Ruth Rule-Mullen
Forbes SolicitorsForbes Solicitors assists FE colleges, multi-academy trusts, academies, maintained schools, and independent schools on the full range of issues impacting educational establishments. Jonathan Holden is the national head of the department and has particular experience in advising educational institutions and public sector clients; he is also an expert in the Local Government Pension Scheme. Key members of the Lancashire-based team are Ruth Rule-Mullen, who specialises in employment law; Gemma Duxbury, who handles the creation of academy trusts; Catherine Kennedy, who is the key contact for property matters in relation to education; and Stephen McArdle, who supports clients in litigation. In Manchester, Laura McHugh is a key contact for public sector clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘What sets Ruth Rule-Mullen and Forbes Solicitors apart is their comprehensive understanding of both Employment Law and the practical challenges faced by academies and school trusts. Under Ruth's leadership, the education team at Forbes Solicitors demonstrates a commitment to staying ahead of the curve in employment law and education policy developments, ensuring that clients receive accurate and up-to-date advice tailored to their specific needs.’
‘We have the privilege of working closely with Ruth Rule-Mullen who is flexible and offers us unwavering legal and employment support, enabling us to navigate even the most challenging circumstances with resilience and success.’
‘Great team - always on hand to provide advice and support. Informative, knowledgeable and relevant. They make you feel safe in your decision making - but also challenge when appropriate. Will step in for meetings if necessary and will go the extra mile in terms of the relationship we have with them.’
‘The team have a variety of strengths especially with schools converting to academies. Their wide range of expertise makes what can be a fraught experience simpler, and their understanding of the schools and trusts concerns makes them an asset to any conversion process.’
‘Gemma Duxbury is a name that causes me to breath a sigh of relief as she is capable and very intuitive to the schools and trust needs. Her wide breadth of knowledge makes her an asset in any meeting and her willingness to take the time to explain items for non-legal colleagues shows an understanding that not everyone has a legal background and point need to be explained in simpler terms.’
‘Amongst the team, they hold a lot of relevant knowledge and experience. There is always someone who can provide relevant advice and guidance. If the matter goes on for any length of time, the Forbes team cover for each other when there is an absence, which means the matter is not delayed.'
‘The individuals hold a lot of relevant knowledge and experience. Our instructions are always passed to someone with the right background knowledge and skills.’
Key clients
- Bishop Frazer Trust
- Blackburn College
- Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
- Bolton School
- Calday Grange Grammar
- Chaigeley School
- Chesnara PLC
- Chesterfield College
- Cidari
- Community First Academy Trust
- Edapt
- Education Partnership Trust
- Lostock Hall Academy
- New College Durham
- Parbold Douglas
- Penwortham Priory
- Romero Catholic Academy Trust
- True Learning Partnership
- West Kirby School
Work highlights
- Acting for Cidari Multi Academy Trust in defending claims of disability discrimination, unfair dismissal, breach of contract and personal injury, by a Deputy Head Teacher of one the schools within the 10 school trust.
- Assisting Herts for Learning Education, offering legal support for employment matters, contractual queries, procurement support and data protection issues.
- Assisting Bolton School with defending a claim made by a senior member of staff that had been constructively dismissed, along with a claim of whistleblowing.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jonathan Holden