A leading UK consumer litigation practice has significantly strengthened its London operations with the appointment of five new partners, marking a major expansion of its group action capabilities.
Johnson Law Group (JLG) has recruited a team of experienced litigators to its capital office, led by Pete Gallagher, who takes up the position of London Managing Partner. The move comes as part of the firm’s strategy to cement its position as a major force in the consumer litigation sector.
Gallagher brings substantial credentials to the role, having previously guided a team serving as Lead Solicitors on 13 “Dieselgate” Class Actions, which collectively represent the largest group litigation to have progressed through the English Courts. His career also includes periods at international firms Shearman & Sterling and White & Case LLP, where he handled complex cross-border commercial disputes.
Joining Gallagher in the partnership are Sarah Bingham, Matthew Hunt, Michael Burke and Priyanka Gladson. All four lawyers possess considerable expertise as case leads on complex, high-value group actions, adding substantial depth to Johnson Law Group’s capabilities in handling large-scale consumer claims.
The quintet will assume a central role in the ongoing Pan-NOx Diesel Emissions litigation, where they have been acting as joint lead. The case recently completed a 10-week liability trial in December 2025, with judgment anticipated before the conclusion of July 2026. The litigation is now progressing towards its third and final stage—a quantum trial scheduled to run for 10 weeks starting in October 2026.
The new partners’ collective portfolio of group litigation work also encompasses the settled Volkswagen (1) case, the British Airways group action, and the UEFA Group Action brought by Liverpool FC supporters.
These latest appointments follow the arrival of Jon Beresford as another senior partner from Harcus Parker earlier this year, further reinforcing the London office’s standing in the market.
The expansion reflects a period of substantial growth for Johnson Law Group, described as one of the UK’s fastest-growing consumer litigation law firms. The practice has seen considerable development over the previous 12 months, fuelled by rising demand for consumer redress and the firm’s deliberate investment in talent, infrastructure and litigation capacity.
Jamie Patton, Managing Director of Johnson Law Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Pete, Sarah, Matthew, Michael and Priyanka to Johnson Law Group. Their collective experience at the highest level of group litigation will be instrumental as we continue to scale our consumer and group litigation practice and invest in complex, high-impact claims. These appointments reflect both the momentum we have built over the last year and our ambition to be at the forefront of consumer litigation in the UK.”
Pete Gallagher said: “I am incredibly excited to start this new chapter with Johnson Law Group. I am fortunate to be working with such talented colleagues, both those with whom I’ve worked for the last several years, and those who have already done so much to build the firm’s practice in the UK. Together, we look forward to building Johnson Law Group as a leading class action practice and delivering a peerless service for the firm’s clients.”
The strategic hires will be instrumental in expanding Johnson Law Group’s group action portfolio and accelerating the development of its London presence. The firm’s ongoing expansion demonstrates its commitment to delivering large-scale, claimant-focused litigation whilst establishing itself as a significant and lasting presence in the UK consumer law market.
The appointments position Johnson Law Group to take on increasingly complex and high-profile consumer claims, with the new partners bringing the tactical and strategic expertise required to manage sophisticated group litigation from inception through to resolution.
With the Pan-NOx litigation entering its crucial final phases and the firm’s continued national expansion, the arrival of these five partners represents a significant milestone in Johnson Law Group’s evolution as a leading player in the consumer litigation sector.
