Specialist asbestos lawyer Adrian Budgen awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours 

A leading industrial disease lawyer who has spent more than three decades fighting for justice for asbestos disease sufferers has been awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Adrian Budgen, who leads Irwin Mitchell’s specialist asbestos and occupational disease team, has dedicated his career to representing individuals and families diagnosed with devastating, life-limiting diseases caused by exposure to asbestos including mesothelioma.

Over the past 36 years, he has supported hundreds of clients across the UK, helping them secure answers, accountability and financial security for themselves and their families.

During that time, Adrian has been at the forefront of asbestos litigation, including playing a key role in several landmark cases such as that of June Hancock. Her case established that mesothelioma could be caused by environmental exposure to asbestos, paving the way for many others affected in similar circumstances to seek justice. June’s case was a true David -v- Goliath legal battle against the world’s largest asbestos manufacturer, T&N, and it was very widely reported in the media.

Adrian’s work has helped to raise awareness of the long-term impact of asbestos, particularly in former industrial heartlands such as South and West Yorkshire, where families continue to feel the terrible legacy of past exposure. He has also regularly given evidence and provided expertise to government inquiries and calls for evidence on asbestos-related disease, lobbying in particular for the removal of asbestos from schools, hospitals and other public buildings.

Recognition for a career of impact

Craig Marshall, Group Chief Executive Officer at Irwin Mitchell, said: 

“This honour is richly deserved and recognises not only Adrian’s outstanding legal expertise, but his unwavering commitment to his clients over many years.

“Adrian has helped countless families navigate extremely difficult circumstances. While the legacy of asbestos exposure continues to affect so many communities, Adrian’s work in supporting victims and their families has strengthened access to justice. He has also chaired the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation for many years and his unwavering commitment to supporting worthy causes is inspiring.

“His work reflects everything we stand for as a firm – putting clients at the heart of what we do and making a meaningful impact on people’s lives.”

A voice for asbestos victims

Adrian, who leads Irwin Mitchell’s specialist Asbestos and Occupational Disease team, has long been recognised as one of the UK’s leading experts in the field. In addition to his legal work, he has written and lectured extensively on asbestos-related disease and has supported a number of organisations working to improve research, treatment and care.

He is also a founding trustee of the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund, which was established following the landmark case brought by Adrian on behalf of a Leeds-based victim of environmental asbestos exposure – a case that became a defining moment in raising national awareness of the issue.

Adrian Budgen OBE said: 

“It is a huge honour to receive this recognition, but it really reflects the courage, strength and determination of the many clients and their families I have worked with over almost four decades, not least June Hancock, as well as the dedication and amazing support of our national asbestos team at Irwin Mitchell.

“It’s staggering and extremely concerning that so many people are still affected by the terrible legacy of asbestos use over one hundred years after its dangers became clear.

“While we have seen positive changes to the law to help support those victims, much more must be done to continue the safe removal of asbestos, for example in the very many older public buildings such as schools and hospitals where the material is still in situ.

“I have always believed it is vital that families affected by industrial illness are listened to, supported and able to access justice, and I remain very committed to continuing that work.”

According to the latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures, there are over 5000 asbestos-related disease deaths each year in the UK caused by illnesses including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. These life-limiting diseases often develop several decades after exposure to harmful asbestos dust and fibres.