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Genuinely very impressive. Despite his seniority, is very hands on to make sure the clients receive exceptional service. Particularly good in commercial litigation that has a sports law or insolvency focus, but a great all-rounder too.

Legal 500 2023
About

Joel Leigh specialises in complex commercial and professional negligence claims. He has an in depth knowledge spanning civil fraud, fiduciary duties, international and sports disputes and acts in high-value clinical negligence and fatal accident proceedings.

Joel is a solicitor with over 30 years' experience dealing with commercial disputes spanning a range of industry sectors. He is a partner.

His experience encompasses banking, construction, director, insurance, partnership, shareholder, trade finance, corporate and personal insolvency. These matters frequently involve a cross-border element.

Joel's work in the professional negligence sector is principally claimant based, focussing on faulty accountancy, architecture, financial, insurance and legal advice.

Conversely, and in the disciplinary field, Joel has defended barristers, solicitors and other professionals. These have included high-profile decisions on appeal, Judicial Review and before both the Divisional Court and Court of Appeal.

Joel has also acted for a variety of amateur and professional athletes, as well as their agents, clubs and employees.

Finally, he helps numerous clients and their dependants win multi-million pound settlements, as a result of falling victim to serious clinical negligence and other personal injuries, including fatal accidents both in and out of the workplace.

Joel always aims to achieve a client's objective, whether it's through litigation or an alternative form of dispute resolution. Whilst he tries to resolve disputes quickly for clients, where this isn't possible, Joel works efficiently and economically to achieve the best possible outcome.

He was an early adopter of conditional and alternative fee agreements. As a result he has a thorough understanding of third party funding and litigation insurance, working with clients to make the process as easy and seamless as possible.

Recent work
  • Bishopsgate Contracting Solutions Ltd v O’Sullivan (2021) - acting for the defendant successfully rebutting allegations of de facto directorship/breach of duties under s.172 and s.174 Companies Act 2006, securing indemnity costs.
  • XRB v Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust (2021) - achieving  capitalised settlement circa of £14.5m in a highly complex infant brain injury claim.
  • Jamous & Anor v Mercouris (2019) - acting for defendant around grounds for interfering with order for strike out following non-compliance with disclosure requirements.
  • Mulugeta Guadie Mengiste & Anor v Endowment Fund For The Rehabilitation of Tigray & Ors (2017) -  jurisdiction over an Ethiopian dispute valued in excess of $100m(US) and resultant professional negligence claim against prior solicitors.
  • Sheikh v Page and Others (2017)  - Civil Restraint Order and vexatious conduct concerning allegations of theft of £64m from a property development.
  • Menon and Others v Herefordshire Council (2015) - duty to disclose documents, misfeasance in public office and wrongful arrest.
  • Reg (Russell) & Others v Bar Standards Board (2014) - test case focused on the adequacy of the Bar’s disciplinary process.
Accolades
  • Listed as Key Lawyer, Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation: mid-market, Legal 500 2023
  • Listed as Key Lawyer, Dispute resolution: Professional discipline, Legal 500 2023
  • Listed as Key Lawyer, TMT (technology, media and telecoms): Sport, Legal 500 2023
  • ''Joel Leigh – genuinely very impressive. He is incredibly committed, and, despite his seniority, is very hands on to make sure the clients receive exceptional service. Particularly good in commercial litigation that has a sports law or insolvency focus, but a great all-rounder too.'' Legal 500 2023
  • ''Joel Leigh – very confident, client friendly and good tactical head.'' Legal 500 2023
  • ''Joel Leigh is a brilliant litigator who is unafraid to leverage the threat of litigation in a sports dispute. Always right on the law.'' Legal 500 2023
  • ''Joel Leigh is dedicated, hands on partner who knows more about sports law (in particular, sports-related insolvency) work than any solicitor I know.'' Legal 500 2023
  • Listed as Key Lawyer, Dispute Resolution: Commercial Litigation: Mid-Market, Legal 500 2022
  • Listed as Key Lawyer, Dispute Resolution: Professional Discipline, Legal 500 2022
  • Listed as Key Lawyer, Insurance: Personal Injury: Claimant, Legal 500 2022
  • "Joel Leigh combines a sound grasp of the law with an exceptional knowledge of the High Court. His tactical judgement was consistently outstanding and unfailingly right." Legal 500 2022
Did you know

Joel is the motoring correspondent for City Solicitor, the combined City of London Solicitors Company and City of London Law Society magazine. Jeremy Clarkson beware.

London Bridge and The Shard at dusk.

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