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Protecting your workplace harmony.

Navigating employment law can be complex, but with Swinburne Maddison by your side, it doesn’t have to be. As employers ourselves, we understand the challenges you face and are here to help you navigate them.

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Employment Law

Want peace of mind for your company? Visit our SmartHR page to learn more about our HR Retainer package.

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An award winning law firm

At Swinburne Maddison, we understand the intricacies of employment law and the challenges faced by businesses in maintaining workplace harmony. With a team of nationally recognised experts, including members featured in The Legal 500, we deliver solutions that are practical, reliable, and forward-thinking.

Our services are tailored to meet the needs of employers and  HR professionals, offering a comprehensive range of support. We are your trusted partner in fostering a compliant and cohesive workplace, advising on all matters of employment law, as well as managing professional discipline cases in regulated industries.

We have a proven track record in handling unfair dismissal and discrimination claims, some of which have attracted national attention for their successful resolution. Our team delivers excellent results in these challenging areas of law, always keeping the end goal in sight. We are trusted by our clients to act on time critical and commercially sensitive matters, minimising disruption and avoiding lengthy Tribunal processes wherever possible. We are committed to protecting your interests and achieving the best possible outcomes without losing focus on what truly matters.

Our approach goes beyond templates. We offer bespoke advice designed to align with your business objectives, balancing the legal complexities against the commercial and financial considerations.  Our innovative smartHR retainer service takes this one step further, giving businesses access to personalised HR and legal expertise with the added optional protection of legal expenses insurance.

In addition to working directly with clients, we also regularly support other law firms in the Durham and North East region who may not have our expertise. This collaborative approach ensures that even when another firm requires assistance with complex employment matters, they can rely on us to deliver high-quality, technically sound advice.

Our team is also dedicated to keeping you ahead of the curve in this ever-changing area of law. We deliver regular employment law seminars and provide training at key intervals covering, case law updates, government changes, and actionable insights tailored for business leaders and HR professionals.

Whether you are a business owner or a HR manager, you can rely on us to listen first, act swiftly, and put your interests at the heart of everything we do. At Swinburne Maddison, we’re not just about resolving issues – we’re about preventing them, ensuring a brighter and more secure future for your business.

Decades of expertise.

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“Friendly, approachable, and reliable, I have found Swinburne Maddison to be excellent at responding to any queries and fully engaged when dealing with all matters.”

The Legal 500 UK
The Legal 500 UK

Here to help harmonise your business.

Our Employment team works closely with employers of all sizes to provide clear, commercial advice that balances risk and practicality.

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Expert Employment Law advice.

Our team is dedicated to helping your business thrive through strong, effective employment practices.

From contracts to workplace disputes, we simplify employment law, providing practical solutions that work for you. With our expertise, you’ll manage employee relations with confidence, ensuring compliance and keeping your workplace efficient and productive. We’re tough, successful, and committed to getting the best outcomes for your business.

News & Insights

20 August 2026

News

Ramside Estates acquires Newcastle telecoms company

County Durham hospitality group Ramside Estates has strengthened its future growth plans with the acquisition of telecommunications business Select Telecom Limited. Based in Brunswick Village, Newcastle, Select Telecom has been a long-standing supplier to Ramside, providing critical support across the group’s operations, including Wi-Fi, connectivity and communications infrastructure. Its services support everything from guest Wi-Fi […]

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18 August 2026

Insight

Could an Outdated Trust Put Your Family’s Inheritance at Risk?

A recent High Court decision has highlighted how historic trust arrangements can create unexpected challenges when applied to modern family life. In Cator v Thynn, the trustees of the Longleat family trusts requested the court’s approval before taking a significant step, which could ultimately allow a child born through surrogacy to benefit from family trusts […]

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14 August 2026

Insight

Sending GIFs at Work – Lessons for Employers from a recent Tribunal Decision

A recent Employment Tribunal decision is a useful reminder that informal workplace messaging can carry serious consequences. What may be intended as humour or banter can still amount to unlawful harassment, particularly where the effect on the recipient is degrading, humiliating or offensive. The case concerned Georgiana Ursuleanu and Vicars Cross Healthcare Ltd. The claimant, a Romanian national, […]

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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.

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