Irwin Mitchell

Personal Injury

Partner

Adrian Budgen leads the firm’s Asbestos and Occupational Disease team and is widely recognised as a leading practitioner in this field. In 2026 he was awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his contribution to supporting those affected by asbestos-related diseases. With a career spanning more than 35 years, he has focused on representing individuals and families, particularly in cases involving mesothelioma, securing accountability and financial redress in complex and often sensitive circumstances.

Adrian has supported hundreds of clients and their families, and has been closely involved in a number of significant cases. These include acting for June Hancock in the Armley environmental asbestos case, which established that mesothelioma can result from environmental exposure to asbestos and enabled others in similar circumstances to bring claims. He has also secured what was, at the time, the highest award for an industrial disease fatal injury claim, totalling £4.37 million.

Beyond his casework, Adrian has contributed to broader efforts to raise awareness of asbestos exposure and its long-term impact. He has provided evidence to government inquiries and supported initiatives aimed at the removal of asbestos from public buildings, including schools and hospitals. His work has had particular relevance in communities across Yorkshire and the East Midlands.

Adrian has written and lectured extensively on asbestos-related disease and personal injury litigation. He is also a founding trustee of the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund, reflecting his commitment to supporting research and improving outcomes for those affected.

Articled Russell Jones and Walker, qualified 1988; assistant solicitor Stewarts 1988-90; joined Irwin Mitchell 1990, partner 1994; fellow of Association of Personal Injury Lawyers 2000.

APIL; The American Association for Justice; Pan-European Organisation of Personal Injury Lawyers (PEOPIL); director and trustee of Sheffield Occupational Health Advisory Service; Asbestos in Schools Group; trustee of the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund; trustee and chair of the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation; regional advisory board of Business in the Community; Sheffield Hallam University Clinical Advisory Board.

Ampleforth College, North Yorkshire; Oxford University (1985 MA Jurisprudence); College of Law, Chester (1986).

Family, supporting local charities, eating out, walking the dogs.