The association was founded in 1990 by a group of barristers and solicitors who wished to improve the services provided for victims of negligence.

[1] Its four founders are Rodger Pannone,[2] Michael Napier CBE,[3] John Melville Williams QC,[4] and Simon Walton.

[5][6] APIL runs an accreditation scheme which assesses personal injury lawyers according to their expertise and experience.

All APIL members are bound to abide by a code of conduct and consumer charter.

APIL holds regular meetings with Government ministers, MPs, civil servants and opinion formers on campaigns for reform in the law,[7] including: APIL's vision is for a society without needless injury, but when people are injured they receive the justice they need to rebuild their lives.