Excello Law grows its North West presence with two new senior appointments

Leading new-model law firm Excello Law has expanded its team in the North West with the appointment of experienced solicitors: Heather Horsewood, a specialist in wills, probate and estate administration; and Darren Barwick, whose expertise spans transactional property matters with a particular emphasis on residential and mixed-use development work and secured lending. Both will work across the firm’s Liverpool, Manchester and Chester offices.

Heather, who qualified as a solicitor in 1995 after training with DWF, brings three decades of experience advising on all aspects of private client work. She has particular expertise in drafting wills, administering estates (including probate and intestacy matters) and delivering bespoke inheritance tax planning.

Throughout her career, Heather has developed a reputation for managing complex and sensitive matters. Her experience includes acting for high-net-worth clients with estates exceeding £1 million, supporting vulnerable individuals, and advising in cases involving dependents who lack capacity to manage their own affairs. She frequently collaborates with trusted financial advisers and other professionals to deliver comprehensive solutions.

Heather said of her decision to join: “Excello offers an exciting, modern, forward-thinking way to offer high-quality legal services, provided by experienced, proven professionals.”

Darren Barwick started his career over 20 years ago at a regional commercial law firm. He is experienced in site acquisition and assembly; purchase and development funding loans acting for developers; site set-up including drafting plot sales contracts, leases and transfers and managing plot sales.

As well as acting for several large developers for many years, Darren also specialises in acting for secured lenders dealing with both bridging finance and development funding.

Darren comments: “Excello has an exceptional reputation in the industry. This move gives me the freedom to concentrate on delivering excellent client service.”

Excello provides an alternative to traditional law firms by allowing lawyers to work as fee-share partners or launch their own branded legal practices with the firm’s support within its House of Brands.

Julie Mogan, North West Regional Director at Excello, welcomed the appointments: “We are delighted to have Heather and Darren join our expanding team in the North West. Their extensive experience, in complex estates and property work respectively, reflect the high calibre of lawyer who chooses Excello. Our unique model empowers senior practitioners to build their practice with true autonomy, supported by our market-leading infrastructure.”

Heather and Darren join the firm during a period of significant expansion. Excello recently announced record financial results, with annual turnover rising to £30.5 million, which equates to a 26.6% year-on-year increase and 170% growth over the past three years.

The firm now has 270 lawyers worldwide, including a rapidly growing presence across the North West with offices in Manchester, Liverpool and Chester. Last year saw the opening of Excello’s first international offices in California and Dubai, alongside a new Belfast base and the launch of eight new House of Brands practices.