Clients have ‘nothing but praise’ for the personal injury group at Forbes Solicitors, which has strong capabilities in handling the full scope of complex PI cases; the team spans Central Lancashire and Manchester. Its expertise includes defending sports associations and construction and housing groups in complex and catastrophic injury claims of significant value, which is a specialist area of the ’brilliant’ litigator Ridwaan Omar. Further, it assists public sector and sporting clients in abuse cases of the utmost sensitivity and is also well-equipped to handle fundamental dishonesty fraud cases. Anti-fraud is a focus area of Chris Booth, who represents local authorities in such cases. The remit of disease, motor, and highway casualty-related cases also fall under the team’s areas of specialism. Kella Bowers and Natalie Argent stand-out for their child abuse and sexual exploitation cases, as does Alastair Gillespie, who is vastly experienced in handling complex abuse and neglect matters. Omar, Booth, Bowers and Gillespie helm the practice alongside Elizabeth Bower, Claire Opacic, and occupational disease expert Nicola Dawn. Jonathan Clay is also a key practitioner. Paul Geldard retired in May 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team are great as a whole. I would give a nod to Claire Opacic who could not do any more for you when you have a query.'
- ‘The team seem more like a family. They are approachable, down-to-earth and always keen to provide advice and support. Their responses are fast and well-researched. They are precisely what we want from our lawyers.’
Key clients
- Co-operative Group Ltd
- Galliford Try Plc
Work highlights
Advised the client on an inquest and civil proceedings arising out of the death of a competitor in a white-collar boxing event.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Chris Booth
Kella Bowers
Practice head
Chris Booth; Kella Bowers; Elizabeth Bower; Alastair Gillespie; Ridwaan Omar; Claire Opacic; Nicola Dawn
Other key lawyers
Andrew Ellis; Alastair Gillespie; Jonathan Clay; Chris Threlkeld; Amy Jackson; John Myles; Katie Fox; David Mayor; Natalie Argent; Louise Goss