Leslie has 22 years’ experience at the Bar and is recognised as a specialist in complex, high-value employment cases, particularly in the areas of discrimination and unfair dismissal. His discrimination work includes sex, race, religion, disability and sexual orientation cases, often linked with stress at work claims.

Leslie read Law at Cambridge University and subsequently gained a Masters Degree in Criminology from the University of Toronto. He was called to the Bar in 1989 and took Silk in 2011. He has extensive advocacy experience in the employment tribunals, the County Court, the High Court and the Court of Appeal. He acts for both for claimants and defendants.

He is also highly regarded for his experience in judicial review and undertakes a substantial quantity of work in this area. His cases have involved challenges to both local authority and central Government decision-making, as well as challenges to autonomous bodies such as the Kennel Club and the Scout Association.

In addition to his advocacy work Leslie is an accredited mediator (ADR Group, 2005). He has been involved in this capacity in many complex employment disputes, often concerning intractable issues and/or potentially high-value claims. He also has considerable experience in mediating all forms of employment claims.

Leslie has a reputation among clients for his “ability to cut straight to the chase” and is valued for his “measured, but persistent” advocacy style as well as his overall “user-friendly manner”. Peers also note that he is “skilled at simultaneously conveying that he’s up for a fight, but that he’ll consider settling where it’s in his client’s best interest.”

Leslie lives with his family in London. When time permits, he enjoys theatre, gardening, running and all sports, including watching AFC Wimbledon.

Notable cases:

Southampton City College v. Randall [2006] IRLR 18 – successful appeal in the EAT involving disability discrimination.

Re D [2006] 2 FLR 1053 – reported decision on disclosure rules.

R (L) v Nottinghamshire County Council [2007] EWHC 2364 (Admin) – Judicial Review concerning local authority accommodation duties towards teenage children.

Cave v Portsmouth City Council [2008] All ER (D) 313 (May) – successful appeal in the EAT involving agency workers.

Re S and C (Children) [2008] EWCA Civ 658 – Court of Appeal case concerning local authority duties towards children

R (EW and BW) v Nottinghamshire County Council [2009] EWHC 915 (Admin) [2009] 2 FLR 974 – Judicial Review concerning local authority assessment and accommodation duties towards teenage children

Appointments:

Deputy District Judge 2003