Clinical negligence specialist Matthew Westlake promoted to partner as firm strengthens regional presence
Law firm Leigh Day has announced the promotion of clinical negligence lawyer Matthew Westlake to partner in its Leeds office.
The appointment reflects the firm’s continued commitment to legal excellence and its long-term investment in growing its regional presence in Yorkshire.
Matthew—known as Matt—lives in Horsforth and has a background in neuroscience. His practice spans a wide range of complex claims, including obstetric, spinal, orthopaedic, ophthalmic and brain injury cases. He also represents bereaved families at inquests and supports clients throughout the litigation process.
Matt joined Leigh Day as a paralegal in 2012. During his training contract, he gained experience in both clinical negligence and product liability, supporting high-value claims for individuals who had suffered serious injuries due to medical errors and allegedly defective products.
Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2016, Matt has been involved in a number of high-profile cases. These include securing over £30 million in compensation for a child who suffered near-total oxygen deprivation at birth, ensuring lifelong care provision. He also achieved a significant settlement for a client left with irreversible kidney damage due to negligent follow-up care after bowel surgery—providing protection against future deterioration.
Matt’s promotion to partner marks a key step in Leigh Day’s strategy to build a leading legal team in Leeds. It follows the recent arrival of specialist travel and cross-border litigation lawyer Nathaniel Martindale in February.
Beth Sanders, personal injury partner and head of the Leeds office, said, “Matt has been a tireless advocate for his clients, and his richly deserved promotion, along with the wider expansion of Leigh Day’s office in Leeds, will help ensure that we continue to provide a range of high-quality legal services to people in Yorkshire and further afield.”
Matt added, “I’m delighted to have taken the next step in my career in Leeds, and very much look forward to continuing to do all I can to support my clients and achieve the best outcomes possible for them.”
