The Legal 500

Forbes Solicitors is one of the leading law firms in the North West, known for its strong commercial and private client expertise. With dedicated teams across the firm, each focusing on specific areas of the law, it offers expert advice in a relaxed and friendly environment.

The firm: The practice has a progressive approach to commercial matters and believes that the combination of expertise, straightforward advice and cost-effective service has ensured clients return and recommend the service to others.

The firm’s client base includes large local and national companies, including a number of PLCs, as well as smaller businesses, leading insurers, housing associations, charities, local authorities, housing developers and many OMBs.

Each business client’s case is handled by a large, dedicated team of specialists led by a partner. The team works closely with the client to clearly understand their business objectives and to keep things as straightforward as possible whilst ensuring the needs of the business are put first.

Forbes Solicitors was named corporate law firm of the year at the Insider Lancashire Dealmaker Awards in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Types of work undertaken: Activities carried out by the commercial department include all types of property transaction such as sales, acquisitions, leasing and development. All types of commercial agreement are dealt with by the department, including joint ventures and acquisitions.

Assistance with terms of trading is given in negotiations and contracts. Acquisitions and disposals of shares are undertaken and advice is provided on environmental issues, including obligations and penalties.

A specialist employment team deals with all key areas, including contracts and service agreements, grievance and disciplinary procedures, restrictive covenants, redundancy, employment tribunals, race relations, sex discrimination, disability, contracting-out services and health and safety.

Experience is offered in a range of dispute resolution matters, including contract disputes, employers’ and public liability, health and safety at work, construction law, property, including landlord and tenant, boundaries and rights of way, and emergency procedures such as injunctions. The head of the department is an accredited mediator.

Insurance litigation on behalf of defendants is a notable specialism of the firm. A close working relationship has been forged with a number of major composite insurer clients, claims management operations, liability loss adjusters, local authorities and housing associations to achieve a proactive and cost-effective approach to the resolution of cases.

The insurance department offers specialism in key areas, including severe brain injury cases, catastrophic personal injury claims and rehabilitation, industrial disease and occupational stress.

Private client services include advice from experts on areas such as family, wills, probate and trusts, financial services, domestic conveyancing, clinical negligence, personal injury and crime.

Forbes is committed to maintaining its high standards of client care, service and expertise. With a strong belief in teamwork it challenges the traditional concept of solicitor/client relationships to create a seamless service.

Other offices: Blackburn (3), Preston, Chorley, Accrington (2), Leeds, Manchester

Breakdown of work %
Company/commercial 30
Insurance litigation 30
Private client 40

Number of UK Partners 33

Number of other UK fee-earners 164