Award-winning north west law firm Napthens has appointed two of the region’s most recognised solicitors in family law and private client work, to its Liverpool office.
Matthew Taylor joins as partner and head of family in Liverpool, and will work alongside partner and head of family, Helen Lucking, while Stephen Mackellar joins the wills, trusts and probate team as a senior associate solicitor.
Recognised as a specialist in finances on divorce and cohabitation cases, Matthew is ranked as a leading partner in the Legal 500 and is a prominent media commentator on family law issues, including appearing on the Martin Lewis Money Show Live.
He began his career at boutique London firm Clintons before returning to his native north west to work at Liverpool-based national firm Weightmans, before setting up, building and leading the Liverpool office of Stowe Family Law.
In addition, Stephen joins as specialist in advising high net worth individuals and business owners on wills, inheritance tax, lasting powers of attorney, trusts and the administration of estates.
He is also recognised in the 2026 Legal 500 as a recommended lawyer for personal tax, trusts and probate, and as an associate to watch in the 2025 Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide for Private Wealth Law.
Matthew said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Napthens at a time when the firm is growing considerably across the region.
“I have been incredibly impressed by everyone I have met and have been struck by its rare combination of ambitious future plans and a warm, welcoming culture.
“I am particularly excited to be working alongside Helen, who I have long admired, and am looking forward to getting to know her wonderful team.
“I’m eager to get started and to build a team in Liverpool to help Napthens grow its reach and reputation across the north west, and provide empathetic support to people going through a divorce or separation.”
Stephen said: “Joining Napthens was a really easy decision. It has a fantastic reputation across the north west and I’m really looking forward to being part of the continually growing team in Liverpool.
“I’ll be working alongside new colleagues who I already hold in high regard, and believe the future is very bright for me, the firm and the clients we support.”
Matthew is also a prolific podcaster, appearing on many shows including The Martin Lewis Podcast, The Times’ Feel Better About Money and Resolution’s Talking Family Law.
He is a member of Resolution’s Pension, Tax and Financial Remedies committee, contributing to responses to government on family law reforms and inputting to training for family lawyers in those areas.
Helen said: “Matthew is a fantastic addition to the family law team at Napthens and brings with him a wealth of experience, which will be vital as we grow the Liverpool base and wider family law offering.
“As a new partner to the firm, he will provide strategic help to Napthens as we continue to expand our presence across the region and the support we provide to people going through often challenging situations.
“I’m looking forward to working with Matthew and supporting him as he builds a team in Liverpool. It is definitely in a safe pair of hands.”
Farida Isaji, head of wills, trust and probate at Napthens said: “Stephen is an outstanding solicitor and is a welcome addition to our growing team.
“His presence in our Liverpool office will boost our expansion in the city region and provide our clients with significant experience in frequently sensitive matters.”
Nicola Mason | Head of People and Operations
Nicola Mason is head of people and operations within the people team, based in the firm's Preston office.
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