Biography
Having represented many hundreds of clients suffering from asbestos diseases for more than 25 years, I am one of the country's leading asbestos lawyers. I am committed to achieving the best outcomes for my clients, who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a consequence of historic exposure to asbestos dust. I lead a team of individuals in the London office of national practice, Irwin Mitchell, whom I consider to be some of the best in their field at what they do.
My expertise has been recognised over a number of years in the international Legal Directory, Chambers & Partners as well as in the Legal 500.
As a team, we pride ourselves on working relentlessly to develop the law for the benefit of clients. Chambers & Partners recorded that we are "aggressive litigators prepared to take on large insurers in asbestos litigation on behalf of individuals with asbestos diseases. They are prepared to hold their ground under pressure and develop new points of law." I am very proud of that because the best outcomes for our clients demand huge courage from clients and their lawyer to make sure that clients receive full and proper compensation.
We continue to push the boundaries of the law through the recovery of compensation for oncology treatments (immunotherapy) for clients which is not currently available on the NHS and have been "at the forefront of developing flexible solutions to obtaining compensation" for such life-extending treatments. This means having an ability to communicate effectively with our clients and medical professionals alike.
I am a Fellow of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and an APIL Specialist Accredited Asbestos Disease Lawyer. I am Secretary to the APIL Occupational Health Group, providing support and training in relation to asbestos disease cases to practitioners nationally as well as to medical professionals.
Testimonials
"From the very first communication with Irwin Mitchell through Ian Bailey, my late husband and subsequently I myself have received professional, sympathetic, and reassuring treatment in the matter of our claim. By the very nature of the situation it has been a traumatic time and Ian's measured explanations of the processes necessary for our claim to be resolved have been extremely helpful." - 5* Trustpilot review
"From the start Ian Bailey, Catriona and Alka at Irwin Mitchell provided excellent support in a very compassionate way. Highly professional with brilliant negotiating skills we are so pleased Ian took on our case. Ian and his team have worked tirelessly for 3 years on our behalf resulting in a substantial settlement which most importantly includes access to private treatments - we are also financially secure moving forward which is a huge relief. Can’t thank them enough" - 5* Trustpilot review
"Having been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos in my early career it was a delight to have Ian Bailey holding my hand at every stage of my claim for compensation which was completed successfully after only a year. Persistent attention to detail by Ian and his team helped draw all the necessary memories on how I was exposed all those years ago. It seemed that no effort was too great to investigate every avenue. It really took the pressure off me and my wife at a time of great distress and shock. I am very grateful to Ian and his team including Radika and Alka." - 5* Trustpilot review
"From day one Ian has been hot on the case, asking questions and delving into various companies procedures, all the time keeping us up to date on developments and now he has got us a very good compensation payout... I can't recommend Ian Bailey and his team at Irwin Mitchell highly enough in their dedication to our case and their fight for getting us a good payout" - 5* Trustpilot review
"Ian and his team worked tirelessly to gather further information concerning my case and kept me informed every step of the way, they were always very professional. Ian is very knowledgeable in the field of Mesothelioma. Ian and his team are still ensuring that I am receiving the treatment that I need through the funding secured in my settlement. I can't thank Ian Bailey and Irwin Mitchell enough and would highly recommend them." - 5* Trustpilot review
"We sincerely thank you and your team for the professional and thorough handling of this case. The compassion and care you have shown to Val has made the process so much easier." - Clients
"A standout litigator who is really bright and super-experienced. Highly professional, thorough and focused… he is very knowledgeable and understands the medical and legal issues very well.” - Chambers & Partners 2022 (Leading Individual - band 1)
Ian is "extremely knowledgeable and well regarded." - Chambers & Partners, 2021 (Leading Individual - Band 1)
"Ian Bailey is among the leading practitioners for asbestos law." – Legal 500, 2020
"Ian Bailey is an immensely experienced mesothelioma and asbestos lawyer. He is a very canny operator who knows everyone and everything about asbestos. He is a very good negotiator." – Chambers & Partners, 2019
"Sensitive, patient and intelligent" – Legal 500, 2018/19
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
I suppose what first got me hooked was the challenge of acting for David against Goliath and ensuring that, in so far as the law allowed, my client was helped to put his or her life back together following serious injury. I think that also applies where my clients have lost their loved ones in accidents, where I see it as my role to make sure that severe financial hardship does not result for a spouse and family as a consequence of the loss of a wife, husband or a partner.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect is the number of clients I stay in touch with after conclusion of their cases and see how their lives have developed since the event that meant they came to see me for help in the first place. I hope this means that they are keen to tell me how they have moved on and what a difference our help has made!
I have also been a training principal for the many young lawyers that come to Irwin Mitchell. I have always enjoyed helping trainees develop their skills to become well-respected independent solicitors upon qualification.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
I have worked at Irwin Mitchell for almost all of my working life (since 1992) and for all of my career as a lawyer. The thing about working here is that the place is always changing and evolving. That always makes each day exciting and interesting.
I have always enjoyed delivering seminars which I do internally and externally. I would not, however, be doing what I do without acknowledging the many wonderful, brave and determined clients for whom I have acted. The privilege of acting for people who need our help at such difficult times in their lives is not to be underestimated.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I enjoy socialising with friends and family I am an accredited FA level 1 coach. I have always been passionate about language learning and am still at it! I am constantly trying to pick up my guitar and teach myself and am a real fair weather cyclist. One day I will be an expert in all of these interests!
