Neil has extensive experience in insurance litigation in both the County Courts and High Court in Northern Ireland. He advises insurance companies, public bodies and private individuals on a wide range of issues including motor, public, employers’ and product liability.  Neil is dual qualified and also represents his insurance clients in the District, Circuit and High Court in R.O.I.

As a member of the Tughans Fraud Department he has successfully defended motor insurers in cases of alleged fraud. Has successfully represented insurance clients in cases involving credit hire. He has a specialist interest in claims which arise out of accidents in other jurisdictions and is currently handling a number of high profile cases for foreign insurance companies.

“a very knowledgeable, polite and respectful lawyer.” Chambers UK 2019

Neil Smyth is a “straight-shooting solicitorwho will “act in clients’ best interests.” Chambers UK 2017

“Very detailed,” “proficient” and “personable.” Chambers UK 2016

  • Has recently acted on behalf of an insurer in a claim arising out of a road traffic accident where the final settlement figure inclusive of costs surpassed £1 million.
  • Has successfully represented insurers in high value claims in the Commercial Court.
  • Has experience of conducting cases in the Magistrates Court and County Court without the assistance of Counsel. Has also acted without Counsel on behalf of the MIB at inquests in the Coroners Court.
  • Has participated in seminars for insurance clients on a range of issues including N.I. and R.o.I. procedural handling and case management and has also provided training for clients on these issues.
  • Has drafted interlocutory proceedings in both the High Court and County Courts and regularly appears before the High Court Masters and Judges without Counsel.
  • Has acted in the defence in a number of public and employers' liability claims on behalf of a public housing association. A number of these cases involved the application of the defence available in accordance with Brady v. Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
  • Has advised insurers on policy indemnity and has represented their interests were policy cover has been denied. A recent example includes the dismissal of a case on the basis that the Court was not satisfied that the accident occurred as alleged.
  • Has been involved in settlements were the Plaintiff accept large compromises in cases involving the MIB were Clause 6 Defences could be raised.