Ian Skeate General Information With a general common law practice, Ian is able to act in several different areas. His particular expertise lies in personal injury, professional discipline and regulation, employment and costs. Based in Manchester, Ian is happy to travel nationwide. Approximately half his court practice is in London. First and foremost a trial lawyer, Ian has a particular reputation in this aspect of his work. He is fully authorised to accept direct access work and is further authorised to conduct litigation. Direct access will be considered on a case-by-case basis but is most suited to professional conduct and employment law matters. Ian has an established fast and multi-track practice dealing with matters worth up to £5 million. His practice is split evenly between claimant and defendant. He has undertaken mediation training and represents claimants and defendants in these matters. Areas of law Personal Injury Professional Discipline & Regulation Employment Costs Personal Injury Industrial disease, ranging from asbestos-related claims to deafness and VWF/HAVS claims Road traffic accidents, including claims involving the MIB and Article 75 and the Domestic Regulations with particular experience in credit hire and fraud cases from both sides of such litigation Accident at work claims Employers' liability, professional liability and occupiers' liability claims Professional Disciplinary/Regulatory and Negligence Disciplinary hearings or registration problems in all areas but especially the GMC/GDC/NMC Fitness-to-practice issues Employment Unfair dismissals and redundancy, including jurisdictional points and all forms of discrimination Particular experience in disability discrimination Regular appearances in the EAT Appeals, where not acting at first instance Ian believes that many advocates tend to settle employment cases too readily on the day of the final hearing and, whilst settlement can often be the best outcome for the client, a better settlement or result can often ensue if a robust line is taken at the hearing. Costs Validity of retainers CFA’s Detailed assessments Appeals on costs matters including wasted costs and split costs orders Ian is very happy to represent clients in the SCCO in London and he produces a regular ‘Costs Bulletin’, as well as regularly lecturing and advising on the subject. Having costs expertise gives Ian an edge in his general trial work when costs are summarily assessed and can make a great deal of difference to the net end result for both lay clients and solicitors. Memberships PIBA PNBA ELBA Northern Circuit Medical Law Association