Forbes Solicitors strengthens Manchester offer with new hires

Forbes Solicitors has made a trio of appointments in its employment team as the firm continues to grow its presence in the Manchester market.  

The new hires will be based in Forbes’ Manchester office and will work closely with the firm’s 23 strong employment law team, as well as the firm’s other specialisms across its network of 11 Northern offices. They will handle a wide variety of contentious and non-contentious employment work, advising clients on a variety of employment issues, including complex restructures and day to day disciplinary, performance and capability issues. 

Laura McHugh joins as partner from Eversheds where she specialised in advising education sector clients on contentious and non-contentious matters. Jo Handler is a senior associate who joins the team from Brabners. She provides strategic advice to clients on complex employment issues, including corporate transactions and executive exits. Richard Kay also joins as a senior associate from DAC Beachcroft and specialises in acting on corporate matters and transactions, providing support and guidance on complex TUPE and contractual employment issues, with a strong commercial approach. 

Jonathan Holden, partner and national head of employment at Forbes Solicitors, said:  

“Our people and culture have been key to our success to date and will continue to be, so we’re pleased to announce three stellar new hires as we continue with our commitment to attract the best talent into all areas of the business and drive our growth across the North West.”  

This expansion follows the appointment of Jennifer Smith who joined last July and is spearheading the firm’s Manchester growth, as it continues to expand its employment practice in response to demand. 

Jennifer Smith, employment partner added: “Employers are continuing to face a wide range of pressures as they navigate the long-term impacts of the pandemic and an increasingly complex world of work. Our own team has expanded on the back of the growth of our ambitious client base and the resilience of those leading their sectors. It’s fantastic to be growing the team to be able to support the Manchester business community even further.” 

Laura McHugh, employment partner added: “It was important to me to join a firm whose positive close-knit culture complements its ambitious growth plans, and which has the ability to live up to those goals. Forbes Solicitors works with some excellent clients, especially within the education sector, and there is still significant opportunity to develop this further.”