
Matt Dobson IT Manager
Matt Dobson is the IT Manager at Swinburne Maddison. With over 12 years of experience in the IT industry – more than four of those within the legal sector – Matt offers a rare combination of technical expertise and legal sector insight. Matt joined Swinburne Maddison in 2021 as an IT Analyst, pursuing a long-held ambition to work in a business he had known and respected since childhood. In 2023, Matt was promoted to IT Manager and is responsible for overseeing the strategy, implementation and successful adoption of all technology operations at the firm. His role is pivotal in ensuring that systems are secure, reliable, and aligned with the evolving needs of legal professionals.
What sets Matt apart is his ability to seamlessly blend technical innovation with practical, business-led solutions, supporting the firm’s tradition of excellence while positioning it for future growth.
Matt’s client-centric approach ensures that the technology functions quietly but powerfully in the background, helping lawyers deliver exceptional service to clients. He is passionate about supporting the entire firm across departments, from Private Client to Corporate, as well as core operational functions, through implementing technology that works for everyone.
Matt’s long-term ambition is to continue growing as a strategic leader within the legal sector, helping to guide the firm’s technological direction and ensure its systems remain robust, secure, and future-ready. His focus is on delivering lasting value through innovation and stability, always aligned with the needs of the firm and its clients.
- Aligning IT practices with business needs
- IT business development and strategic planning
- Legal case management systems and integration
- System and network administration
- IT project management and process automation
Throughout his career, Matt has led several key initiatives that have significantly enhanced the firm’s digital capabilities.
Career highlights include:
- Successful delivery of a firm-wide infrastructure upgrade and major improvements to cyber resilience.
- Spearheading the migration of critical systems to a hybrid cloud environment, reducing downtime and increasing overall performance.
- Implementation of numerous automated workflows and system enhancements, particularly in the case management system, helping to reduce administrative overhead and streamline operations.
- Developed custom PowerAutomate workflows to support compliance reviews, Risk Assessments and Ticketing processes.
- Adapting the firm’s capabilities for remote working during the COVID pandemic, allowing seamless transition to hybrid working practices.
On a day-to-day basis, Matt leads the planning and execution of technology strategy, manages vendor relationships, supports team members with technical challenges, and continues to implement improvements that future-proof the firm’s operations.
News & Insights
News
Swinburne Maddison Appoints New Head of Family
Swinburne Maddison LLP, one of the North East’s leading law firms, is delighted to announce the promotion of Catherine Lowther to Head of its Family Department. Managing Associate Catherine has been a key member of the firm since joining as a Trainee Solicitor in 2014. Qualifying in 2016, she has progressed rapidly and was appointed […]
Read moreNews
Artech Lighting ‘shines even brighter’ following strategic acquisition of Powerlite Fitzgerald
Swinburne Maddison LLP and Clive Owen LLP have supported the expansion plans of a leading international lighting manufacturer. County Durham-headquartered Artech Lighting has completed the successful acquisition of Keighley-based Powerlite Fitzgerald, further extending its coverage across the UK and strengthening its position across global markets. Lead advisory services were provided by Michael Cantwell, Corporate Finance […]
Read moreInsight
Stress Awareness Month: How to manage stress during a relationship breakdown?
Stress Awareness Month takes place every April and highlights the impact of stress on our mental and physical well-being. Most people will experience stress at some point in their lives—it’s our body’s natural response to pressure, and it can manifest in many different ways, depending on the individual. Recognising the emotional and mental pressures we […]
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.