Biography
I specialise in recovering compensation for people who have a workplace illness. I am an APIL accredited Senior Litigator, Occupational Disease Specialist and Asbestos Disease Specialist.
I represent clients who have normally been exposed to toxic substances at work. Some people think asbestos exposure is a problem of the past, but sadly, the HSE (2022) estimates that there are over 5000 asbestos-related disease deaths per year.
I help clients with asbestos related conditions such as asbestosis, pleural thickening, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. I have also helped clients with a range of other diseases such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, silicosis, dermatitis, Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) (sometimes known as Vibration White Finger or VWF), sino-nasal cancer and other occupational cancers.
I understand the huge impact that being diagnosed with an occupational disease can have. I strive to deal with cases compassionately and professionally.
Key highlights
- I helped an individual with pulmonary fibrosis recover compensation from his former employer for exposure to wood dust (which involved proving a novel association between wood dust and fibrosis)
- I conducted a case for a person who had developed asbestosis where the Defendant was registered in Germany involving issues of foreign jurisdiction and service
- I assisted Ian Toft with cases before it was accepted by Defendants that private treatment costs for immunotherpay in people with mesothelioma were recoverable and helped to develop the law in this area (for example, the Model Scott Order)
- I represented a housekeeper who used a chemical cleaning product and developed occupational asthma and helped them successfully recover damages
- I have aided on cases involving hard wood dust exposure where individuals were carpenters and developed sino-nasal cancers.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
Irwin Mitchell is a brilliant place to work. The team are all brilliant. I can draw on such a range of people with experience in all sorts of areas to achieve the best possible results for clients. We aren't afraid to push the boundaries and get involved with difficult cases at the cutting edge.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Making a positive impact to my clients’ lives. It's a privilege to help clients through difficult circumstances.
What inspired you to get into law?
I wanted to become a solicitor because I wanted a career that was interesting, varied, and allowed me to give something back to society. I particularly enjoyed supporting individuals so I knew I wanted to advise people, rather than companies.
What do you do away from the office?
I love the outdoors. I'm a passionate hiker, having completed some long distance walks such as the Coast to Coast. I'm involved in climbing and bouldering. I have tried my hand at kayaking.
Testimonials
"[I] wanted me to extend .... [my] heartfelt thanks and gratitude for all of ... Dominic’s work and support... there was no more that you could have done. The advice was clear and you went out of your way to ensure it was the best experience it could have been." - Client DR April 2025
"We would definitely recommend Irwin Mitchell Solicitors very highly. My partner was diagnosed with Asbestosis last year. Everything was dealt with in a courteous and friendly manner. Everything was explained in a way that we could understand, and was kept in touch with every step of the way. They have now finalised and won our case." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Our case was handled by Dominic Riley who was attentive, thoughtful and considerate at a very difficult time. Information relating to our case was presented in a concise way without the complexities of legal jargon and without condescension! We always felt that we could ask any question at any time and nothing was too much trouble. Excellent legal service. Highly recommended." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I would highly recommend Irwin Mitchell Solicitors. The Solicitor we dealt with (Dominic Riley) was very professional and courteous, explained everything thoroughly, listened and answered any questions no matter how trivial they may have seemed. We felt very confident in his guidance and advice. As this was during the period of 'lockdown', communication was via email and telephone and it was exceptionally prompt; emails were answered straight away and telephone appointments were always on time. Thank you for making this a positive experience."- 5* Trustpilot review
"I'd definitely recommend Irwin Mitchell. The solicitor, Dominic Riley was both professional and understanding. Everything was always explained clearly and he always kept us well informed. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him. Exceptional service."- 5* Trustpilot review
"Dominic Riley took over my late father's case from a colleague when it seemed it was possibly a lost cause. He worked extremely hard and tirelessly and negotiated a satisfactory conclusion. He was always honest and open, never raising false hopes but offering advice and support. Dominic was always available and easy to talk to. We would not hesitate to recommend Irwin Mitchell in view of our experience with Dominic." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I would highly recommend Irwin Mitchell Solicitors. Dominic was very professional and courteous, explained everything thoroughly, listened and answered any questions no matter how trivial they may have seemed. We felt very confident in his guidance and advice. As this was during the period of 'lockdown', communication was via email and telephone and it was exceptionally prompt; emails were answered straight away and telephone appointments were always on time. Thank you for making this a positive experience." - 5* Trustpilot review
"We engaged Irwin Mitchell to pursue a claim on behalf of my father-in-law, who tragically died from mesothelioma. At all stages of the process the team demonstrated exceptional skills, experience, professionalism and empathy. I would strongly recommend Irwin Mitchell to anyone who is thinking of pursuing a compensation claim for Mesothelioma or any other occupational illness and injury." –Client
"Dominic Riley from Irwin Mitchell recently finished my father's case, he handled it with great care and attention, very informative and easy to understand. I was constantly kept informed throughout the process, he foresaw each problem before it arrived and remained on the ball, but still careful and compassionate. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I used Dominic at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors to pursue my case. Dominic was extremely helpful and very informative throughout the whole process, in what was a complicated and very time consuming case. I would highly recommend Dominic to anyone wishing to pursue a claim of this type." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Our case was handled by Dominic Riley who was attentive, thoughtful and considerate at a very difficult time. Information relating to our case was presented in a concise way without the complexities of legal jargon and without condescension! We always felt that we could ask any question at any time and nothing was too much trouble. Excellent legal service. Highly recommended." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I would highly recommend Irwin Mitchell Solicitors. The Solicitor we dealt with (Dominic Riley) was very professional and courteous, explained everything thoroughly, listened and answered any questions no matter how trivial they may have seemed. We felt very confident in his guidance and advice. As this was during the period of ’lockdown’, communication was via email and telephone and it was exceptionally prompt; emails were answered straight away and telephone appointments were always on time. Thank you for making this a positive experience." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I’d definitely recommend Irwin Mitchell. The solicitor, Dominic Riley was both professional and understanding. Everything was always explained clearly and he always kept us well informed. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him. Exceptional service." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I would like to thank Dominic for a great job well done in helping me sort out my claim for asbestos in my lungs he was very professional and kept us informed all the way through he was like a family member and put me at ease I will highly recommend him to anyone.” - Client
"If I was a boxer, I would want you in my corner every time." – KS, client
"Dom was just fantastic. I can’t thank him enough… I was so confused before I spoke to him and he made it easy for me to understand.” – GS, client
"The way Dom explained the process and what’s involved made it so much easier to understand what was happening. He did such a great job at explaining things to me… it put all our worries at ease. He was so professional but yet so friendly." – RS, client
