Gillian Moir Partner
Commercial Property
Gillian Moir is a Partner in the Commercial Property team at Swinburne Maddison. With nearly two decades of experience in property law, Gillian has built a reputation as a commercially minded and proactive lawyer, known for delivering tailored, practical solutions to her clients. Since joining the firm in 2014, she has played a crucial role in the continued growth and success of the Commercial Property team, earning promotions to Managing Associate in 2018 and to Partner in 2023.
Gillian’s legal journey began with her LLB at Sheffield Hallam University, followed by the completion of her LPC at Northumbria University. After qualifying as a solicitor in 2005, she gained valuable experience at leading law firms and in-house positions, including a significant role as a solicitor at Northern Rock plc immediately following the 2008 financial crisis.
Her diverse background in both private practice and in-house roles allows her to offer unique insights into property transactions. She specialises in commercial property sales and purchases, landlord and tenant matters, refinances, corporate support, and licensing. Gillian’s extensive experience spans various sectors, including retail, manufacturing, leisure and hospitality, professional services, and property investment.
Gillian is recognised for her ability to handle complex transactions, including development work, portfolio refinancing, and corporate support in sales and acquisitions. She has acted on behalf of a wide range of clients, including investors, banks, occupiers, landowners, and developers, always striving to exceed client expectations with her thorough approach and attention to detail.
A dual-qualified property and licensing lawyer, Gillian is adept at managing transactions involving licensed premises, ensuring seamless navigation of both legal frameworks. Her collaborative approach with the firm’s Corporate team ensures efficient handling of business sales, acquisitions, and restructuring matters, meeting tight deadlines and delivering successful outcomes.
In her role as Partner, Gillian is committed to training and supervising junior colleagues and has organised property law courses for junior solicitors at the firm, enabling them to excel in their legal careers.
- Commercial Property Sales and Purchases
- Landlord and Tenant
- Refinancing
- Corporate Support
- Licensing
With 20 years of experience, Gillian has led various high-profile instructions. She is dedicated to fostering strong client relationships by understanding their business needs and goals. This client-centric approach has earned her repeat instructions and long-term partnerships.
Career highlights include:
- Acted on behalf of a local manufacturing firm in negotiating a 15-year sub-under lease with an annual rent of £290,000, including a Licence for Alterations and construction documents.
- Played a key role in a £1.3 million share sale transaction for a local care home, involving complex carve-out arrangements for development land.
- Significantly contributed to the successful completion of over £75 million in CBILS transactions for Atom Bank plc during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Represented long-standing investor clients in leasing, licensing, option agreements, and conditional contracts for property development.
Additional Qualifications:
- CLT Paralegal Qualification in Licensing Law and Practice (2019) – Passed with 96%.
- University of Law Real Estate Diploma (2007-2008).
Gillian was named as a Next Generation Partner in the 2026 and 2025 editions and Rising Star between 2020 and 2024 of the Legal 500, with expertise in advising a variety of investors, banks, occupiers and landlords.

"Gillian is extremely thorough and has a total grasp of the details."
"Gillian was extremely helpful when dealing with the purchase of our farm. She went above and beyond to ensure that we exchanged and completed on schedule. I would highly recommend her services."
News & Insights
News
Durham-based law firm Swinburne Maddison leads legal support as Sapphire HR completes strategic acquisition with second NPIF II – NEL investment
Durham‑based law firm Swinburne Maddison LLP has taken a leading role in advising Sapphire HR on its latest strategic milestone, as the North East HR specialist completes the acquisition of Manchester‑based Heads HR Limited. The deal was made possible through a second round of funding from NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, managed by NEL […]
Read moreNews
Leading North East agency expands with acquisition of established Jesmond lettings agency
Your Move franchise partner Your Move Chris Stonock has acquired Newcastle-based lettings agency Rhapsody Property Consultants, located in the popular suburb of Jesmond. The acquisition marks the 14th office within the Your Move Chris Stonock network and significantly strengthens the company’s presence across the NE1, NE2 and NE3 postcode areas. The move represents another important […]
Read moreInsight
Buying a Leasehold Flat: What You Should Know
When buying a property, it’s essential to understand whether you are purchasing a freehold or leasehold interest, as the two are very different and come with distinct rights and responsibilities. Freehold vs Leasehold: What’s the Difference? Freehold ownership means you own the property and the land it sits on outright. Your ownership is indefinite and […]
Read more
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.