Martyn MCleish

Martyn McLeish specialises in complex and high-value clinical negligence claims, acting predominantly for claimants in cases involving catastrophic and life-changing injury. His practice covers a wide range of medical negligence matters, including birth injury, delayed diagnosis, surgical negligence and brain injury claims.

He is particularly experienced in cases involving complex liability and quantum issues, including severe neurological injury and cerebral palsy claims.

Recently concluded cases include:

• A claim for wrongful life arising out of the Defendant's failure to diagnose spinal abnormality on ultrasound scans. The case was vigorously denied by the defendant trust and was listed for trial in January 2012. Settlement was achieved at a JSM in December 2011.

• A cerebral palsy claim, involving a Claimant who was now 23. Martyn was instructed as junior counsel to Simon Taylor QC and the matter settled at a JSM for £2.3 million with PPs of £114, 000 per annum.

Ongoing cases include:

• Failure to diagnose homocystinuria leading to significant right hemiplegia and left convergent squint;

• Negligently performed cervical cord surgery;

• A claim for pulmonary vascular obstructive disease which has reduced the Claimant's life expectancy significantly.

Recently decided cases:

• Costa v Imperial London Hotels. This is a Manual Handling case where the Claimant won at first instance but the Defendant's appeal is due to be heard by the Court of Appeal in May. The appeal raises issues in relation to causation and the requirement of retraining when considering the Manual Handling Regulations.

• B v B

• A high value fatal accidents claim arising arising from a road traffic accident in March 2008.

Ongoing cases include:

• A claim on behalf of a victim of a terrorist bombing in 2008. The Claimant was sent overseas by his employer and the case involves consideration of the extent of the employer's duty of care to ensure a safe working environment for employees sent overseas.Item description

• 1996-7 Bar Vocational Course, Inns of Court School of Law

• 1995-6 CPE, College of Law, London

• 1990-95 Doctor of Philosophy, University of Oxford

• 1987-90 BA Modern History, Magdalen College, Oxford

Scholarships and Prizes

• Inner Temple Bursary 1995-6 and 1996-7

• Gibbs Scholar in Modern History, University of Oxford, 1989

• Tutorial Prize in Modern History, Magdalen College, Oxford, 1989

• Demy (Scholar), Magdalen College, Oxford, 1988-89 and 1989-90

• 'Conditional Fees: A survivor's guide', Bar Council Conference, November 2004 (with Satindar Hunjan QC)

• Auditing for Rights: Developing Scrutiny Systems for Human Rights Compliance, Justice, 2001 (Contributor)

• 'Religious Freedom under the Human Rights Act 1998', Muslim Lawyer, June 1999 (with Jonathan Cooper)

• 'The Legal Politics on Industrial Relations Law in Britain 1906-1927', Oxford University, D.Phil Thesis, 1995

• PIBA

• AVMA Bar Council CFA Panel (2004 -)

• Chambers & Partners 2025: (Clinical Negligence) "He is sensitive to their needs whilst being extremely thorough in his examination of the claim." "Martyn has an excellent eye for detail and a way with clients that inspires their confidence." "He is a clever negotiator whose drafting skills are excellent, with a meticulous attention to detail." "Martyn is a superb and impressive advocate who commands a real presence in negotiations." "He is approachable, good at drafting and good for quantum matters." "Martyn is very good with clients and very good at explaining complex issues."

• Legal 500 2025: (Clinical Negligence) “Martyn has a good eye for detail and is a strong advocate. He is excellent with clients and a top negotiator. He is very approachable and offers clear and helpful advice.”

• Chambers & Partners 2024: (Clinical Negligence) Martyn McLeish is an established clinical negligence barrister, widely known for handling high-value cases involving a wide range of medical issues. He tackles a diverse caseload, and is frequently instructed in claims concerning cerebral palsy and spinal injuries.” "Martyn provides clear advice (both written and in conference) and is always willing to talk through the issues to achieve a resolution." "He enables clients to achieve the result they want whilst remaining pragmatic." "Martyn is tenacious and confident in addressing difficult cases."

• Legal 500 2024: (Clinical Negligence) “Martyn has excellent drafting skills, great client relationship skills and his advocacy skills are also excellent. He is able to get to the heart of complex issues quickly.”

• Chambers & Partners 2023: “Martyn is a very experienced and knowledgeable barrister. He is very thorough, well prepared and has great client care skills." "He is unflappable as an advocate." "Martyn is clever and collaborative."

• Legal 500 2023: “Martyn is very approachable and easy to communicate with. He has very good client care skills and is always well-prepared and on top of the details of a case.”

• Chambers & Partners 2022: "A really strong academic lawyer. He's very good at analysing complex points and the forensic detail of cases." "He always goes the extra mile and is really good on his feet." "He's extremely approachable, really accessible and he's definitely got the human touch - he cares about his clients."

• Legal 500 2022: "He is very analytical and forensic in his approach to a case, and very thorough on his feet."

• Chambers & Partners 2021: "A very strong advocate. He is really thorough, knows the papers well and is incredibly knowledgeable." "He is excellent with clients in conference and at settlement meetings."

• Legal 500 2021: “An approachable and collaborative barrister who builds a rapport with clients which facilitates their acceptance of difficult advice.”

• Chambers & Partners 2020: "Martyn is very personable, has excellent client care skills and his preparation is always thorough. He has a very good eye for detail. He is excellent at identifying issues and explaining things in a straightforward manner to clients."

• Legal 500 2020: "Excellent at identifying issues and explaining these in a straightforward manner to clients."

• Chambers & Partners 2019: "Established clinical negligence barrister, widely known for handling high-value cases involving a wide range of medical issues. He tackles a diverse caseload, and is frequently instructed on claims concerning cerebral palsy and psychiatric injuries." "Very detailed and good with clients and experts."

• Legal 500 2019: “Excellent senior junior who is very down to earth and has an eye for detail." "He is very approachable and down to earth.”

• Chambers & Partners 2018: "Established clinical negligence barrister, widely known for handling high-value cases involving a wide range of medical issues. He tackles a diverse caseload, and is frequently instructed on claims concerning cerebral palsy and psychiatric injuries." "Intelligent and likeable. Very bright."

• Legal 500 2017: “He has a thorough, dependable and analytic approach.” "Great on his feet and a very impressive advocate.”

• Chambers & Partners 2017: “He is clear, concise and always approachable. He handles clients and experts well.”

• Legal 500 2016: “Responsive and pragmatic.”

• Chambers & Partners 2015: "Noted for his strength across the board in high-value clinical negligence cases, he regularly receives instructions concerning server brain damage and spinal injury claims." “He's very thorough, very helpful and will always give you time on the phone.”

• Legal 500 2014: “An exceptionally bright barrister who is always one step ahead.” “Very thorough and helpful.”