Shane Smith

Get to know Shane

After studying Law and Criminology at The University of Sheffield, I completed my Legal Practice Course before beginning my legal career and joining Slater and Gordon’s personal injury team in Manchester in 2016. I have recently become a qualified solicitor.

I have a specific specialism in representing bereaved families, investigating fatal accidents and collisions, representing families through inquests and/or public inquiries and acting for clients in serious personal injury cases.

Career highlights

In the wake of both the Grenfell Tower Disaster and Manchester Arena Terrorist Bombing I was instructed by a number of bereaved families to represent them through the Inquest and Public Inquiry. I was quickly appointed as Chair of the Manchester Arena Inquest Steering Committee by Manchester Law Society prior to proceedings being converted to a Public Inquiry.

I regularly support bereaved families in bringing civil claims when their loved one has been tragically killed in a road traffic collision or in an accident in the workplace. I have recently represented a family through an Inquest into a double homicide in Jamaica. It was rewarding to support a client over a few years with her civil claim when she was seriously injured in a collision right through to a successful trial, a particular highlight due to complex liability and causation issues.

It was also a highlight to secure a six figure settlement from the CICA on behalf of a minor who was the victim of a brutal attack which left her with life changing injuries. I also acted on behalf of a family who perished in an horrific arson attack at their family home resulting in multiple deaths.

Recognition

I was extremely proud to have been announced as a finalist for Trainee/Paralegal of the Year Award at the Manchester Legal Awards 2019.

The extra mile

Given my particular expertise in fatal incidents and inquests, I often provide presentations and training to Homicide Services, charities, the Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, police officers and family liaison officers nationally on legal issues and remedies available to those who suffer serious and fatal injuries. Training often includes discussions on the CICA, terrorism, mass disasters and the legal response including coronial investigations and public inquiries. I currently sit on Manchester Law Society’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. I have appeared in both local and national news, tv and radio including an interview on BBC Breakfast TV, alongside featuring on episodes of The Case Files Podcast.