injury, loss, and abuse. The team runs landmark cases that help define corporate responsibility, often for clients in countries where accessing justice is difficult. 

The Times listing highlights the team's work on the Dieselgate case, the UK's largest group claim, where Leigh Day is among the firms representing drivers who allege car manufacturers cheated emissions tests. It also notes Leigh Day's representation of survivors of abuse by the late British barrister John Smyth. 

Human rights and public law 

Leigh Day’s human rights department is the largest dedicated civil liberties and human rights team in the UK, representing individuals, NGOs, and charities in groundbreaking cases.  

Its work spans health and social care, inquests, abuse, children's rights, privacy, immigration, and judicial review.  

The Times highlighted the team’s work for Joy Dove at the second inquest for her daughter Jodey Whiting's, which concluded that the decision to stop her benefits was the trigger that led to Jodey’s death. 

The human rights department also houses Leigh Day's public law team. 

The team works with individuals and NGOs such as Oxfam, Wild Justice, and Friends of the Earth. 

Its work is important in ensuring that people have access to justice to challenge decisions made by public and government bodies. 

Personal injury 

Leigh Day’s personal injury team represents clients who have suffered injuries ranging from the more minor, where there is a quick recovery, to life changing injuries - such as losing a limb or suffering a spinal cord or brain injury.

The personal injury team represents the family of Alex Eastwood, who died following an unsanctioned exhibition kickboxing match, and the family of Benedict Blythe, who died after having an allergic reaction while at his primary school.

The team is also the sole legal services provider to British Cycling and British Triathlon members. It is known for having unparalleled experience in representing injured cyclists.