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Leo is an award-winning Partner in our Commercial Litigation team based in our Leeds office.

Leo advises on a range of contentious matters, with particular expertise in:

•            Trading relationships and contract disputes;

•            Boardroom and shareholder disputes;

•            Civil fraud;

•            Tax-related matters;

•            International disputes; and

•            Professional negligence.

 

He has extensively litigated cases throughout the court system, including in the Supreme Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, County Courts and Tax Tribunal.  He has therefore accumulated a wealth of experience of resolving disputes for a range of clients, including multi-national PLCs, SMEs and individuals.

Leo is a keen advocate of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation. Leo’s clients value his pragmatic and calming approach throughout what is often a challenging and sensitive time.

 

Leo was named Partner of the Year at the Yorkshire Legal Awards 2024.  He also won the 'Outstanding Male Business Leader' award at the 2023 FB Fashion Ball/Yorkshire Hero Awards.

 

Leo is ranked as a 'Next Generation Partner' in the field of Commercial Litigation in the Legal 500 directory.  He is also ranked in the latest Chambers & Partners’ directory.

 

In a voluntary capacity, Leo is the Co-Chair of Simon on the Streets, a Yorkshire-based homelessness charity, and regularly supports them on advocacy and fundraising initiatives.

 

Leo is named in the Lady Chief Justice’s Pro Bono Recognition List, and sits on the Yorkshire Pro Bono Committee.

Sectors:

Services:

  • Leo is an extremely knowledgeable and engaging individual. He put me at ease quickly and gave excellent advice during a difficult time for my business.” Chambers & Partners (2023); “What makes him stand out for me is the extremely personable attitude and approach. Consummate professional who listens to concerns. Extremely effective at diffusing a highly charged emotional situation and rationally cutting through the ‘noise’ to secure the most advantageous situation.

    Legal 500, 2023

Here are some notable cases in which Leo has acted on:

  • Advising on Supreme Court proceedings in a high-profile trans-Atlantic dispute, which is now a leading case on constructive trusts.
  • Obtaining urgent injunctive relief for a significant sales and lettings PLC client, which enabled it to contain a significant restrictive covenant breach.  
  • Advising multiple parties in defending a £15m claim before the High Court in London.  This high-profile matter involved a complex claim for breach of fiduciary duty against the defendants, and addressed many issues of trusts and insolvency law.
  • Acting on behalf of a national pharmaceutical PLC defending a High Court claim for significant share incentive scheme payments by a former executive.