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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Kelly Jefferson
Associate – CILEx Lawyer
Dispute Resolution
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Siân Thurkettle
Paralegal
Dispute Resolution
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David Low
Partner
Dispute Resolution
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Sarah Laird
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Ellie Straughan
Solicitor
Family Law
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Helen Lyne
Partner
Dispute Resolution
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Charlotte Cassell
Trainee Solicitor
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Amy Pyman
Managing Associate
Private Client
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Chris Ross
Partner
Commercial Property
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Kaye Cunningham
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Rebecca Harper
Managing Associate
Conveyancing
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Adam McWilliams
Trainee Solicitor
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Lyndsey Pitt
Head of People & Culture
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Grace Ridsdale
Solicitor
Commercial Property
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Sara Stammers
Marketing Executive
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Ashley Patterson
Solicitor
Corporate and Commercial
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Claire Wilson
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Charlotte Excell
Managing Associate
Commercial Property
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Martyn Tennant
Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial
Corporate and Commercial
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Sharney Randhawa
Managing Associate
Employment Law
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Alex Wilby
Partner
Corporate and Commercial
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Sinead McLeod
Paralegal
Company Secretarial Services
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Victoria Dineen
CILEx Chartered Legal Executive
Commercial Property
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Craig Malarkey
Partner
Corporate and Commercial
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Victoria Walton
Partner and Head of Commercial Property
Commercial Property
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Olivia Fisher
Trainee Solicitor
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Jonathan Moreland
Managing Partner
Dispute Resolution
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James Curran
Associate Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Gillian Moir
Partner
Commercial Property
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Gemma Wilkinson
Head of Legal Compliance
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 […]
Read moreInsight
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 […]
Read moreInsight
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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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.