Sophie Ayre Associate Solicitor
Corporate and Commercial
Sophie is an experienced corporate solicitor who qualified in August 2017 and joined Swinburne Maddison in January 2018. She was promoted to Associate Solicitor in May 2022 in recognition of her expertise and dedication to supporting businesses with a range of corporate transactions.
With a Master of Laws from Northumbria University, Sophie has built a strong reputation for her commercial insight and ability to provide strategic legal guidance. She works closely with regional SMEs and growing businesses, ensuring they receive tailored legal advice that aligns with their objectives. Sophie’s approach is centred on trust and care, taking the time to fully understand a client’s business to deliver bespoke solutions rather than a ‘one-size-fits-all’ service.
Her work spans multiple sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, digital technology, transport, and construction. Sophie frequently collaborates with other departments across the firm to provide seamless, commercially focused legal support.
In 2024, Sophie was named as a Recommended Lawyer in the Legal 500 highlighting her corporate and commercial expertise.
- Share and asset sales and acquisitions
- Corporate restructuring
- Shareholders’ agreements
- General company law and governance advice
- Private equity matters
Sophie advises on a broad range of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, and governance issues. She leads her own matters while also supporting senior colleagues on complex transactions. In addition, she plays a key role in mentoring junior team members.
Career highlights include:
- Assisting on the sale of Amberstone Security Group Limited to US-based Argenbright Security LLC.
- Supporting the acquisition of The Protector Group by Argenbright
Sophie is passionate about working with businesses that value legal expertise as part of their long-term growth strategy. She regularly presents seminars for the Durham City Incubator, advising entrepreneurs and startups on key legal considerations for scaling their businesses.
News & Insights
News
Swinburne Maddison Appoints Craig Foot as Head of Residential Conveyancing
One of the North East’s leading law firms, Swinburne Maddison, has announced the appointment of Craig Foot as Managing Associate and Head of Residential Conveyancing, further strengthening its property offering and leadership team. Craig brings over 17 years of experience in residential property law, having handled thousands of transactions across the North East and beyond. Jonathan Moreland, Managing […]
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From “I Do” to “I Don’t” – Understanding Annulments
Wedding season is now well underway, but for some, the old adage “marry at haste, repent at leisure” may feel a little closer to home. If you’ve found yourself questioning a recent marriage, and are unsure of your options, it’s important to know that support is available, and that annulment may be a route worth […]
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ADHD Discrimination Ruling:What the Khorram v Capgemini Case Means for Employers
As awareness of neurodiversity grows, so too does the legal and cultural responsibility of employers to support neurodivergent employees or workers. A recent employment tribunal ruling involving Capgemini UK has brought this issue into sharp focus, confirming that failure to make reasonable adjustments for employees with ADHD can amount to unlawful disability discrimination under the […]
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