Leah Heatley

Leah leads the firm’s contentious public procurement team alongside the Head of Public Procurement, Alison Walton. She is described in Chambers as having “superb technical and negotiation skills” and as being a “formidable litigator”.

She has been involved in many high-profile cases over the years and acted for the claimant in Roche Diagnostics v The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, the leading precedent on disclosure in procurement cases.  

A member of the Procurement Lawyers Association, Leah regularly advises contracting authorities, utilities and bidders at all stages of the procurement process to help manage risk. As a litigator, she has particular expertise and knowledge of procurement challenges whether bringing or defending a challenge.  Her attention to detail and ability to understand substantial volumes of information in pressured timescales is essential. Clients welcome her calm manner and clear strategic advice.

Leah’s passion for all things procurement has led to her sharing her wisdom with a range of clients and businesses often presenting seminars and training sessions that are very well regarded.

Leah is a partner in our Dispute Resolution team and has over 18 years of experience advising public sector clients on a range of issues, from strategically important contractual disputes to judicial review claims, as well as public procurement challenges and much more.  Leah tailors her approach to best achieve the client’s objectives, whether that’s by advising “behind the scenes” to help get relationships back on track or using litigation where appropriate.  Leah is always mindful of political and commercial considerations when devising a strategy for her public sector clients.

Leah has extensive experience of resolving disputes using different forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution, including mediation, without prejudice meetings and adjudications.

Leah regularly delivers training on commercial contracting and public procurement.