Leading South East firm Lewis Denley has announced further expansion continuing on from the growth seen in 2020, with the launch of its new family law department, headed by experienced family specialist Marwa Hadi-Barnes.

A family law specialist with more than 14 years’ experience, Marwa Hadi-Barnes joins Lewis Denley’s head office in Horsham from a regional, top 100 local firm where she had spent the past 7 years.

The newly formed family law offering will see Lewis Denley advise clients on all aspects of family law, including divorce, financial and children matters. Marwa also brings a unique specialism in the area of “police divorce”, dealing with occupational pension pots of in excess of £1 million.

Despite the impact Covid-19 has had on many industries, Lewis Denley has enjoyed a period of sustained growth throughout 2020, including the ongoing strong performance of its residential and commercial property teams. The launch of the new family service is a complimentary service for the firm’s existing client base which spans Sussex, London and across the South East.

Natasha Lewis, Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to be beginning 2021 with not only the news of further growth of our team, but also the launch of a new service that we have been planning to launch for some time. Marwa’s reputation and experience is second to none and we are thrilled to have attracted a lawyer of her calibre. Family law work requires the very best of emotional and technical lawyering abilities, and these are qualities that Marwa will be bringing to the team”.

Lewis Denley’s family offering is consistent with the values of Resolution, a national organisation of family lawyers committed to a constructive and non-confrontational approach to family law matters.  However, Marwa’s arrival also brings a strength in litigation and clients of the family department are assured that the team are fierce in achieving the best outcome for clients in Court.

Marwa, who has been recognised as a leading expert by independent legal directories the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, said:

“It has been a longstanding ambition of mine to be part of something from the ground-up and joining Lewis Denley as they launch their family department is the perfect opportunity for me to help shape this from the start. Having worked in the Horsham market for many years, I understand what clients are looking for and I’m passionate that we have something different to offer. I am looking forward to working with the team, supporting Lewis Denley’s existing and new clients, as well as collaborating with my family law peers in the local community to help achieve the best outcome for individuals and their families”.

Marwa joins Lewis Denley’s Horsham office on 1st February 2021.