Forbes Solicitors expands employment team with new partner

Jennifer Smith joins Forbes from JMW Solicitors and will be responsible for supporting clients nationwide as well as spearheading the firm’s Manchester growth as it continues to expand its employment practice as part of its overall corporate and commercial offer. 

Jennifer will be based in Forbes’ Manchester office and will work closely with the wider employment team, as well as the firm’s other specialisms across its network of 11 offices. Forbes advises many of the UK’s ambitious growth companies and supports international clients on a range of legal matters. The firm is also a member of LawPact® - the international association of independent business law firms – which underpins its global reach.

Jonathan Holden, partner and national head of employment at Forbes Solicitors, comments: “The world of work has changed forever over the past 18 months and with this, organisations are facing a wide range of employment challenges.  As companies continue to adapt, we are well placed to provide the guidance they need to look after their people and thrive in a post-pandemic world. Jennifer joining the team will support our continued commitment to working in partnership with clients to realise the opportunities of these changing times.”

With more than 12 years’ employment law experience, spanning both contentious and non-contentious employment issues, Jennifer is a previous recipient of the Business Insider Young Lawyer of the Year award and was listed as a name to note in 2020 by the Legal500 and a Next Generation Partner. In addition to her day job, Jennifer is a previous president of JCI Manchester – a voluntary organisation that helps the development of young professionals and entrepreneurs and has been heavily involved in Pro-Manchester, the largest business development organisation in the North West for a number of years, including chairing the Retail & E-commerce committee. 

Jennifer added: “At a time of considerable change in the market, the opportunities for businesses across the region are significant. The team at Forbes is in tune with what clients are looking for in a legal adviser and I am extremely excited about the future direction of the business. This was a genuinely appealing and exciting chance to join a dynamic, entrepreneurial firm – one with a strong reputation and compelling, approachable culture.”

Oliver Burton, CEO of Forbes Solicitors, added: “We’re continuing to expand in all areas of our business and attracting the region’s best legal talent, as we have done by hiring Jennifer, is key to this. Jen brings a strong network and will add significant value to our team. What separates Forbes is our collective way of thinking that prioritises problem-solving, no matter what the legal challenge is. This is driving client satisfaction and creating a solid foundation for growth.”