Biography
I have specialised as a solicitor representing clients with mesothelioma and asbestos-related illnesses for 25 years, one of a small number of specialist lawyers in the country with this level of experience. I joined Irwin Mitchell in 2006 and became a Partner in 2009. I have represented several hundred clients successfully. I have a very wide understanding of the ways in which people were exposed to asbestos in the past and extensive knowledge of employers and relevant job sites.
I secured one of the highest awards of damages (£2.2M) for a mesothelioma claimant in his lifetime. Most of my clients live in England/Wales but I have also represented many clients in Australia who were exposed to asbestos in the UK before emigrating. I have also had experience of taking cases to the appeal courts; I represented the late Edwin Matthews (one of the claimants in the landmark Fairchild case) in 2001/2 and I also represented one of the lead claimants in the pleural plaques litigation.
I am very proud of the work I do using my legal skills and experience in the most deserving of causes working on behalf of those with asbestos-related illnesses. I am an active campaigner and have frequently lectured on the subject of asbestos disease litigation. I work closely with charities supporting mesothelioma victims and campaigning for their rights.
In 2023 I was appointed the joint co-ordinator of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) Special Interest Group for Occupational Health. I am accredited by APIL as a Senior Litigator and specialist in asbestos disease and occupational disease.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
Professionalism at every turn. High quality legal advice in so many different areas of law. Our shared ethos of working as hard as we can and fighting as hard as we can for our clients. It's a good feeling to be a member of the largest dedicated department of specialist solicitors representing clients with mesothelioma and asbestos disease anywhere in the country. I also like the fact that even though we are a top 50 law firm in the country we pride ourselves on being down to earth and having a human touch.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Getting good results for my clients. Hearing clients tell me what that means to them.
What inspired you to get into law?
My older brother was a solicitor specialising in representing clients with asbestos and other diseases caused by work. I used to help out in the school holidays doing filing, photocopying and even the cleaning at his offices. I caught the bug and have never looked back. I like fighting for clients who have been wronged. We can't change the wrongs of the past, but we can fight for an acknowledgment of what happened and for financial redress. It can make the world of difference to our clients. My late mum was a nurse all her life and loved helping people; my late dad liked a good debate and to win an argument! Cleary, I inherited their genes.
What do you do away from the office?
I relax by cooking, baking, swimming, walking in the countryside, watching films and reading books. My family would say that 'chatting' must surely go on that list too. I love spending time at home with my loved ones. I think I am one to appreciate the simple things in life rather than the high life! Anything cultural can tempt me out and a stained-glass making workshop is around the corner this weekend.
Testimonials
"Excellent service from the word go, couldn't be more helpful and nothing to much trouble always phoned back when they said they would. Geraldine Coombs was very knowledgeable and easy to talk to and a pleasure to work with and a successful outcome" - 5* Trustpilot review
"The knowledge that Gerry has of this subject is extensive, she is obviously at the top of her game from a professional point of view and her manner is so caring and compassionate. Whilst taking my statement Gerry went out of her way to put my wife and I at ease. Throughout the whole process Gerry has provided us with so much help and support, not just from a legal aspect , but medical also as she has such a wide knowledge of her subject. I could not speak highly enough of Gerry and the team at Irwin Mitchell, they are easy to talk to, always prompt to reply to any queries and in my opinion have provided a world class service to my family and I." - 5* Trustpilot review
"My solicitor, Gerry Coombs, is highly knowledgeable in her field and provided me with a personal, caring and compassionate service. She skilfully and carefully steered me through the whole claims process, explaining all legal aspects of my case in a clear and uncomplicated manner. All our meetings were positive, helpful and never rushed. Importantly, Gerry introduced me to an extremely experienced and skilled barrister who helped to shape and argue the claim; together, they made a formidable team." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I found her to be extremely professional in every way, her knowledge of asbestos related claims were second to none. Geraldine kept me in touch with all aspects of the case by phone email at least once a month or more if needed. Geraldine answered all my questions in a way that I understood – nothing was too much trouble for her. I did have the pleasure of meeting her when I made a trip to England in 2016 to see family and friends. She worked tirelessly for me for 4 years and I could not be happier with the outcome. I would not hesitate in recommending Geraldine and her team." – Christine Bates, 5* Trustpilot review
"Geraldine Coombs helped me with my late husbands mesothelioma claim. From beginning to end, she kept me in touch with every step of the process. I never once had to ring her to ask how the case was progressing. I was surprised and delighted with what she expressed the initial claim should be, but I was absolutely ecstatic when the figure was surpassed... Geraldine's persistence and professionalism in achieving such an excellent result was beyond my expectation and I would have no hesitation in recommending Irwin Mitchell for any legal dealings." – 5* Trustpilot review
"Works hard to get the best results for her clients in a firm and conciliatory way" – Legal 500, 2018/19
"Geraldine Coombs has a long-standing reputation as an expert in asbestos-related industrial disease matters" – Chambers & Partners, 2015
Noted for her handling of complex cases – Chambers & Partners, 2014
"Personable and dedicated." – Chambers & Partners, 2012
