Bally Atwal
Partner
Practice areas
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What I do
I’m a Partner in the Dispute Resolution department specialising in general commercial and property related litigation.
I also head up the Aviation department at Smith Partnership, who deal with all aspects of aviation liability claims for and on behalf of domestic and international airlines, as well as their insurers. Matters handled by the department include the defence of passenger claims brought under the Montreal Convention 1999 in respect of personal injury and associated claims and EC Regulation 261/2004 in respect of delay/cancelled flights.
Case highlights in the last 12 months include the negotiated settlement of a claim brought by a passenger who claimed a fall and the consequent injuries, which he suffered whilst disembarking the airline client’s flight, preventing him from returning to his career as an international model. The claim was valued by the claimant’s legal team in excess of £7 million, this being the sum claimed on the court documents made up of a substantial claim for loss of earnings. With the assistance of medical and employment experts, to undermine the claimant’s expert evidence, the claim recently settled with claimant accepting a Part 36 offer of £250,000 out of time, resulting in the airline client being entitled to have its costs from the date the Part 36 offer expired, met by the claimant.
What I bring to the team
A sense of purpose… failing that, fees.
Key interests
Away from work, I enjoy spending time with the family.
Armchair football fan - weak arches and a lack of ability putting paid to any aspirations of a career as a professional footballer.
Gym, yoga and fair golfer.
Testimonials
Bally - Thank You for all your hard work getting this matter resolved. You have truly been a rock in this whole process.
Client, Sports
Dear Bally, please may I take this opportunity to thank you for all your advice and actions bringing this case to closure. This has been a long and most difficult time for me, and to know that you have the utmost confidence in your solicitor has made it all so much better for me. I would have no hesitance in recommending you to any of my friends, should they have to go through a similar ordeal, thank you again.
Client, Dispute Resolution
Thank you very much for your assistance in this case. It was quite a challenge from time to time, but I have really appreciated your efforts, patience, kindness and expertise!
Client, Aviation
Couldn't recommend Bally Atwal enough! Very knowledgeable and informative throughout, contact was brilliant and I'm very grateful for his assistance. Efficient, friendly and very easy to work with. I used Smith Partnership for several issues that needed guidance and all were dealt with compassion and understanding.
Client, Dispute Resolution - Trust Pilot
We used Bally at Smith Partnership for a dispute resolution manner and he was extremely knowledgable, fair and thorough in all his advice and service the entire way through. I can’t recommend him and the partnership enough. He made a very stressful and emotional scenario as pain free as it could be. Thank you!
Client, Dispute Resolution - Trust Pilot
Bally was recommended to me to deal with a property contract issue. Bally was professional, knowledgable and had a very friendly approach. I'll be using Smith Partnership for any future legal advice and would have no hesitation in recommending Bally.
Client, Dispute Resolution - Trust Pilot
Bally is very informative and helpful to answer my questions. I had a one phone call and I am very satisfied with the customer service and respect. I would have reached out them bit earlier if I know about their services.
Client, Dispute Resolution - Google
I used Bally and Beth at Smith Partnership to deal with a former client of mine who was trying to false sue me for a job I had done. Their tremendous work paid off dividends and I would highly recommend them both for their work on my behalf from start to finish. Very happy.
Client, Dispute Resolution - Trust Pilot
Bally Atwal is the stand-out person. Charming but with inner toughness, always thinking strategically and how best to serve the client’s interests, whether that means fighting or settling.
Client, Aviation
My wife and I found ourselves in dispute with a town council and in need of a good dispute resolution solicitor. We came to Smith Partnership (Derby) after a bad experience with a previous solicitors practice based in London. We have found Smith Partnership to be professional, prompt and pragmatic throughout the process.
Whilst the council tried to frustrate the process throughout, Smith Partnership took it all in their stride and advised us accordingly, such that we achieved all of our objectives. This was a case where the little man (i.e. us) were able to hold the public authority (i.e. the council) to account which was only possible with Smith Partnerships sound advice, guidance and much patience.
We would not hesitate to use Smith Partnership again and we cannot recommend the practice highly enough. Special mention should be made of Bally Atwal our dispute resolution solicitor - service is impeccable, prompt and moved the case along with each correspondence.
Client, Dispute Resolution - Trust Pilot
