Forbes Solicitors‘ Central Lancashire-based team has a particular specialism in social housing and care-related health and safety issues and in assisting with related investigations. The team also has experience assisting clients in matters with cross-jurisdictional elements where an accident has occurred abroad, for example. The team is co-led by the ’incredibly knowledgeable’ Kella Bowers. Bowers leads alongside Ridwaan Omar, who has experience handling complex inquest cases, and Preston’s Carrie Gilgun. Stephen Barnfield joined from Hill Dickinson LLP in February 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘A very personal approach, detailed and careful communication and no jargon, ensuring that a non-legal person fully understands the approach to be taken. Full support throughout the claim or process and feedback provided on a personal level.’
- ‘Very close relationships within the firm which allows individuals to go the extra mile and make use of a colleague's expertise if they see such an opportunity.’
Work highlights
Represented a green energy company in HSE prosecution following an alleged breach of working at height regulations.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Kella Bowers; Ridwaan Omar; Carrie Gilgun
Other key lawyers
Stephen Barnfield