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 Partner in 1995, he went on to play a key role in the firm’s 1998 merger with Wilson Maddison, becoming one of the four founding partners of what is now Swinburne Maddison.
Appointed Managing Partner in 2021, Jonathan led the firm through a period of considerable growth and change. Under Jonathan’s leadership, Swinburne Maddison has continued its trajectory of sustained growth, strengthened its support structures, while remaining true to the collaborative culture established during the earlier years of the firm.
During his tenure, the firm was named Law Firm of the Year at the Northern Law Awards in both 2023 and 2025, continued its national success as a Legal 500 firm, achieved Silver Investors in People accreditation, and increased its headcount by more than 35%. This growth included several senior non-legal appointments to strengthen the structure and to support the lawyers, alongside highly specialist lawyer and Partner lateral hires to further develop key practice areas.
The firm has also successfully completed its ambitious three‑year business plan, achieving all financial goals and delivering 38% turnover growth during that period.
Reflecting on his time as Managing Partner, Jonathan Moreland said:
“It has been an enormous privilege and honour to lead Swinburne Maddison and to work alongside such a talented and committed team. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and for me, the role has been about far more than leadership alone – it has meant being part of a firm where people genuinely belong, care about one another and remain deeply committed to supporting our clients.”
He added:
“The firm is in an exceptionally strong and stable position, with clear direction, strong core values and a brilliant group of people. Victoria has played a major role in shaping that success and truly embodies Swinburne Maddison – she trained here, has built her career here, and understands the firm’s culture and values inside out. I can think of no one better to lead the firm into its next chapter with confidence, integrity, honour and fresh energy.”
Succession planning has been a key focus for Jonathan in the later stages of his leadership, with the transition deliberately planned well in advance to provide reassurance for both colleagues and clients. Working closely with Victoria behind the scenes, the firm has prioritised transparency and continuity, ensuring the business enters its next phase from a position of strength and stability.
Victoria Walton joined Swinburne Maddison in 1999 as a trainee solicitor and was appointed Partner just seven years later. Having built her career entirely at the firm, she has played a central role in its evolution and direction over nearly three decades.
As Head of Commercial Property, Victoria has overseen significant growth in both team size and turnover, while securing consistent regional and national recognition. Under her leadership, in 2023, the team won Property Law Firm of the Year at the North East Insider Property Awards, alongside national recognition in The Legal 500, where Victoria is also ranked individually as a Leading Partner.
In addition to her fee‑earning role, Victoria has served on the firm’s Management Committee for the past six years and has worked closely alongside Jonathan throughout his tenure as Managing Partner. During this time, she has been directly involved in shaping the firm’s strategy, contributing to its recent business planning and continued financial success, with all departments – legal and non‑legal – strengthened and developed.
Commenting on her appointment, Victoria Walton said:
“I am genuinely delighted to be appointed Managing Partner and to be trusted with leading a firm that means such a great deal to me personally and professionally. It is a huge responsibility, and one I have planned for, and I am excited to take on.”
She added:
“Having worked closely with Jonathan for many years, I’ve learnt the importance of staying true to our core values, leading with integrity and persevering to get things done. Jonathan has led us to build an outstanding platform for success, and I am grateful for his support and confidence as we work closely together over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.”
Looking ahead, Victoria will focus on strengthening what the firm has already built and developing the team while delivering its new three‑year business plan. Alongside her role as Managing Partner, she will continue to practise within Commercial Property, acting for some of the region’s largest developers, banking clients and property owners.
“As we embark on our three-year plan, my priorities will be supporting our team to progress their careers while continuing to deliver exceptional service to our clients. This foundation will ensure the firm grows sustainably while remaining true to its core values. As a professional services business, our people are everything. By investing in our team of experts, recruiting for cultural fit and making sure all staff have a voice we will continue to expand within the region while retaining our reputation as Durham’s leading law firm.”
“It is a real privilege to be appointed the firm’s next Managing Partner and I’m looking forward to working closely with Jonathan over the next 6 months. The firm is in great shape – we have the most talented team we have ever had, and the business is underpinned with a strong operational structure. I am excited about what Swinburne Maddison can achieve in the future.”
Jonathan and Victoria will work closely during the transition period, with Victoria gaining further exposure to the day-to-day aspects of the Managing Partner role and identifying opportunities to build on what has already been established. The firm remains supported by a strong and experienced leadership team, providing continuity for both clients and colleagues.
Jonathan will retire fully from practice. David Low, Partner, who has worked closely with Jonathan for nearly twenty years, will become Head of Dispute Resolution on 1 January 2027. Sharney Randhawa, Senior Managing Associate, will be promoted to the role of Head of Employment on the same date, continuing the established approach and client relationships developed during Jonathan’s career.
While Jonathan’s retirement will mark the end of an era, the appointment of Victoria Walton represents a confident step forward for Swinburne Maddison as it looks to the future under new leadership.
