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Donna Leigh
Where/when you studied: Hesketh Fletcher High School – 1987 to 1992, Wigan College – 1992 – 1994, Nottingham University - 1994 to 1997 (Degree in Law), Manchester Metropolitan University – 2003 to 2004 (Legal Practice Course)
Professional expertise before joining the firm: After graduating I worked as a Law Costs Draftsperson for 6 years. I was a trainee Solicitor here at Fieldings Porter from 2004 to 2006. I then worked as a Family Solicitor at 3 large high street solicitor firms over the past 14 years before coming back to Fieldings Porter.
When you joined the firm: January 2021
Department responsibilities (within the firm): I am an Associate Solicitor in the Family Department
Areas of special legal expertise: I advise on all areas of private family work. I represent clients in obtaining a Divorce, dissolution of Civil Partnerships and Judicial Separation. I have extensive experience in resolving all financial aspects of a relationship breakdown, to include upon divorce and also with regard to un-married property disputes (cohabitation). I advise on and prepare Separation Agreements, Cohabitation Agreements and Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements. I represent parents in private children disputes, including representation at Court hearings. I also advise on domestic abuse issues, including representation in Non-Molestation Order and Occupation Order applications.
Committees or organisations (to support the claim of specialist legal expertise): I am a Resolution Accredited Specialist in Private Children and Finances
What our clients say about Donna:
July 2023: Donna is a lovely, kind and very effective solicitor who helped secure my parental rights in a family court matter. Without her I don’t think I would have the equal rights that I have now. She also assisted in advising on a non molestation order and throughout has had my daughter’s wellbeing at the centre of her focus. Due to my autism and it being very stressful Donna was very patient and kind.
July 2023: I was fortunate enough to have Donna in my corner during what was a very protracted and emotionally challenging separation and subsequent divorce. I can honestly say that without her support, subject matter expertise and sheer tenacity, I would probably still be the same hopeless situation with no end in sight. Donna was a constant support and ally throughout the process, and I can recall countless times when she offered both amazing counsel and guidance in the times when I really needed it. What impressed me the most about Donna was her ability to balance an empathetic understanding of the situation, with an ability to quickly focus on the facts and legal arguments needed to ‘cut through the mustard’ and to ensure progress was made, despite the impediments which had been manufactured by my ex-wife’s legal team.
Donna's legal arguments in court were well structured, concise and cut through many false narratives that were being made. Her preparation was meticulous, and I remain amazed in her ability to understand the realities of my parental and financial situation and translate this into a robust and ultimately very successful legal argument. In my honest opinion, Donna is a credit to the profession. A human being when needed but a legal force when the situation requires it. I would not hesitate to recommend her services to anyone who finds themselves needing assistance during separation and divorce proceedings.
June 2023 - "Donna has been great at dealing with my case in an efficient and effective manner. No question went unanswered and I can't thank her enough for her expertise not to mention her personable and friendly professionalism, which put me at ease right away. Thanks for everything Donna."
June 2023 - "Donna acted for me during divorce proceedings, this was a protracted affair as my relationship with my wife had become quite acrimonious. During the efforts to try and reach an agreement there were lots of frustrating attempts from my wife’s side to stall proceedings and, making of unreasonable demands. Donna handled all of these with the utmost professionalism, making clear to me the decisions I had to make, the risks involved and ensuring that costs to me were kept as minimal as possible. Ultimately my wife and I did reach an agreement, this was definitely due to the skill, and tenacity, of Donna’s efforts. I owe Donna a debt of gratitude and would, without hesitation, recommend her as a solicitor to anyone involved in divorce proceedings."
April 2023 - "Donna provided me with advice regarding financial matters of my divorce. Donna was very clear from the off and importantly she is honest, professional and empathetic at a time that is stressful. My situation has had significant conflict and Donna has provided advice without judgement and made me feel that I had support on my side. I felt at ease with Donna and her ability to provide clear advice gave me reassurance and confidence."
August 2021 - "All aspects of my dealings with yourself & your company have been dealt with in such a professional & timely manner. First class service from yourself & the rest of the team. Thank you all, would certainly recommend to family & friends. Many thanks indeed."
Name: Donna Leigh
Position: Family Solicitor
Where educated: Hesketh Fletcher High School, Wigan College, Nottingham University
First job: Shop assistant at Greenhalgh’s Bakery in Atherton
Hobbies: Running, walking (especially with my border terrier Wilf), eating out, baking, watching live music
Favourite food: Everything, but I especially love Italian food
Favourite film: Withnail & I
Favourite group/artist: James
Ultimate holiday destination: Yorkshire
Favourite sport/team: Don’t have a favourite team. Sport : I’ve watched my husband at a lot of fell-races so I’ll say fell-running
Favourite book: All books by Marian Keyes
Likes: My dog, my friends, my family, eating, walking in the countryside and any combination of the above
Dislikes: Cruelty to animals and blue cheese
Personal ambition: To visit Australia and New Zealand