Biography
I am a Partner based in the London office and lead the Workplace Illness and Disease team. Essentially this means that the team provides specialist legal advice and obtains compensation for those people who have become seriously ill principally as a consequence of exposure to asbestos.
I have acted for many hundreds of clients suffering from terminal asbestos diseases who have been exposed to the substance at work, or those who have lived close to factories producing asbestos products including the infamous J.W. Roberts factory in Leeds.
We act for clients based principally in the UK but also overseas including clients in New Zealand, Australia and mainland Europe.
I have helped the families of many clients who have been fatally injured in accidents at work, in agriculture, working on the railways or working in the construction industry.
I am committed to ensuring that my clients receive full and proper compensation for their injuries or illness.
I was very pleased to be recognised by Chambers and Partners for my expertise as a lawyer, being acknowledged a “hard-line but sensible negotiator.” I think this sums up what I always try to be.
Testimonials
"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
Ian is "very impressive," "very pleasant, efficient and knowledgeable." – Chambers & Partners, 2017
He is admired as "very knowledgeable, experienced, kind and personable with clients." – Chambers & Partners 2016
"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 enjoyed language learning and am still at it! I am learning to play the guitar again (hopefully with some improvement this time). After that and a very busy family life with three teenagers, there's not much time left really.
