A modern
law firm rooted in tradition.
We’re Swinburne Maddison, a modern law firm rooted in traditional values like trust, care, collaboration, and agility. These principles have guided us for over 25 years, and they remain at our core.
Call our office on 0191 384 2441
About Us
Where experience meets innovation.
We pride ourselves on being trusted experts in the legal field, serving clients across Durham, the North East, and beyond.
We’re agile, approachable, jargon-free, and genuinely committed to delivering the best possible legal solutions to our clients.
And that’s reassuring to know.
Whether you are a business seeking expert guidance or an individual navigating a personal matter, we are here to assist you every step of the way.
Combining modern expertise with traditional values, we deliver practical solutions with care and clarity. Our approachable team is dedicated to understanding your needs, building trust, and achieving the best outcomes — because your success is at the heart of everything we do.
Business Services
Your business,
our expertise.
We are here to protect your business, support your growth and tackle challenges.
Wherever you are in your business lifecycle, we’re here to join you on your journey.
From start-ups to established enterprises, we work closely with you to understand your goals and deliver innovative solutions. Whether you need support with property transactions, managing employees or navigating complex legal challenges, our award-winning team is here to help.
We combine business law expertise with a collaborative approach, ensuring your interests are protected at every stage. With Swinburne Maddison, your business is in trusted hands.
Our commercial team are here to make your business thrive.
Whether you’re a start-up or an established company, we’ve got your back with everything from contracts to GDPR compliance. We are dedicated to protecting your interests and building strong, lasting relationships across the North East.
A Commercial Property team committed to make your property ventures succeed.
Developing new communities, managing portfolios, or negotiating high-value deals, we’ve got you covered with tailored advice on everything from acquisitions to renewable energy projects.
Making compliance easy for your business
Staying on top of ever-changing regulations can feel like a chore. Let our company secretarial services handle the compliance and administration for you, so you can focus on running your business.
Corporate lawyers here to guide you at every step.
From starting up and scaling through investment to navigating mergers and acquisitions, we offer tailored, no-nonsense advice focused on your unique needs.
A Dispute team who are tough when it counts.
Disputes can derail your business, but at Swinburne Maddison, we’re here to handle the challenges, so you can keep your business moving forward.
Your trusted HR and employment law partner.
Workplace disputes? No problem! Our employment lawyers are here to protect your interests, resolve issues quickly and keep your workplace running smoothly.
Your Trusted Licensing Partner in Durham
Need a premises licence? We are here to make licensing easy and stress-free for the North East’s best bars, pubs, and hotels. We’re here to keep your business running smoothly and legally!
HR made easy with smartHR
Protecting your business starts with the right support. smartHR offers bespoke HR and employment advice. From proactive planning or reacting to issues, we’ve got you covered
Nothing is too complex and that’s reassuring to know.
Learn more about how we work
Private Services
Your life,
our focus.
Life can throw many challenges our way, and we’re here to guide you through each one.
From big milestones to tough times, our compassionate, expert team is by your side at every step.
Whether you’re buying your first home, arranging your will or navigating tough personal situations, we’re here to help.
Our trusted team provides expert private legal support with a caring, understanding approach, ensuring you make informed decisions every step of the way. From family matters to property transactions, we’re here to give you peace of mind.
Stress-free conveyancing starts here
Stepping onto the property ladder or expanding your portfolio? Our conveyancing team is here to simplify the process, ensuring a smooth experience so you can enjoy your new home.
Dispute Resolution lawyers who cut through the noise
Disputes can get emotional and stressful, but we’re here to help. Whether it’s with a neighbour or a family estate, we’ll take charge of the legal side and keep things on track—tough when needed, but always with respect.
Supporting you through workplace difficulties
Facing challenges with your employer can be difficult and distressing. Our expert employment lawyers are here to help you get what’s fair so you can move forward in your career.
A Family Law team you can rely on
We make family law easier, resolving issues calmly and without the conflict. But if things get tricky, we’re tough when it counts.
Private Client law with a personal touch
Managing family, wealth, and estates can be overwhelming. Our expert private client lawyers provide a personal, approachable service to help you navigate life’s milestones and secure your future.
News & Insights.
News
Lifeline Community Action Transforms Former Woolworths into Thriving Community Hub
Newton Aycliffe-based charitable organisation, Lifeline Community Action (LCA), is set to open a brand-new Community Hub in the Aycliffe Shopping Centre, an ambitious project designed to bring essential services under one roof and strengthen community ties across the region. The new hub will serve as a vibrant, inclusive space where individuals and families in need […]
Read moreNews
Swinburne Maddison’s Success Shines in The Legal 500 2026 Rankings
We are delighted to announce that, following the release of the latest Legal 500 UK rankings this October, Swinburne Maddison has once again been recommended in nine separate practice areas, covering the full spectrum of legal services offered by the firm. The Legal 500 rankings are compiled through an extensive independent research process, which includes […]
Read moreNews
Swinburne Maddison Appoints Craig Foot as Head of Residential Conveyancing
One of the North East’s leading law firms, Swinburne Maddison, has announced the appointment of Craig Foot as Managing Associate and Head of Residential Conveyancing, further strengthening its property offering and leadership team. Craig brings over 17 years of experience in residential property law, having handled thousands of transactions across the North East and beyond. Jonathan Moreland, Managing […]
Read moreThe Team
Meet our team of experts.
We pride ourselves on being trusted experts in the legal field. We’re agile, approachable, jargon-free, and genuinely committed to delivering the best possible legal solutions to our clients.
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Phil Hourigan
Business & Practice Development Director
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Sarah Laird
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Matt Ray
Managing Associate
Corporate and Commercial
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Abigail Zuk
Managing Associate
Dispute Resolution
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Chris Ross
Partner
Commercial Property
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Grace Ridsdale
Solicitor
Commercial Property
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Sara Stammers
Marketing Executive
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Ellie Straughan
Solicitor
Family Law
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Mike Ward
Legal Director
Corporate and Commercial
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Jonathan Moreland
Managing Partner
Dispute Resolution
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Jenny Wade
Partner and Head of Commercial
Corporate and Commercial
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Caroline Smith
Marketing Director
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Jessica Leslie
Paralegal
Employment Law
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Gemma Wilkinson
Head of Legal Compliance
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Craig Malarkey
Partner
Corporate and Commercial
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Isabella Lake
Paralegal
Dispute Resolution
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Helen Lyne
Partner
Dispute Resolution
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Alex Siddle
Solicitor
Corporate and Commercial
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Diane Hall
Associate Solicitor
Commercial Property
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Simon Robinson
Consultant
Commercial Property
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Kaye Cunningham
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Jenna Keir-Kendrew
Managing Associate
Dispute Resolution
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Martyn Tennant
Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial
Corporate and Commercial
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Ashley Patterson
Solicitor
Corporate and Commercial
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James Curran
Associate Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Victoria Walton
Partner and Head of Commercial Property
Commercial Property
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Charlotte Excell
Managing Associate
Commercial Property
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Charlotte Cassell
Trainee Solicitor
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Wayne Christie
Head of Operations & Innovation
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Rebecca Logue
Managing Associate
Corporate and Commercial
Careers at Swinburne Maddison
Bright futures built together.
Ok, so you’ve come this far where could the next step take you?
We’re always on the lookout for great people to join our team but we also want to make sure we are the right fit for each other.
Here, your career is more than a job—it’s a journey. From day one, you’ll feel supported to grow, develop your skills, and thrive alongside a team that values collaboration and care. Whether you’re a legal eagle or a support extraordinaire, we focus on helping you succeed in an environment where you truly belong. Let’s achieve great things together.