Forbes Solicitors has made three new appointments as the firm looks to grow its northern offering.

The new hires at Forbes’ Manchester office will work alongside the 23-strong employment law team, as well as the firm’s other specialisms across its network of 11 northern offices.

Laura McHugh joins as partner from Eversheds where she specialised in advising education sector clients on contentious and non-contentious matters. Jo Handler leaves Brabners to take on the position of senior associate, providing strategic advice to clients on complex employment issues, including corporate transactions. 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.

The trio 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.

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.”