Leigh Barnett

Leigh joined our Armed Forces department in 2013, before becoming a Consultant in the Armed Forces and Employment Law team in 2016. She came to us after spending 18 years in the Army, which included holding the ranks of Major in 1997 and Lieutenant Colonel in 2002, and now specialises on assisting servicemen and veterans with all aspects of military legal issues. This includes Major Administrative Action, Unacceptable Sexual Behaviour Policy, Service Complaints, Continuity of Education Allowance, Pay and Allowances disputes, Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, and Service Inquiries.  In addition, Leigh advises in Employment Law, regulatory issues, and Sports Law, which includes investigations and advice on regulatory and disciplinary matters to National Governing Bodies and other Sport Authorities. In this capacity, Leigh is Chair of Disciplinary Panels.

Following her qualification as Solicitor in Scotland, Leigh was commissioned into the Army Legal Services in 1994. During a career which focused on providing legal advice on the military discipline system and administrative policy, Leigh's career has taken her to British Forces Germany, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and East Timor as well as serving at Army Personnel Centre, Army Prosecuting Authority and the Ministry of Defence. She has specialised in the Service Complaints system and was senior legal advisor in Service Complaints Wing before retiring in 2012.

When working with her clients, Leigh believes in offering approachable and straightforward advice. It is imperative that service personnel are able to get advice from those who understand the system and the difficulties they face. Having worked in the military, Leigh believes that service personnel do not get the support they need and are severely disadvantaged when trying to represent themselves or challenge the system. She hopes that her experience helps them navigate through the problems they are facing.