Praised for being ‘consistently pragmatic, thoughtful and solution-focused’ Forbes Solicitors routinely provides employment, dispute resolution, governance, procurement, contracts, safeguarding and risk management advice. The practice represents a range of further education colleges, multi-academy trusts, schools and independent schools. Jonathan Holden leads the national education practice, while key names in the Northwest include Ruth Rule-Mullen, who is highly experienced in public sector employment including various employment tribunal claims, Laura McHugh, who also handles employment claims and governance matters, whilst Gemma Duxbury advises on regeneration and development schemes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘They are incredibly responsive - they can be out at a conference but will try to accommodate your request to speak to them. Very friendly and personable and provide clear options for us as the client to consider.’
- ‘The speed of response for me is second to none - either the offer of a teams call to discuss or a detailed email response but always very responsive. The practice is thorough and diligent in their work and get to understand the trust they are working with.’
- ‘The solicitors are friendly and professional. They are readily on hand to answer any queries. they speak in plain English - not overly legal jargon.’
- ‘Ridwan Omaar is the main solicitor I deal with. He has been a huge support to the defendants and has kept me informed at all times over several years.’
Key clients
- Bishop Frazer Trust
- Blackburn College
- Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
- Bolton School
- Calday Grange Grammar
- Chaigeley School
- Chesterfield College
- Cidari
- Community First Academy Trust
- Edapt
- Education Partnership Trust
- Lostock Hall Academy
Work highlights
Acting for the lead supervising teacher on an organised school trip to France, who faced involuntary manslaughter charges when a student tragically drowned whilst swimming in a lake.
Instructed to act for Cidari Multi Academy Trust in defending claims brought to employment tribunal by the Deputy Head teacher of one of the schools within the trust, including claims for disability discrimination, unfair dismissal by reason of redundancy, breach of contract and personal injury.
Advised Herts for Learning on a complex matter concerning the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Jonathan Holden
Other key lawyers
Ruth Rule-Mullen; Laura McHugh; Gemma Duxbury; Ridwaan Omar