Biography
I am an Associate Solicitor in the Medical Negligence and Child Abuse team in Birmingham and have worked for Irwin Mitchell since 2014.
I represent clients in claims against NHS Trusts, general practitioners (GPs), private practitioners and other healthcare professionals to help those who have suffered serious injuries and fatalities. I run my own varied caseload including cases resulting from negligent surgery or treatment, such as delays in diagnosis, misdiagnoses, injuries caused to mothers and babies during birth and failures to provide adequate mental health treatment and support.
I have not been in the Armed Forces myself but my parents and other family members are ex-military personnel and between them they have served in a number of major conflicts. I was born in Germany where my dad was posted at the time and have grown up in a family who are proud of our Armed Forces and being a part of them. I therefore have a specialist interest in representing military personnel in claims for personal injury.
In addition to medical negligence cases, I also deal with cases where individuals have suffered sexual, physical and emotional abuse. I have experience in bringing claims for abuse by teachers, religious leaders, foster carers, clinicians as well as claims relating to abuse in the workplace.
I am proactive in my approach to my work and always take care of my clients and their families and have a sensitive and compassionate nature. I am a kind and approachable person and ensure that my clients feel supported throughout..
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
Irwin Mitchell puts their clients at the heart of everything they do and I am proud to work alongside some of the most talented and dedicated lawyers in the country.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
My role gives me the opportunity to meet so many lovely and inspiring clients and to be a part of their journey following their injury. I feel a great sense of achievement when I help my clients recover compensation which funds their care, therapies and provides a more secure future for them and their families.
What inspired you to get into law?
I pursued a career in law as I wanted to make a difference to people's lives and to be part of a sector that is continuously evolving and improving. I'm also told I like to argue!
What do you do away from the office?
When I am not at work I spend time with my young family enjoying days out, walks with the dog and catching up with friends and extended family. I try my best to keep fit and go to circuits sessions and the gym. When in need of some downtime I enjoy crafting or getting lost in a good book or film.
Testimonials
“My time with them was amazing my solicitor was Leanne Atkinson She was amazing and guided me and supported me through it all would definitely recommend them !” - Miss IBG (5 Stars)
“Very good” - Miss LG (5 Stars)
“Very helpful explained everything to me kept in regular contact.” - Miss DB
“Leanne, Christopher and the team were helpful, kind and informative all the way through with my problem. They were very professional and committed to my case. If I needed any information I could always ring and ask.” - Mr PS (5 Stars)
“First class service from start to finish, thanks Leanne.” - Mr LG (5 Star Review)
“My name is DJ. Irwin Mitchell are excellent. My solicitor Leanne Leighton worked very hard on my medical negligence case. She was always available to contact when I needed her. She fought so hard for me to achieve a successful settlement. Couldn’t have done any of it without her.” - Miss DJ (5 Star Review)
“Diligent, professional and understanding. I am very pleased with the way in which Irwin Mitchell handled my claim for compensation. Though it was necessary for different legal professionals to become involved over the course of my claim, the work which they carried out on my behalf was seamless and professional. I was very impressed indeed with Rosanna, Matt and Leanne who approached my case with care and sensitivity, ensuring that the correct settlement was achieved. To received appropriate financial recompensate is one thing, but to also feel listened to and understood all the way through the process requires the legal professionals concerned to demonstrate a range of skills beyond mere technical expertise. Strongly recommended with thanks” - Mr EL (5 Stars)
“It is important to remember that, in all cases involving person health issues, a lip service of kind understanding is not enough. At IM not only was my medical case taken seriously and treated with respect. Leanne Leighton made sure there was a constant information flow. This helped in many ways . It calmed my tensions as to what was happening but her calm professional voice helped make me feel as though I was an important individual and not just one more case” - Mr RG (4 Stars)
“Although the outcome was personally disappointing, the major positive for Celeste and I was the high level of professionalism we experienced in our dealings with yourself and your team. Consequently we have no hesitation in recommending your firm in the future and would certainly consider using Irwin Mitchell for legal advice on medical or indeed non medical matter should the need arise…Thank you again for all your excellent professional help and advice on my case.”
“I want to put on record my total satisfaction with the professional manner in which Leanne Leighton managed my claim for compensation in recent months. Her levels of service in terms of advice and communication throughout the whole process have been of the highest standard, together with the support of Matthew Allinson. Even though my claim was unsuccessful, I have had the comfort and confidence of excellent professional advice from Irwin Mitchell through Leanne and her team. I will have no hesitation in recommending your firm in the future.” - Mr JC
“Really great people and made me feel at ease. Didn’t push me at all just went at my own pace. Fantastic outcome.” - Mrs AP (5 Star Review)
Case handled carefully and effectively.
My case was not straightforward, but I was guided through the process sympathetically and with sensitivity and understanding. It was handled initially by Leanne Leighton and latterly by Isabelle Selley, both of whom I cannot praise highly enough. They helped me through a complex and emotionally difficult claim, and achieved a successful outcome on my behalf. They kept me informed of all developments and were always able to answer my questions.” - Mrs PB (5 Star Review)
