Watson Ramsbottom are privileged to confirm that Jonathan Leach, Solicitor and Director, who was appointed as a Judge of the First Tier Tribunal, Social Entitlement Chamber earlier in the year, has also been appointed as a Deputy District Judge by the Lord Chief Justice.

The role involves a wide jurisdiction which is the same as that of a full-time district judge, but requires sitting in the county courts and district registries of the High Court for up to 30 days a year. This is in addition to his existing responsibilities as a Tribunal Judge which may require his services for a further 30 days a year.

Elton Ashworth, Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled that Jonathan has achieved a further appointment to the judiciary. This appointment has been achieved through hard work and dedication  and is a result of the significant experience Jonathan has acquired in his practice working for the firm.”

“This is an impressive achievement for Jonathan, and follows a rigorous application and selection process. We as a practice are very proud of Jonathan, and for him to have been appointed twice at such a relatively early stage in his career is testament to his qualities and aptitude.”

Jonathan commented: “I am extremely pleased about my appointment as a Deputy District Judge. Everyone here at Watson Ramsbottom has been incredibly supportive, and I am especially grateful to our management team for their encouragement and assistance.

“This is something I have pushed to achieve for a number of years and I am delighted to have been appointed.”

Jonathan studied Law at the University of Swansea from 2002-2006 and received a commendation in his LPC course at UCLAN in 2007. He joined the firm is July 2007 as a trainee solicitor, qualified as a solicitor in March 2009 and was made a director in August 2013.

Jonathan covers a wide area of practice, in particular dealing with cases with a dispute to resolve. With a background in property litigation, landlord and tenant issues and personal injury cases, Jonathan has extended his dispute resolution expertise to be the driving force behind WR Personal Injury, the specialist accident and injury compensation claims division of Watson Ramsbottom.

Whilst the appointment will result in some time away from the practice, Jonathan will continue with his existing role with our practice in every respect.

Congratulations Jonathan!