Kate Stephenson Partner
Commercial Property
Kate Stephenson is a highly experienced commercial property lawyer and Partner at Swinburne Maddison. Having joined the firm as a trainee in 2003 and qualifying as a solicitor in 2005, she quickly progressed to Partner in 2009. Kate studied Law at the University of Liverpool and completed her LPC at the College of Law, Chester.
Acting for a range of clients, including prominent landowners, developers, and businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors, Kate has extensive experience in handling complex commercial transactions, land acquisitions for development, and navigating the intricacies of option agreements and conditional contracts.
What sets Kate apart is her commitment to building lasting client relationships, with many of her clients continuing to work with her since she was a trainee. She is known for her strategic approach, ability to simplify complex transactions, and dedication to delivering excellent client service. Kate is particularly keen to support commercial property owners, agricultural landowners exploring development or renewable energy options, and registered providers looking to expand their portfolios.
- Commercial Property Sales and Purchases
- Sale and Purchase of Agricultural Land
- Residential Development
- Commercial Landlord and Tenant Matters,
- Option Agreements
Kate has over two decades of experience in property law and has built a reputation for her commercial acumen and ability to manage high-value, complex transactions. She regularly advises commercial landlords with extensive property portfolios and assists businesses across various sectors with their property needs. Her expertise includes acting for registered providers acquiring properties from developers, negotiating land disposals for development, and advising on commercial lease agreements.
Key career highlights include:
- Acting for a client for over 10 years on multiple Option and Promotion Agreements, culminating in the sale of land to a major online retailer, and being invited to tour the completed facility.
- Leading the acquisition of over 150 plots and an extra care site for a registered provider over a five-year period on an award-winning development.
- Supporting a long-standing client in selling their first residential development, enabling them to reinvest in a significant business expansion.
- Continuing to act for clients for a leading regional hospitality and leisure client she first worked with as a trainee, guiding them through the growth and expansion of their businesses and property portfolios.
Kate’s strength lies in her ability to truly understand her clients’ goals and tailor her approach to achieve the best possible outcomes. She is highly responsive, ensuring clients feel supported throughout their transactions. Her values of care and commitment are evident in her dedication to clear communication, attention to detail, and willingness to go the extra mile.
- Trustee of St John’s College, Durham
- Member of the Newcastle Law Society
- Member of the Property Section of the Law Society
Kate was recognised as a Leading Partner in the 2026 and 2025 editions of The Legal 500 in Commercial Property and described as a ‘name to note for developer clients and landlords seeking advice on commercial property portfolio management’. In the 2024 edition, she was further acknowledged as a Leading Individual. Her expertise continues to make her a key figure in the field.
"My main contact is Kate Stephenson who always delivers a friendly and professional service, keeping control of the process throughout. I have carried out many varied property deals with Kate and she always explains and simplifies the most complex areas in a way I understand them. Using her expertise to examine, uncomplicate and explain in terms I understand. Kate is a top-class performer in what can be a tricky and complicated area, advising on property contracts."
"Kate Stephenson is a responsive and commercially aware client relationship holder."
"Kate Stephenson has acted for me for many years and combines a vast knowledge of the law with an understanding of the commercial needs of our companies. She is a pleasure to deal with and my first point of contact when I need advice."
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