Irwin Mitchell has paid tribute to its group chief executive officer Andrew Tucker, who has passed away following an unexpected illness. 

The firm said it was “incredibly saddened” to announce that Tucker had passed away on 16 August. He had been with Irwin Mitchell for nearly 40 years, having joined the firm in 1985 and becoming a partner in 1988. 

Respected as a skilled personal injury litigator and well regarded by both defendant and claimant lawyers, Tucker worked on many high-profile cases over the course of his career, including the Kegworth air crash, CJD and the coal miners’ vibration white finger and chest illness cases.   

He became Irwin Mitchell’s CEO in 2014 after leading the firm’s personal injury department and serving as chief executive of its personal legal services division. 

During his time at the helm Tucker oversaw the Sheffield-based firm’s expansion through a number of mergers with smaller firms, including Mayfair boutique Berkeley Law in 2014 and the next year with Thomas Eggar, moves that created one of the UK’s top private client offerings. 

Tucker also oversaw significant revenue growth, with group turnover reaching £276.4m in the year to 30 April, up from £210.6m in 2015 the year after he took over. 

Back in 2021 the firm reportedly considered floating on the London Stock Exchange and was in talks with advisers about potential external investment, before deciding against such a move. 

Glyn Barker, chair of the Irwin Mitchell Group, said: “Andrew’s many strengths, including intellect, commerciality and integrity, have ensured that Irwin Mitchell has grown and prospered under his leadership. 

“His legacy is a robust business with a strong culture and widely admired reputation. As well as being a hugely respected leader, Andrew was a much-loved colleague, always with the best interests of colleagues and clients at the forefront of his thinking, and we will miss him hugely.”

He added: “We’re working to support Andrew’s family at this very sad and difficult time and request that their privacy is respected.”