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 Draftsman 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 a 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: 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 judgment 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