Your industry, our expertise
Every client is different and so are their legal needs. That’s why we take the time to understand your world, offering sector-specific advice that really fits.
From start-ups, to landowners, we’re here to support you with practical, straightforward legal expertise.
In-Depth Knowledge.
Sector by Sector.
Our sector knowledge runs deep, built over decades of real-world experience and long-standing client relationships. Recognised as leaders in the region, we deliver specialist advice across Durham, the North East and beyond.
Our Commercial Property, Corporate and Commercial, Employment Law, Private Client and Dispute Resolution teams work closely together, combining their knowledge to offer practical legal support that reflects your goals and your sector. Whether we’re guiding a manufacturing client through M&A or helping farming families plan for the next generation, we bring together the right people, at the right time.
We understand that rural life is about more than just business, it’s about family, legacy, and a deep connection to the land.
Our Agriculture and Rural team take a practical, down-to-earth approach, offering straightforward legal advice shaped by years of real-world experience.
Whether you’re restructuring your farm business, selling land, diversifying, or preparing for succession, we’re here to help. From stewardship schemes and agricultural tenancies to disputes and land sales, we speak your language – and we know how to get things done.
We don’t just draft documents, we help you see the bigger picture.
Our lawyers provide strategic advice on covenant structures, risk management, and long-term financing strategy. We help clients build bankable structures that support operational agility and sustained growth.
Digital innovation is about more than just code – it’s about people, progress, and building the future.
Our Digital and Technology team combines legal expertise with a deep understanding of the fast-moving tech landscape. We offer clear, commercially focused advice that helps you navigate complexity and unlock opportunity.
Whether you’re scaling a startup, negotiating software contracts, managing data compliance, or investing in emerging technologies, we’re here to support you. From intellectual property and cybersecurity to AI regulation and digital transformation, we speak your language – and we know how to help you move forward.
Trusted legal partner for registered providers with advice that makes a difference.
We’ve worked with some of the UK’s leading social housing providers for years, guiding them through everything from mergers and governance reviews to development schemes and housing disputes. We understand the sector inside-out and deliver advice that helps clients stay focused on what matters most: delivering affordable, quality homes and building stronger communities.
The Team
Meet our experts
We pride ourselves on being trusted experts in the legal field. We are not like other law firms, we’re agile, approachable, jargon-free, and genuinely committed to delivering the best possible legal solutions to our clients.
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Craig Malarkey
Partner
Corporate and Commercial
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Sharney Randhawa
Managing Associate
Employment Law
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Grace Ridsdale
Solicitor
Commercial Property
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Jonathan Moreland
Managing Partner
Dispute Resolution
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Rebecca Harper
Managing Associate
Conveyancing
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Kate Stephenson
Partner
Commercial Property
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Jenny Wade
Partner and Head of Commercial
Corporate and Commercial
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Lewis Brown
Managing Associate
Dispute Resolution
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Craig Foot
Head of Residential Conveyancing
Conveyancing
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Isabella Lake
Paralegal
Dispute Resolution
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Victoria Walton
Partner and Head of Commercial Property
Commercial Property
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James Curran
Associate Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Akkelin Harris TEP
Partner
Private Client
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Mike Ward
Legal Director
Corporate and Commercial
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Gillian Moir
Partner
Commercial Property
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Alex Wilby
Partner
Corporate and Commercial
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Catherine Lowther
Head of Family and Managing Associate
Family Law
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Simon Robinson
Consultant
Commercial Property
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Charlotte Excell
Managing Associate
Commercial Property
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Navya Joginipally
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Claire Wilson
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Victoria Dineen
CILEx Chartered Legal Executive
Commercial Property
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Grace Robinson
CILEx Paralegal
Commercial Property
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Sara Stammers
Marketing Executive
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Lyndsey Pitt
Head of People & Culture
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Niamh Wilson
Solicitor
Family Law
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Kaye Cunningham
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Laura Murphy TEP
Managing Associate
Private Client
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Mary Feather
Associate Solicitor
Commercial Property
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David Low
Partner
Dispute Resolution
News & Insights
Insight
Government-Funded Occupational Health Training Offered to Small Businesses
Government-funded occupational health training is now being offered to small businesses in response to rising levels of long-term sickness among the UK workforce. Currently, 2.8 million people are signed off work due to long-term illness, one of the highest rates in the G7, and there are 800,000 more working-age adults out of work for health […]
Read moreInsight
Why written Contracts matter. Lessons from Harrison V Buchanan
A recent court case serves as a useful reminder that it always pays to have a formal written contract, rather than relying on what was agreed in verbal discussions or through exchanges of emails or other messages. The Case The case of Harrison (t/a Rayson Engineering) v Buchanan and another [2025] EWHC 3283 (IPEC) was […]
Read moreInsight
Changes to ID Verification with Companies House and Company Registers
From 18 November 2025, identity verification became a mandatory requirement for Directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs). These changes were introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) 2023, which is part of the UK Government’s wider strategy to combat economic crime and improve corporate accountability. What’s changed? Identity verification is now […]
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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.