Forbes Solicitors

Commercial - Divisional Lead

Since September 2024 Emma has become the Divisional Lead for the Commercial Division. As Divisional Lead she is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the commercial legal services, business development, and operational management within the Commercial Division working closely with the Commercial Heads of Department and their teams in corporate, commercial, commercial litigation, property litigation, commercial property, commercial employment, insolvency and debt recovery. Forbes Divisional approach aims to bring greater expertise to our services, further strategic growth and enhanced collaboration across the Divisions all whilst ensuring that we continue to meet and exceed our clients' expectations.

Emma has maintained key client relationships on behalf of the team and the firm as a whole, being responsible for delivering the Division’s key client programme.

Emma was nominated to sit on the British Chambers of Commercial National Policy Committee for Employment by the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. The committee works to provide feedback and guidance to the Government on both current employment law legislation and proposed legislation. This work has been especially important since the change of Government and the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill with regular consultations taking place from prior to the election on the Labour party’s proposals and remain ongoing, with representations being made on the impact of proposed changes and feeding back on the views of Chamber members. The committee includes individuals from industry, HR, recruitment, and a business immigration solicitor.

Emma is also recognised and actively sought after as a speaker in the Northwest on employment and HR matters. She has regularly spoken at events hosted by CIPD, ACAS and with other partner organisations. During the pandemic she regularly spoke on BBC Radio and quoted in national newspapers (both in print and online).

Emma was also asked by The Right Honourable Jack Straw to become a Trustee of Blackburn Youth Zone (BYZ), having provided pro bono assistance and guidance to both the BYZ Board and its business patrons for many years and particularly during the pandemic. As part of her role as Trustee she is responsible for the legal obligations on the BYZ and also sits on its Business Development and People committees.

Emma takes a dynamic and pragmatic approach to finding workable commercial solutions for clients. She is highly driven and valued by clients not only as an employment lawyer, but also as a business adviser who is accessible and attentive.

She has considerable experience and expertise throughout employment law practice, including:

• Engaging with clients at a strategic level advising on employment aspects of restructures, transfers, mergers and acquisitions;
• Advising on TUPE, with particular expertise in service provision changes;
• Highly experienced advocacy in Employment Tribunal cases, appearing in tribunals throughout England, Wales and Scotland;
• Managing day-to-day HR issues, particularly involving discrimination; and
• Providing practical and strategic training to business owners, directors, management, and HR teams.