Nicky Howe

Get to know Nicky

I qualified as a lawyer in 2007 via 'The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives' (CILEx) and I am currently working in the London office as an associate.

The area of law I qualified in was asbestos related disease ranging from mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural thickening cases. I have worked solely in this field for 14 years. I also work closely with a range of charities that support people and theirfamilies affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos conditions.

I have a keen interest in attending educational seminars and medical conferences about asbestos related and workplace disease, so that I am always up to date in this field. I have also previously been involved in campaigning against the exportation of asbestos to third world countries.

Career highlights

One of my career highlights has been assisting two senior lawyers in a High Court action that went to the Court of Appeal and became a landmark case. An 87-year-old man had developed asbestosis, to which one of his employers had contributed 2.3% of asbestos exposure. Although the exposure was small, it was not de minimis and the court held that the claimant was worse off as a result of the 2.3% exposure. The case was interesting and attending the Court of Appeal has been a big learning curve.

The extra mile

I work closely with charities who offer support and advice to victims of asbestos disease and their families. I am a Trustee and Secretary of the Mavis NYE Foundation. I am honoured to work with Mavis Nye who was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in 2009 and continues to survive and inspire others.

I am also a member of the Association of personal injury lawyers (APIL) and CILEx.