The first death caused by inhaling asbestos at work was reported to Parliament in 1906. A century later, 1,800 new cases of mesothelioma - the lung cancer caused by asbestos - are still diagnosed annually. And the rate is rising toward a peak of at least 2,100 new cases a year.

Andrew Stinchcombe deals with the human legacy of asbestos, a substance banned only in 1999. He often performs feats of painstaking detection on behalf of clients stricken by an asbestos illness, tracing former employers and consulting medical experts to bring a compelling case for compensation.

"I've developed expertise in industrial disease cases, especially asbestos-related disease, and industrial deafness," Andrew said. "I get results for members of the public by adopting a professional, focused approach. And I like to be involved in cases that will break new legal ground and pave the way for future claimants."

Andrew, who holds a diploma in advanced litigation from Nottingham Law School, is a joint team leader at the Bond Pearce Plymouth Office.

He is a keen pianist who enjoys re-living his childhood through a Playstation 2, and takes pleasure in sampling his wine collection.

Andrew's accident at work experience