Profile

Construction and public procurement expert Leigh Child joined Burnetts in 2011 from Local Partnerships LLP (a joint venture between the Local Government Association and HM Treasury).

During her time with Local Partnerships, Leigh played a leading role in running in-house procurement processes, as well as advising local government and other public bodies on large scale PFI projects in sectors such as Housing, Health, Police, Fire and Transport. She has also worked closely with central government departments including the Office of Government Commerce, Department of Health and the Homes and Communities Agency in drafting and updating model form public procurement packs, guidance and draft legislation. Leigh has also delivered procurement skills training in public procurement to local government and public sector organizations around the UK.

Her experience as a presenter is backed up by her expertise as a practitioner in her specialist field of construction law: Leigh is an experienced construction litigator having been closely involved in a number of high value Technology and Construction Court disputes, ICC arbitrations, adjudications and mediations. She is also experienced in dispute avoidance, providing practical contract management advice during on-going projects.

Her commercial experience includes insolvency advice for contractors and sub-contractors and drafting and negotiating construction documentation such as JCT and NEC3 forms of building contract, professional appointments, warranties, parent company guarantees and performance bonds. Leigh has also advised on development agreements for projects such as hotels, city centre regeneration schemes and office complexes.

Leigh qualified as a solicitor in 2003 and has worked in law firms throughout England and mainland Europe.

A seasoned traveller, Leigh has hiked up Kilimanjaro, lived on a Kibbutz and spent 18 months living in a van whilst rock climbing around Europe.