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As growing research continues to shine a light on financial inequality between men and women, one issue remains particularly stark yet frequently overlooked during divorce - the pension gap. Despite pensions often being one of the largest assets accumulated during a marriage, second only to property, they are routinely forgotten, misunderstood, or undervalued in financial settlements. The consequences for women can be severe, particularly as the impact may only become clear decades later at retirement. A 61% Pension Gap Recent data from NOW Pensions and the Pension Policy Institute (PPI) highlights the scale of the problem. Divorced women in the UK …

In the current economic climate, it is increasingly common for owner-managed businesses to incentivise key employees by offering equity. This approach can play a vital role in recruitment, retention and succession planning, while also ensuring that employees’ interests are aligned with those of the shareholders. When structured correctly, equity-based incentives can be highly effective in supporting growth plans and exit strategies. However, awarding shares to employees involves navigating through various legal and tax complexities. If these are not carefully managed, significant tax liabilities can arise where an employee receives an asset (such as shares) for less than its …

One of the North East’s leading law firms, Swinburne Maddison LLP, has announced that Managing Partner Jonathan Moreland will retire from the role and firm on 31st December 2026, concluding a career spanning 35 years with the firm. He will be succeeded by Victoria Walton, currently Partner and Head of Commercial Property, who will take up the position in January 2027. Jonathan joined Swinburne Jackson and Moreland in 1991, a firm in which his late father was the Senior Partner. After qualifying as a solicitor in 1993, he developed a successful practice across Dispute Resolution and Employment Law. Appointed …

Swinburne Maddison LLP has advised on the establishment of Vallum Wealth, an independent consultancy created to support investors in understanding and navigating the wealth management market. Founded by Jonathan Brown, Vallum Wealth draws on more than 40 years of senior experience in investment and wealth management, including leadership roles at UBS, established to support investors in assessing performance, capability and service levels across a broad range of wealth management providers. Vallum Wealth operates independently of wealth management firms and does not provide regulated financial advice. Instead, it offers guidance and comparative analysis to support investors making informed decisions, whether reviewing …

One of the North East’s leading law firms, Swinburne Maddison LLP, has announced a series of firmwide promotions effective from 1 May 2026, recognising the continued growth of the firm and the outstanding contribution of its people across multiple teams. Managing Associates Two lawyers have been promoted to Managing Associate, with Diane Hall (Commercial Property) and James Curran (Commercial Litigation) stepping into the role as part of the firm’s ongoing investment in leadership and talent development. Associate Solicitors In addition, Claire Wilson, Kaye Cunningham and Sarah Laird have all been promoted to Associate within the Dispute Resolution team …

Damaging, destructive and surprisingly commonplace, director misconduct is often at the heart of complex commercial litigation. When directors act outside the scope of their powers or breach their legal duties, whether through self‑dealing, negligence or deliberate wrongdoing, the consequences for a business can be severe. At Swinburne Maddison, our Commercial Litigation team regularly advises companies and shareholders dealing with the fallout from director misconduct, helping them navigate the legal and commercial risks that follow. What legal duties do Directors owe? Under the Companies Act 2006 and long‑established common law principles, directors are bound by a range of fiduciary …

It is a common assumption among employers that a job offer can be withdrawn without risk, provided the employee has not yet started work. A recent decision of the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) is a timely reminder that this assumption can be a costly mistake. The case highlights how, in certain circumstances, a binding contract of employment can exist long before an individual’s first day and that withdrawing an offer at that stage may amount to breach of contract. Background to the case In Kankanalapalli v Loesche Energy Systems Limited, the Claimant was offered a senior role as a …

Landlords providing social housing assured tenancies have, until recently, been left in the dark as to when the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (“the Act”) would apply to them. The Government has now confirmed the implementation timetable. From 27 October 2027, subject to any transitional provisions, the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will apply to social housing assured tenancies. Below, we explain what this means for landlords who provide social housing, what rules apply until October 2027, and what changes to prepare for. What Rules Apply Until October 2027? Until October 2027, landlords who are private registered providers …

As awareness of menopause grows, its impact on women’s physical and emotional well-being is increasingly understood. What remains far less recognised is the strain menopause can place on relationships. For many couples, this life stage coincides with rising conflict, emotional distance and, in some cases, relationship breakdown. Menopause is a complex period of emotional, psychological and physical change that can alter how individuals see themselves, their partners and their future. When these changes go unrecognised or unsupported within a relationship, the consequences can be profound. A Clear Statistical Link Research increasingly highlights clear links between menopause and relationship …