Ian Skeate 

Phone
0845 083 3000

Email Ian

General Information

"I just thought I would let you know that the clients were extremely impressed with you and said that:- 'Ian was a great representative. He was thoroughly professional throughout and spent time each morning, lunch and at the finish each day, making sure we were prepped, debriefed, understanding where we were at and seeking clarification on any points. So a fantastic job.' Thanks again". Beth Attwood, Berry Smith LLP (Employment case)

"Absolutely blinding result from Ian in Court today - fantastic!" - Bethany Blamire - Trethowans (Personal Injury case)

Ian joined Clerksroom in January 2010 after practising from St Johns Buildings, Manchester since 2003. Ian has a General Common Law practice and is able to act in several different areas of practice although his particular expertise lies in Personal Injury, Employment and Costs. Ian remains based in Manchester and is happy to travel nationwide.

Before coming to the Bar Ian was a pilot in the Royal Navy flying fixed wing and rotary wing types and can bring particular experience to aviation matters including CAA investigations involving pilot error or technical fault.

Personal Injury

Ian acts for both Claimants and Defendants in all aspects of Personal Injury including substantial amounts of industrial disease work ranging from asbestos related claims to deafness and VWF/HAVS claims. He is very experienced in 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.  Ian is well-versed and experienced in accident at work claims from fast track to multi-track.

Professional Negligence 

Ian has experience through a specialist pupillage at 4 New Square and advises on lower to mid-end cases with an emphasis on solicitors', accountants' and auditors' negligence.

LEVEL OF WORK

Ian has an established fast and multi track practice dealing with matters worth up to £1m.  Ian's practice is split evenly between Claimant and Defendant.  He has undertaken mediation training and represents Claimants and Defendants in these.

Notable cases include:

Counsel to GNER in the Selby Rail Disaster Inquest.

CHURCHILL CAR INSURANCE v VICTOR KELLY (2007) [2007] EWHC 18 (QB)

Guidance on the effect on legitimate heads of claim of putting forward some dishonest heads.

Employment

Ian accepts instructions for both Applicants and Respondents. Work undertaken includes Unfair Dismissals and Redundancy including jurisdictional points and all forms of Discrimination with particular experience in disability discrimination.  He appears regularly in the EAT and is able to undertake appeals where not acting at first instance. Ian is also experienced in mediation in this area.

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

Ian now has a recognised costs practice and regularly lectures and advises on the subject. He is knowledgeable in relation to issues regarding the validity of retainers and CFA’s, as well as frequently acting for either paying or receiving parties in detailed assessments and in 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’. If you would like to receive this then please contact his clerks and these will be emailed to you.
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.

Associations
PIBA, PNBA, ELBA, Northern Circuit Medical Law Association