Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7650 1200About
Provided by Leigh Day
The Leigh Day team was the first to be established in the UK following the enactment of the Human Rights Act 1998, it is the largest dedicated human rights team in the country.
It represents clients in domestic breaches of the Human Rights Act and in cases of alleged abuses by the British Government and Multinational Corporations overseas through its international team which has an unrivalled reputation for bringing complex group actions.
It acts in complex claims for survivors of sexual and physical abuse, abuse in residential care and healthcare claims. It also brings human rights claims on behalf of children where failings have been identified in care proceedings.
The team also acts for bereaved families in relation to Article 2 & non-Article 2 Inquests and linked compensation claims.
Leigh Day represents individuals in a wide variety of claims against the Police. It also acts on behalf of immigration detainee clients in all aspects of their detention, as well as prisoner clients to secure their adequate treatment. It also acts in discrimination and privacy / data breach claims.
The team acted for Abdelhakim Belhaj after he was unlawfully rendered with his wife to Libya where they were detained and tortured. The case resulted in an unprecedented unreserved apology by Prime Minister in Parliament.
The team has also brought cases that have changed the law on the responsibility of UK parent companies for human rights abuses caused abroad.
Chambers Review
Leigh Day serves an international client base of charities, NGOs and individuals in human rights cases within UK borders and around the world. The firm's practice is comprehensive in scope, with areas of focus ranging from the rights of protesters to trafficking. Other areas of strength at the firm include matters related to the "war on terror" and corporate complicity in human rights abuses. In addition, the team demonstrates expertise in information and data protection law, with involvement in high-profile cases of this nature.
Work Highlights
- Leigh Day issued claims against Barrick Gold Corporation on behalf of two artisanal miners who died working at the North Mara Gold Mine. The matter focused on allegations of systematic human rights abuses.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Leigh Day are the leaders in the intersection of environmental rights and human rights law."
"They are among the absolute best in the human rights and civil liberties space. They have a rare combination of being at the top of the market but also having a very friendly approach."
"They combine a sense of justice and commitment with very sensitive pragmatism about how to achieve it."
"Leigh Day has an ability to take on complex cases and handle them in a creative manner."
"Leigh Day are the leaders in the intersection of environmental rights and human rights law."
"They are among the absolute best in the human rights and civil liberties space. They have a rare combination of being at the top of the market but also having a very friendly approach."
"They combine a sense of justice and commitment with very sensitive pragmatism about how to achieve it."
"Leigh Day has an ability to take on complex cases and handle them in a creative manner."
Notable Practitioners
A renowned claimant lawyer, Martyn Day brings an unmatched level of expertise to his broad domestic and international practice. He frequently represents marginalised workers who have suffered human rights abuses abroad.
"Martyn is the best of the best. He is a master strategist and negotiator."
"Martyn is one of the absolute superstars of the English legal system and civil liberties litigations. He manages cases in a way that no one else does."
"He has been instrumental in bringing many cases in the English courts."
Jamie Beagent is highly experienced across a varied range of human rights and public law challenges. He is notably skilled in handling immigration and environmental cases.
Head of the prison law team at Leigh Day, Benjamin Burrows has a strong reputation in the space. He acts across a broad range of claims, including accusations of discrimination, assault and wrongful imprisonment.
"Benjamin has a wonderful way with everyone he works with. He has vast knowledge of everything related to prison law."
"Benjamin is really first rate. He is a fantastic leader of the team."
"Benjamin is highly devoted. He is probably the most knowledgeable solicitor for prison law matters."
"Benjamin is a brilliant solicitor who is a pleasure to work with."
Daniel Leader has a well-regarded international practice, particularly for his work in African jurisdictions. He frequently represents groups in actions, such as mass torts, and is knowledgeable in cases where there is a crossover of human rights and environmental law.
"Dan is an exceptional partner – he is utterly committed to his cases and will relentlessly pursue a just outcome for his clients."
Sapna Malik is a highly skilled claimant human rights practitioner, representing individuals bringing claims against public bodies in cross-border disputes.
Merry Varney is highly regarded for her representation of the families of vulnerable individuals and children bringing Article 2 claims.
"Merry is doing really good work involving reproductive rights and actions against the police."
Tessa Gregory represents a range of clients in challenges to the state, including acting for individuals, campaign groups and politicians. She has particular expertise in relation to social welfare and national security issues.
"Tessa is extremely competent, determined and resilient."
"Tessa has a great grasp of strategy and is able to really see the wood for the trees on complex and important litigation. She has really excellent judgement and builds a great team around her."
Maya Grantham is an associate in the prison team at Leigh Day. She focuses her practice on representing clients in connection with clinical negligence and healthcare-related claims.
"Maya is brilliant with clients and the law. She is really someone to watch in the space."
"Maya gets fabulous results and is very sensible. She is a very intelligent lawyer."
"Maya is a fantastic solicitor who is utterly committed to her clients' cases."
Ranked Lawyers at
Leigh Day
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Leigh Day
Emma Jones
Head of Department
Miller Alison
Richard Meeran
Head of Department
Tessa Gregory
Waleed Sheikh