Biography
I head a team within Irwin Mitchell's International Travel Litigation Group.
I act for clients who have been injured in accidents whilst they are travelling or working abroad or for foreign nationals who have accidents in the UK. Many of the clients who I have acted for have sustained serious and, in some case, life altering injuries in all kinds of accidents, including coach crashes, other road traffic accidents, accidents at hotels and accidents at work.
I also act for groups of clients who sustain illness abroad following holidays at hotels or onboard cruise ships. These cases can involve salmonella, e-coli, cryptosporidium and campylobacter infection as well as other serious conditions, including Legionnaires Disease. I have acted for groups of up to 1000 clients who have contracted illness at hotels abroad.
Testimonials
"Philip Banks is an established stellar presence with a calm gravitas that impresses and reassures lay clients and strikes fear in to the heart of opponents. He has seen it all, he has done it all and is as at home before the Supreme Court (and Court of Justice in Luxembourg) as he is in the High Court."
"Philip Banks has super legal skills and he has the experience to deal with the most complex matters"
"Philip Banks has huge experience in dealing with accidents abroad" - Legal 500 2024 (Ranked: Leading Individual)
"Standing by us through thick and thin, constantly guiding us through the trauma and difficulties we experienced. Even after we arrived back in England their support was outstanding. I could not have managed without their expertise and advice. We would like to thank Philip Banks (Director) and Simon O'Loughlin for steering us through the morass of difficulty. Thoroughly recommend this Company for incredible service and an excellent result. " - 5* Trustpilot review
"Philip Banks is a brilliant lawyer with unmatched experience. He is enormously popular with clients. He has an excellent bedside manner and great judgement." - Legal 500, 2023
"I cannot praise Irwin Mitchell highly enough - they have been part of my life for a period of almost 4 years and, although I am extremely pleased that my case is now successfully completed, I will miss having contact with this outstanding group of people. Everyone has been understanding and caring and has treated me with such regard and respect whilst dealing with all the procedures and complications in an impressive and efficient manner - so very professional but so human at the same time... I hope I never have reason to need a personal injury Solicitor again but if I do it would be Irwin Mitchell I would contact again without any hesitation." - 5* Trustpilot review
"For almost six years Chrissie Wolfe and Philip Banks (Irwin Michell) represented my case. From time to time it was very stressful, because this case included my future, my whole life and during the case you don't know how it will work out. Plus there was a literal distance, because I live in The Netherlands.
"Chrissie and Philip did a great job. The outcome could not have been better. I am very happy they represented me and if I had to do it all over again, I would choose them again as my solicitors." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Philip is a great problem solver and is able to get good results in circumstances where others wouldn't." - Chambers & Partners 2022 (Leading Individual - band 1)
"Philip Banks is extremely experienced and, as with his team generally, he adopts a pragmatic and sensible approach" - Legal 500, 2022 (Leading Individual)
Philip Banks is a "hugely experienced lawyer who is very calm under pressure and knows his stuff." - Chambers & Partners, 2021 (Leading Individual - Band 1)
Philip Banks is "on the top of the game, a dedicated tenacious lawyer who always gets the best for his clients." - Legal 500, 2021 (Leading Individual)
"He has an amazing manner with clients and knows all one needs to know about international accidents." – Chambers & Partners, 2020
"Phil Banks has great experience of dealing with complex cross border claims." – Legal 500, 2020
"Go-getter attitude" and "encyclopaedic knowledge of the area." – Chambers & Partners, 2019
"Calm, very knowledgeable and fearless’ – Legal 500, 2018/19
Interviewees note that he has massive experience and is brilliant with clients. – Chambers & Partners, 2018
An "experienced, measured and calm solicitor who is never rattled." – Chambers & Partners, 2017
A "very experience cross-border litigator" who has a "calm and wise head, even in the most complex cases" – Legal 500, 2017
"The thing that sums him up most is that, even with very aggressive opponents, he maintains a complete calm under fire." – Chambers & Partners 2014
Is "seldom shaken, never stirred" – Legal 500 2016
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
I became a personal injury lawyer as I wanted to fight on behalf of those injured and help them take actions against large corporations and insurance companies to put their lives back together.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
The most rewarding part of my role is definitely working together with an injured client to try and achieve the best results possible for them to put their lives back on track.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
I very much value the support and expertise that is available from an exceptional group of lawyers who work extremely hard to achieve outstanding results for clients.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I love most sports, particularly football, cricket and rugby. I like to read widely and listen to a whole range of music. I also very much like to travel, having been lucky enough to spend long periods abroad.
At the moment my activities have been curtailed by my young family but I wouldn't have it any other way!
