Irwin Mitchell’s Asbestos Team In Leeds Boasts Most Asbestos Specialists In The City

Four lawyers from the team of asbestos-related disease specialists from Irwin Mitchell have received specialist asbestos disease accreditation from the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) after being recognised for their dedication to supporting people who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma.

Head of industrial illness team in Leeds Ian Toft, winner of the Partner of the Year Award at this year’s Yorkshire Legal Awards, was recognised in May for his expertise in acting for clients with asbestos-related diseases in both Yorkshire, and around the country.

Since then, Lucy Andrews, Nicola Handley and Oliver Collett, all solicitors in Ian’s team, have been recognised by APIL and awarded specialist accreditation in relation to asbestos disease personal injury claims. 

Hannah Robinson and Fay Marshall, asbestos disease specialists in Ian’s team, were also awarded Litigator status this year for their skills in relation to personal injury claims.  

APIL accreditation provides a quality mark of excellence for solicitors and barristers dealing with personal injury claims which helps those looking for legal help to recognise expertise within the legal profession.

The Irwin Mitchell team specialises in representing people affected by asbestos-related diseases, and their families, and has decades of collective experience.

This year, Ian agreed a ground-breaking agreement for one of his clients who had been diagnosed with the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. The agreement included treatments which may not currently exist, or be available yet, offering peace of mind and flexibility to the Halifax-based man. 

As part of this agreement, the insurers of the man’s former employers have the right to challenge the cost of any such treatments at court.

Speaking about the team’s recognition, Ian said: 

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“I am extremely proud to lead a team which boasts over half of the accredited asbestos disease specialists by APIL in Leeds. I, Lucy, Oliver and Nicola make up four of the seven accredited specialists in the city.

“At Irwin Mitchell we aim to provide an unrivalled level of support to those who have suffered from an industrial illness, obtaining access for clients to the best possible treatment and care services to provide the best quality of life.

“We will continue to offer help and guidance from our experience in this field to those who are also hoping to become accredited by the claimant lawyers’ leading association.” Ian Toft - Partner

Last year’s independent Legal 500 UK Guide Guides to the best lawyers in the country ranked Irwin Mitchell’s personal injury team as number one, while Chambers UK ranked the industrial disease time in the top band across the country.

Read about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in asbestos-related disease cases.