England - North West • Insurance
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Personal injury: defendant

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Forbes Solicitors

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Spread between the Blackburn, Manchester, and Leeds offices, the ‘first-class’ team at Forbes Solicitors acts for a diverse client list of commercial insureds, sports associations, and national housing builders. Chris Booth heads up the firm’s insurance, anti-fraud, and disease groups, handling a broad range of industrial disease cases and fraudulent claims. Paul Geldard‘s caseload consists of high-value, life-changing personal injury construction claims, while Kella Bowers leads the inquests, social services, and abuse claims practice, with her primary focus being child sexual exploitation and human rights cases. Elizabeth Bower is the firm’s casualty and insurance housing lead, Ridwaan Omar regularly represents local authorities and construction companies, and Andrew Ellis stands out due to his longstanding experience in motor and public sector claims, with a distinctive focus on harassment and bullying issues. Nicola Dawn is a key name for occupational disease claims involving hand arm vibration syndrome and noise induced hearing loss. Lucy Harris left the firm in September 2023, and Jonathan Clay joined the team as a consultant.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The team's excellent communication skills are invaluable in navigating complex legal matters, and their integrity and ethical conduct are beyond reproach. They adhere strictly to professional standards and regulations, earning the trust of our clients and us.’

  • ‘An amazing personal service from Andrew Ellis who goes above and beyond to not only deal with any claims professionally but also in a friendly way. They pick up the phone without fail and talk you through something if necessary, nothing is ever too much trouble.’

  • ‘The team pride themselves on understanding the values of their clients and tailor their approach to support those values. The team are very approachable, very knowledgeable and always think innovatively to provide solutions for clients.’

  • ‘Andrew Ellis deserves special mention and praise. He is readily available, always willing to engage in matters, listen, and advise accordingly in an amicable and easy going manner, yet never with any drop in the quality and legitimacy of advice. Where there is an opportunity to do so, he will take extra steps to explain a particular point or element, which demonstrates, and also imparts his vast knowledge and experience.’

  • ‘A first-class team led by the outstanding Chris Booth.’

  • ‘Chris Booth. Absolutely first-class solicitor. He has his finger on the pulse and leads by example.’

  • ‘Forbes seem to have an excellent, unique skill in explaining complex, legal matters in simple layman's terms. We also feel that they are genuinely very mindful of protecting funds and reputational issues.’

  • ‘The quality of customer care is second to none and I have had a number of successful outcomes because of their expertise and attention to detail. Chris Booth has been invaluable regarding a large claim involving fundamental dishonesty and has anticipated any potential loophole.’

Key clients

  • Co-operative Group Ltd
  • Galliford Try Plc
  • Rochdale Borough Council
  • Sportscover Europe
  • AXA Liabilities Managers
  • Cunningham Lindsay International
  • Zurich Insurance
  • Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
  • Lloyds Syndicate 2525
  • Charles Taylor Adjusters
  • Morgan Sindall Plc
  • Salford Council
  • Gallagher Bassett
  • Broadspire
  • RSA
  • Wigan Council
  • Travelers
  • Guinness Partnership
  • Kepak Group
  • AIG
  • Calico Homes
  • Carlisle Council
  • Conwy Council
  • Cumbria Council
  • Cumbria Fire and Rescue
  • Flintshire Council
  • Gwynedd Council
  • Lancaster City Council
  • Manchester City Council
  • Preston City Council
  • Symphony Housing Group
  • Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
  • Warrington Borough Council
  • Doncaster Council
  • Highways Wales
  • LTE Group/Manchester College
  • Calderdale Council
  • QBE
  • Protector
  • Together Housing
  • Lincolnshire Housing Partnership
  • EMH
  • Stockport
  • Wrexham
  • Salix Housing

Work highlights

  • Represented Tameside MBC in a claim relating to an alleged fall by a cyclist due to uneven highway, and obtained finding of fundamental dishonesty.
  • Acted for Lloyds Syndicate Insurer with regards to a multi-million pound claim for catastrophic injuries sustained by a Steeplejack including severe fractures to both legs and spinopelvic disassociation.
  • Acting for various local authorities in multiple child sexual exploitation claims.

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
Forbes Solicitors
Kella Bowers
Forbes Solicitors

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Chris Booth, Paul Geldard, Kella Bowers, Elizabeth Bower, Ridwaan Omar, Andrew Ellis

Other key lawyers

Nicola Dawn, Jonathan Clay