We’ve got history and we’re proud of it.
Swinburne Maddison isn’t just another law firm—it’s a team shaped by history, built on trust, and driven by a shared passion for finding practical solutions.
Our Story
Blending tradition with innovation, we stay grounded in our history while looking ahead to create a future full of possibilities.
Tradition doesn’t mean being stuck in the past—it means knowing where we’ve come from. We believe in learning from it, especially when heading in a new direction.
We work together to solve real-world challenges with a modern approach while keeping people at the centre of everything we do. That’s what makes us who we are today: contemporary, yet traditional at heart.
The Team
Legal expert with a people-first mindset.
Need a lawyer who truly understands your world? Whether you’re facing a business hurdle or a personal issue, we’re here. Approachable, sharp, and ready to tackle the toughest legal challenges with you.
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Victoria Dineen
CILEx Chartered Legal Executive
Commercial Property
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Grace Ridsdale
Trainee Solicitor
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Abigail Zuk
Managing Associate
Dispute Resolution
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Sophie Ayre
Associate Solicitor
Corporate and Commercial
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Mike Ward
Legal Director
Corporate and Commercial
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Georgia Ismay
Paralegal
Private Client
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Caroline Smith
Marketing Director
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Brooke Jefferson
Solicitor
Private Client
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Lauren Willcox
Paralegal
Corporate and Commercial
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Simon Robinson
Partner
Commercial Property
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Jonathan Moreland
Managing Partner
Dispute Resolution
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Gemma Wilkinson
Head of Legal Compliance
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Ellie Straughan
Solicitor
Family Law
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Helen Lyne
Partner
Dispute Resolution
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Craig Malarkey
Partner
Corporate and Commercial
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Liam Musgrave
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Diane Hall
Associate Solicitor
Commercial Property
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Alex Wilby
Partner
Corporate and Commercial
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James Curran
Associate Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Jenna Keir-Kendrew
Associate Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Akkelin Harris
Partner
Private Client
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Kaye Cunningham
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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David Low
Partner
Dispute Resolution
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Niamh Wilson
Solicitor
Family Law
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Kelly Jefferson
CILEx Lawyer
Dispute Resolution
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Grace Robinson
CILEx Paralegal
Commercial Property
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Navya Joginipally
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
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Chris Ross
Partner
Commercial Property
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Lyndsey Pitt
Head of People & Culture
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Kate Cunniff
Solicitor
Conveyancing
Awards and accredidtations
Humble, yet award-winning.
We don’t like to boast, but we’re proud of our achievements. Our awards showcase not only our legal prowess but also how we support clients and nurture our team.
The Legal 500 is the gold standard for law firms, and we’re thrilled to be ranked leaders in nine practice areas. With four top-tier rankings—Corporate, Commercial Property, Commercial Litigation, and Social Housing—we’ve been making waves. In 2025, our Commercial Property team was shortlisted for Law Firm of the Year, and in 2023, we clinched an award for client care.
From our first Northern Law Awards win in 2017 to reclaiming the title of Law Firm of the Year (6+ Partners) in 2023 during our 25th anniversary, it’s been an incredible journey.
Over the years our Private Client, Dispute Resolution and Property teams have been winners too.
Proud sponsors of the Deal of the Year category, we’re no strangers to the spotlight. Consistently shortlisted for Corporate Law Firm of the Year at the Insider North East Dealmakers, we celebrated a big win in 2023 when our deal with Maven took home Deal of the Year.
Our Commercial Property team doesn’t just win awards—it sets the bar. In 2023, we were named Commercial Property Law Firm of the Year at the Insider North East Property Awards, a true testament to the team’s dedication and skill.
We care about our team as much as we do about our clients. Receiving the Investors in People accreditation in 2023 reflects our commitment to wellbeing, growth, and inclusivity. Interested in joining us? Check out our Life at SM page.
Thriving with the community for a brighter future.
At Swinburne Maddison, are isn’t just a value—it’s how we operate. We don’t just talk about supporting our community; we do it. From partnering with charities to helping local schools, not-for-profits, and grassroots projects, we’re dedicated to making a real difference where it counts most.
Community
We’re committed to social mobility, supporting local schools, and helping students break into the legal sector. Our initiatives, like Building My Skills with The Esh Group and providing work placements, offer valuable opportunities.
St Cuthberts Hospice is our headline charity and every year we proudly support the incredible care they provide. Volunteering is in our DNA—our team takes a volunteer day annually, working with animal rescues, mental health groups, and other local organisations. We also support the Dunelm Foundation, Suubi Africa, and other causes close to our clients. Plus, we collect for Durham Foodbank, and we match any donations raised.
Environment
Like many businesses, we know we have environmental impact, but we’re working on it. Moving online, reducing paper use, and embracing energy-efficient solutions are key to our approach. Our robust recycling program ensures we manage our resources responsibly.
We support our local environment with volunteering days at Aykley Heads Nature Reserve and beach clean-ups. We’re proud to help protect Durham’s natural beauty and do our part for the planet.
Sponsorship
From the bright lights of Lumiere lighting up the streets of Durham to hydrating runners at the Durham City Run, we support a variety of high-profile local events that bring the community together. Whether you’re immersed in a talk by a high-profile author at The Book Festival or cheering on Durham in the annual regatta, we’re proud to be part of these moments.
We don’t just back the big events—we stay rooted in our community, supporting local sports teams and organisations that make a difference. We ensure our sponsorship reaches across all aspects of life in Durham, from culture to sport, because that’s how we make an impact.
