Diane Hall Managing Associate
Commercial Property
Diane Hall is a Managing Associate in Swinburne Maddison’s Commercial Property team, having joined the firm in November 2022. She was promoted to Managing Associate in May 2026, reflecting her expertise and contribution to the firm. Diane is also part of the firm’s Construction team, supporting clients on matters where property and construction considerations intersect.
Diane brings over a decade of experience in delivering comprehensive legal advice to housebuilders, developers, investors, commercial landlords, tenants, lenders, and public sector clients.
Qualified in February 2011 after completing her LLB at Northumbria University, Diane has built a reputation for her strong client focus and practical approach to complex transactions. Her work includes sales and acquisitions of land for development, commercial leases, and refinance transactions. She regularly supports clients across the construction, retail, manufacturing, leisure and healthcare sectors, tailoring her advice to meet their specific commercial objectives.
Diane is particularly passionate about development work, where she enjoys navigating the challenges of bringing together legal, planning and environmental considerations. Known for her approachable and positive attitude, she builds lasting relationships and is a trusted advisor to clients including developers, landowners, landlords, tenants and business owners.
- Commercial Sales and Purchases
- Land Acquisitions
- Commercial Leases
- Re-financing
Diane has extensive experience across all aspects of commercial property law. She manages a wide range of transactions, including the acquisition of development land, large-scale agricultural land sales, and commercial leases for warehouses and retail units.
Her work frequently overlaps with the construction sector, where she advises developers on transactions involving planning, environmental and infrastructure considerations. She also supports landlords and tenants on lease arrangements for commercial premises.
Key Highlights include:
- Acting for a major housebuilder in the acquisition of land for the construction of 144 residential units, infrastructure, and landscaping works with a deal value of £2.5 million.
- Supporting a housebuilder in the acquisition of land for 44 high-spec dwellings with a value of £1 million.
- Advising on a 15-year lease of a 32,000 sq ft sports facility for £145,000 per annum.
- Acting for a tenant in a 15-year lease of a 23,000 sq ft sports facility for £163,000 per annum.
Diane is a member of the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility Team, where she takes a proactive role in organising team meetings and fundraising initiatives for St Cuthbert’s Hospice and other local charities. She has led a clothing donation initiative and regular contributions to local foodbanks, reflecting her commitment to supporting the community.
Articles & Insights by Diane Hall
News
Swinburne Maddison Announces Firmwide Promotions and New Senior Leadership Roles
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.
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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 […]
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Tenant Repairing Obligations in Commercial Leases
When entering into a new commercial lease, understanding your repairing obligations as a tenant is essential. These obligations can have significant financial implications, and overlooking them could result in unexpected liabilities down the line. Below are the key considerations you need to be aware of. What does a full repairing lease mean? A full repairing […]
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Insight
When Are Oral Agreements Legally Binding? Lessons from Leddington v Sandercock
In Leddington and another v Sandercock and another [2026] EWHC 938 (Ch), the Chancery Division dismissed a claim for over £333,000 relating to an alleged oral agreement between the parties. The case highlights a key issue in contract law, that although oral agreements (sometimes referred to as “gentlemen’s agreements”) can be legally binding, they must […]
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Renters’ Rights Act. Key Changes Landlords Must Act on Before 31 May 2026
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 represents one of the most significant reforms to the private rental sector in recent years. It strengthens tenant protections while placing greater responsibility on private landlords. Mandatory Requirement for Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 By 31 May 2026, landlords must provide tenants with the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet […]
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Major Changes Ahead for Consumer Subscription Contracts – What Businesses Need to Know
The UK Government has confirmed significant reforms to the rules governing consumer subscription contracts. These changes are expected to be introduced in spring 2027, through secondary legislation under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA), following the conclusion of the Department for Business and Trade’s consultation. Unlike the current rules, which were never […]
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