Social housing built on strong foundations.
Supporting providers with practical legal advice that makes a difference.
Social Housing
A leading law firm
An award winning law firm
At Swinburne Maddison, we support some of the UK’s most forward-thinking housing providers. Whether you’re expanding your portfolio, managing large-scale regeneration, or streamlining governance, we bring clarity, speed and commercial know-how to every step.
Our team works nationally with registered providers, local authorities and developers. Clients include Karbon Homes, Beyond Housing and Believe Housing, as well as a number of local councils on strategic housing projects. We advise across the full lifecycle of social housing provision, offering support that’s not just legally sound, but grounded in real operational insight.
We know the sector is under pressure. From funding and compliance to community needs and sustainability goals, your priorities are complex, and the legal landscape is constantly shifting. That’s why we’re more than just advisors. We work as an extension of your team, helping you make confident decisions and stay one step ahead.
We’re proud to be recognised as a Tier 1 Legal 500 firm for Social Housing in the North of England, a testament to our commitment, depth of expertise and long-standing client relationships.
And while legal work is what we’re known for, we care about outcomes too. From volunteering to supporting social value initiatives, we’re right there with you, helping build better places to live, now and for the future.
Getting the deal done.
“We are really pleased with the relationship we have with the team at Swinburne Maddison, we consider them part of our in house team as they are always available on the end of the phone to discuss any issues or concerns we raise.”
The Legal 500 UK
Your social housing specialists
Whether you’re managing housing stock, navigating regulatory change, or driving community impact, our experienced legal team is here to help. We partner with clients nationally to deliver forward-thinking, commercially focused advice.
Legal guidance for housing growth projects.
We support providers through every stage of housing delivery, from land acquisition and planning to development agreements and regeneration schemes. Whether you’re building new homes or revitalising communities, we’ll make sure the legal side runs smoothly, so your focus stays on delivery.
Supporting affordable housing sales and schemes.
Our dedicated plot sales team helps providers deliver affordable homes, shared ownership schemes and Right to Buy sales. We also advise on strategic land use and regeneration, always making sure your interests are protected from start to finish.
Streamlining housing contracts and corporate structures.
From mergers, joint ventures, and shared service arrangements to supply chain contracts and construction documentation, we offer commercial, practical advice. We make sure your contracts and corporate structures align with your operational goals and keep projects on track.
Expert advice on workforce and benefits.
We work closely with HR teams on day-to-day queries, TUPE transfers, restructures, and industrial relations. Plus, we provide integrated advice on pension schemes and employee benefits during organisational changes, helping you manage risk and support your people.
Navigating housing governance and compliance complexities.
We advise boards and senior leadership teams on evolving governance frameworks, compliance obligations, and regulatory best practice, always tailored to the realities of the housing sector and its shifting pressures.
Resolving tenant disputes with expert legal care.
We help social housing providers handle a wide range of tenant-related issues, from rent arrears and anti-social behaviour to equality obligations and access injunctions. When disputes arise, whether it’s housing disrepair claims, leasehold disagreements, possession proceedings, or service charge challenges, we’re there to protect your interests. Our approach focuses on practical, swift, and proportionate solutions that keep your housing stock safe and your communities thriving. You can count on us to support you every step of the way, ensuring legal challenges don’t derail your core mission.
Your social housing sector-wide legal expertise
Our multidisciplinary team are here to help you build better communities.
We work proudly with providers, developers and local authorities across the UK, always with a focus on forward-thinking, practical solutions.
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Martyn Tennant
Partner and Head of Corporate
Corporate and Commercial
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Olivia Fisher
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Charlotte Excell
Senior Managing Associate
Commercial Property
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Max Atkinson
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Diane Hall
Managing Associate
Commercial Property
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Charlie Mace
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Chris Ross
Partner
Commercial Property
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Alex Wilby
Partner
Corporate and Commercial
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Claire Wilson
Associate Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Holly Brennan
Paralegal
Commercial Property
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Sinead McLeod
Paralegal
Company Secretarial Services
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Grace Robinson
CILEx Paralegal
Commercial Property
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Craig Malarkey
Partner
Corporate and Commercial
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Kelly Jefferson
Associate – CILEx Lawyer
Dispute Resolution
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Adam McWilliams
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Sharney Randhawa
Senior Managing Associate
Employment Law
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Mary Feather
Associate Solicitor
Commercial Property
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James Curran
Managing Associate
Dispute Resolution
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Sophie Ayre
Associate Solicitor
Corporate and Commercial
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Lewis Brown
Senior Managing Associate
Dispute Resolution
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Sarah Laird
Associate Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Kaye Cunningham
Associate Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Isabella Lake
Paralegal
Dispute Resolution
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Ashley Patterson
Solicitor
Corporate and Commercial
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Grace Ridsdale
Solicitor
Commercial Property
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Jenna Keir-Kendrew
Managing Associate
Dispute Resolution
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Jonathan Moreland
Managing Partner
Dispute Resolution
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Matt Ray
Managing Associate
Corporate and Commercial
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Jenny Wade
Partner and Head of Commercial
Corporate and Commercial
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Zoe Limon
Solicitor
Commercial Property
Sectors
Tailored support whatever your sector.
While we’re proud to be a trusted name in social housing, our legal expertise spans multiple sectors, from education and finance to manufacturing and rural development.
