Richard Horwood

Richard has been with Longmores since 2001, advising individuals and families about their Wills, Trusts and Inheritance Tax planning arrangements. He has headed the Private Client team since 2014, having become a partner in 2008.

Richard believes that listening is one of the most important parts of his job. This allows him to get to know what clients are trying to achieve so he can best advise them on what they actually need to do.

He believes in keeping things simple, knowing that many lawyers will tend to overcomplicate matters for their clients. By tailoring the discussion to each client’s level of understanding and the amount of detail they want to go into, Richard is able to provide assurance that every detail is taken care of, giving clients confidence and peace of mind.

Richard likes the fact that he gets to be there to support people at what can be very difficult points in their lives, such as when they are facing up to their own mortality or dealing with the death of a loved one. He is very proud of the Private Client team he leads and the work they do, taking a personal interest in ensuring that every client who entrusts Longmores with their affairs gets the best possible service.

Career

Richard studied Law (LLB) at the University of Liverpool, then completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice at the University of Law, Chester.

Having completed his training contract at a local law firm in Bishop’s Stortford, Richard joined Longmores as a freshly qualified solicitor in 2001. He has been with us ever since.

Expertise

Richard specialises in:

• Inheritance Tax Planning
• Acting as a professional Executor and Trustee
• Will drafting, Trust drafting (including associated documentation)
• Powers of Attorney

Richard has recently been advising families in connection with the following issues:

• A couple looking to reduce their inheritance tax liability by creating discretionary trusts for the benefit of their children and grandchildren
• A couple preparing new Wills to incorporate trusts for the benefit of each other with a view to preserving assets from assessment for care fees
• A family looking at the succession issues for the family business, where only one child is involved, and how to balance the interests of the other children
• A couple looking to make appropriate provisions for their child who has learning difficulties and is in receipt of various benefits
• Acting as a professional executor in relation to a complex estate, involving a farm, competing family interests, charities and trying to sell property interests.

Community

Richard has acted as a trustee for a number of organisations, including:

• Parsonage Residents Association
• The Pro-Action Hertfordshire charity
• Age Concern New Apton Centre Bishop’s Stortford
• Hertford Museum
• Longmores Charitable Foundation

Recognition

Member of:

• The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
• The Law Society Private Client Section
• Hertfordshire Law Society Trusts & Probate Committee

Richard’s team is ranked by the leading client guide the Legal 500 for Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate. Richard is also personally recognised by the Legal 500 as a Leading Partner for his Private Client expertise and a Recommended Lawyer for Agriculture and Estates.

Professional feedback

“Richard Horwood went over and above when assisting my dying mother. He was professional at all times, but the right balance of helpful and personable , while being clear and concise with the advice he was giving.” The Legal 500 2025

“Richard Horwood stands out to me, his advice and knowledge is outstanding. I have used other law firms and Richard,to me, is the best of the best.” The Legal 500 2025

“Richard Horwood is the only professional that I recommend consistently to my clients. The work he does and the knowledge he has is second to none in my personal opinion.” The Legal 500 2024

“Richard Horwood has a deep understanding of trusts, tax, and capital tax treatment in relation to rural property issues. He is responsive and very approachable.” The Legal 500 2024

“Richard Horwood and Alasdair Liddiard are all professional, diligent and it is clear they have their clients’ interests at heart.”  The Legal 500 2023

“Richard Horwood shows good commercial awareness as he is proactive in keeping us updated and demonstrates knowledge of what is happening in the market.”  The Legal 500 2023

“I am very comfortable with introducing Richard Horwood to any of my clients, as I know he will look after them well. Not only is he very knowledgeable, but he is also excellent at communicating with clients.”  The Legal 500 2023

“Richard Horwood and Alistair Liddiard are always accommodating, professional and a pleasure to work with.”  The Legal 500 2023

“Richard is very approachable, always willing to help and makes sure things are done in a timely manner. I would have no hesitations in recommending Richard and thoroughly enjoy working with him on mutual clients.”  Managing Director, wealth management company

Personal interests

Richard is a keen fan of all sports, particularly cricket and golf. He’s also very happy relaxing on a sun lounger with a good book.

During lockdown Richard became a keen runner and is now enjoying the challenge of increasing the distance he runs whilst using some of the latest technology to track his progress.