The team at Forbes Solicitors, which incorporated the practice at e3 employment law LLP in early 2026, is well equipped to handle complex employment work, ranging from employee relations reforms to severance issues, for corporate and high-net-worth individual clients in both domestic and cross-jurisdictional contexts, and also handles cases relating to the education, housing and local authority sectors. Jonathan Holden works across Central Lancashire, Manchester, Leeds and London and specialises in advising public sector and educational institution clients. Manchester and Central Lancashire-based Jennifer Smith is well-regarded for her ‘deep understanding of EDI and sexual harassment’. The pair co-lead alongside the ’outstanding’ Central Lancashire-based Ruth Rule-Mullen. Emma Swan is a name to note at the same office. From the recruited group, Simon Ost is based in Liverpool and handles sensitive whistleblowing and discrimination cases on a regular basis. In Manchester, Dan Bickerstaffe has expertise handling both contentious and non-contentious cases, with particular capabilities in large-scale restructuring and change projects, and in advising on TUPE issues. At the same office, Nick Jones is noted for his ‘exceptional knowledge’ of employment law; his practice includes assisting with board-level team changes, restructurings, severance and contractual disputes, among other issues. The three are the triumvirate at the helm of the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘They offer an overall evaluation of the situation and give best advice towards reaching the desired outcome. They don't use legal jargon and relay advice in practical layman's terms.’
- ‘The employment team at Forbes is more like an extension of your HR team. What I appreciate most is their proactive approach – they take the time to thoroughly understand our business, offering tailored solutions that are both practical and forward-thinking.’
- ‘Jennifer Smith has the ability to always seem available and ready to help whenever you need her. Although she is very busy, nothing is ever too much trouble.’
- ‘Laura McHugh and Ruth Rule-Mullen are both outstanding, providing advice and guidance in a timely manner to mitigate risk and protect the reputation of our business. Advice is straightforward, understandable, using recent and relevant knowledge and experience of the sector.’
- ‘Everyone is extremely personable and down-to-earth. They offer pragmatic commercial solutions to legal dilemmas and really take the time to understand your business and the issues you face. It has been a pleasure working with them.’
- ‘Jennifer Smith demonstrated a deep understanding of EDI and sexual harassment and tailored the content provided to fit the needs of our business, to ensure that it was as impactful as possible. She skilfully navigated complex topics, offering real-world examples that resonated with all involved.’
Key clients
- The Riverside Group
- BASF plc
- Elior UK plc
- On The Beach Group plc
- Perspex International Limited
- Culina Group
- Mitsubishi Chemical UK Limited
- WEPA UK Limited
- Leonard Curtis UK Limited
- Conductix-Wampfler
Work highlights
Defending an international engineering business against multi-faceted allegations covering a wide range of Employment Tribunal claims.
Advising a major UK employer on its approach to trade union recognition and engagement in the changing UK landscape following the reforms introduced in the Employment Bill.
Advising a cross-border team of HR and business executives from a global services business on a cross-border severance.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Simon Ost; Dan Bickerstaffe; Nick Jones; Jonathan Holden; Jennifer Smith; Ruth Rule-Mullen
Other key lawyers
Emma Swan; Laura McHugh; Jo Handler