Leigh Day Expands Presence in North West

Leigh Day, a prominent law firm, has taken a significant step in expanding its services in the North West by welcoming two new legal partners. The additions, Joanne Candlish and Leanne Devine, join the rapidly growing teams in Leigh Day's Liverpool and Manchester offices, contributing to the firm's specialisation in asbestos and human rights work.

Leanne Devine, recognized for her impactful work on the Hillsborough inquests, has become a key member of Leigh Day's new human rights team in Manchester. With a background at Scott-Moncrieff & Associates, Leanne has a wealth of experience representing bereaved families in Article 2 inquests and connected claims against public authorities. Based in Manchester, she will extend her services to clients across the North West, including Liverpool.

Leanne's previous roles include serving as a solicitor and senior investigator for the Hillsborough tragedy at Broudie Jackson Canter. She played a crucial role in obtaining a conclusion of 'unlawful killing' for the 97 victims. Leanne later became a Director and Head of Civil Liberties, establishing a team of inquest and inquiry specialists dedicated to representing bereaved families.

Joanne Candlish, with over 30 years of experience in asbestos-related cases, has joined Leigh Day from Hodge Jones & Allen, where she was a partner in the asbestos team. Joanne's expertise spans managing asbestos departments, handling all aspects of asbestos cases, and being involved in high-profile 'Trigger Issue' litigation. She is an APIL accredited Senior Litigator and Asbestos and Occupational Disease Specialist.

The addition of Joanne Candlish enhances Leigh Day's capabilities in asbestos and occupational disease-related claims. Her track record includes regularly securing six-figure settlements and advocating for asbestos sufferers in complex legal proceedings.

Kevin Johnson, Leigh Day asbestos partner heading the Liverpool office, expressed delight at the new appointments, stating, "Joanne is highly regarded in asbestos-related personal injury claims, and it's fantastic that we have been able to add her expertise and experience to the team in Liverpool. Leanne also brings a wealth of legal experience within Liverpool and the surrounding area, aiding the firm's efforts to improve access to justice in the North West."

The Leigh Day Liverpool office, established in 2016, focuses on serving Merseyside residents and others in compensation claims for industrial diseases. The additions of Joanne and Leanne further strengthen the firm's local presence, with both partners having strong connections to the area.

Leanne Devine expressed her attraction to Leigh Day, citing its outstanding reputation for taking on challenges on behalf of everyday people affected by inequalities and injustice. Joanne Candlish echoed similar sentiments, expressing delight at joining Leigh Day's renowned asbestos team, known for fighting for justice for those exposed to dangerous substances.

Leigh Day's continued commitment to taking on difficult and ground-breaking cases aligns with its mission to fight for victims and their families. The strengthened presence in Liverpool ensures continued access to high-quality and specialist legal representation for the community.