Biography
Alida is the partner who heads up the Midlands and South West Workplace Illness teams, which are two of the largest and most experienced specialist teams in the area.
Qualifying in 1996, Alida has only ever worked for injured claimants and has over 18 years’ experience recovering compensation in the asbestos disease arena, having worked as part of the team which won the first environmental asbestos exposure case (Hancock) in 1995.
Since that time, Alida and her team have worked tirelessly to obtain justice for victims exposed to asbestos who have developed asbestos illnesses (Mesothelioma, lung cancer, pleural thickening and asbestosis) both through their employment and through environmental exposure.
Alida has obtained one of the highest awards during lifetime for a Mesothelioma sufferer (£1.5m) and regularly engages the services of experts to assist families to engage carers to assist with practical care needs caused by these illnesses. The emphasis of the team is to make a difference to the quality of life of their clients, as quickly as possible, not merely to measure success in terms of damages recovered.
Alida has a unique insight into the difficulties suffered by the victims of asbestos exposure, she is respected both for her knowledge and understanding of the issues facing her clients. Alida is recognised by many health and other professionals as a leading lawyer in this field. She lectures regularly and is a Trustee of Mesothelioma UK.
The team has also recovered compensation for those affected by other workplace illnesses over the last 12 months, including (but not limited to) asthma, vibration white finger, carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injury.
Testimonials
"Alida is a highly experienced and effective partner." - Chambers & Partners, 2025 (Band 2)
"Alida Coates is particularly active in handling occupational disease cases, with a track record in asbestos-related claims." "Alida is very professional, extremely caring and supportive." - Chambers & Partners, 2024 (Band 2)
Alida Coates is a "Leading Individual – Band 2" – Chambers & Partners, 2022
Alida Coates is a "Leading Individual – Band 2" – Chambers & Partners, 2021
"She takes a balanced and pragmatic approach and fights hard." – Chambers & Partners, 2020
"Her grasp of all matters involved in the case has left a lasting impression with me and I could not think of a better person to handle such a complex case." - Chambers & Partners, 2019
"Very knowledgeable and client-focused. She offers a lot of patience and care." – Chambers & Partners 2018
"An excellent litigator who is "hands-on" with cases." – Chambers & Partners 2017
“Alida Coates was appointed to handle my case and I have to admit that working with her has been the easiest thing about this whole process. At all times Alida has been 100% honest, trustworthy and open, I could not have chosen a better person to represent me. When I look back at the last year I remember how often I drew strength from just talking to Alida and her team and I would like to say a huge thank you to all concerned with my case” – 5* Trustpilot review
“Excellent service and very caring staff. Everyone went the extra mile for us and kept us updated throughout. We would definitely recommend Irwin Mitchell to friends and family especially when the staff have been so compassionate and thorough from start to finish.” – 5* Trustpilot review
"I contacted Alida Coates when my Dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma. We were kept informed by phone and email and consulted at every stage. Alida has been approachable, supportive, and professional throughout the process, her knowledge has been invaluable. We are so grateful for the time and effort Alida and her team have put in to get us what we consider an excellent outcome. We would not hesitate to recommend. A sincere thank you to Alida and her team."- 5* Trustpilot review
“Alida Coates (partner) took on the case and advised me for many months after carrying out a lot of research into it. She worked tirelessly to achieve a War Widows Pension for my Uncle's widow. My Aunty has now received a backdated lump sum payment and has been awarded the monthly pension for the rest of her life. She is now financially secure and extremely grateful to Alida. We would recommend Alida 100%. We are so grateful to her - Thank you.” – 5* Trustpilot review
“Irwin Mitchell staff are amazing. They are professional, efficient and most of all caring. A claim can be a very stressful experience. having a fantastic solicitor who can guide you through step by step and for them to explain things in simple terms that the average person can understand is very refreshing. I would highly recommend Irwin Mitchell.” – 5* Trustpilot review
