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, development 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, refinance transactions and construction-related property matters. She regularly supports clients across the construction, retail, manufacturing, leisure and healthcare sectors, tailoring her advice to meet their specific commercial objectives.
Drawing on her commercial property background, Diane helps clients navigate the wider issues that often accompany construction and development projects, including funding arrangements, planning and environmental considerations, and stakeholder management. She regularly works alongside lenders, valuers, surveyors, agents and consultants, helping clients bring together the various strands of a project from an early stage.
Diane is particularly passionate about development work, where she enjoys navigating the challenges of bringing together legal, planning, environmental and commercial considerations. Known for her approachable and positive attitude, she builds lasting relationships and is a trusted advisor to 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, commercial leases, refinance transactions and property matters connected to construction and development projects.
Her work frequently overlaps with the construction sector, where she advises developers, investors, landlords and occupiers on the property elements of development schemes. Diane understands the commercial realities of construction projects and regularly supports clients on matters involving planning, environmental, funding and infrastructure considerations. She works closely with lenders, surveyors, valuers and other professional advisers to help projects progress from initial acquisition and financing through to completion.
As part of the firm’s Construction team, Diane advises on construction-related documentation and transactional support, including lease arrangements linked to development projects and collateral warranties. Her experience enables her to identify wider property issues that can impact construction projects, providing clients with joined-up advice from the earliest stages.
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-specification 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.
- Advising on the lease of roof space for the development of the True Padel facility, supporting the delivery of a significant leisure development project.
- Assisting with construction-related documentation, including collateral warranties connected to the development of a new Tesco store.
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
Could your pension increase your Inheritance Tax bill? How the 2027 legislation change affects you
For many years, pensions have played an important role in estate planning. Unlike many other assets, unused pension funds could generally be passed to beneficiaries outside the scope of Inheritance Tax, making pensions an attractive way of preserving wealth for the next generation. From 6th April 2027 this is set to change, most unused pension […]
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Swinburne Maddison Expands Private Client Team Following Major Investment
Swinburne Maddison, one of the North East’s leading full-service law firms, has significantly expanded its Private Client team increasing the firm’s capacity to take on complex private client instructions across the North East and beyond. Following major investment in people, expertise and resources, the firm has brought together its strongest Private Client team to date. […]
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Martyn Tennant named Corporate Lawyer of the Year following landmark year
Partner and Head of the Corporate team at Swinburne Maddison, Martyn Tennant, has been named Corporate Lawyer of the Year at the 2026 North East Dealmakers Awards, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth of the firm’s Corporate team. The award recognises Martyn Tennant’s leadership on some of the most technically demanding and strategically […]
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