Swinburne Maddison LLP > Durham, England > Firm Profile

‘Craig Malarkey was our main point of contact and was very approachable and professional in his manner and service.’

‘The practice has a young and dynamic team who provide a proactive, value for money and high-quality service to their clients. They are always willing to discuss the wider implications of cases and bring in other specialists from their team as appropriate.’

‘Martyn Tennant is well known and respected in the area. He has a strong technical knowledge but blends that with a commercial awareness to give great advice to clients that fits their circumstances.’

‘I would view the firm as one of the leading independent firms in the North.’

‘Alex Wilby has contributed significantly to Durham City Incubator and Business Durham activities.  He is a valued partner of the programme and has provided additional support to Business Durham events. I must also mention Sophie Ayre.’

‘Swinburne Maddison LLP is all you should expect from a quality law practice. They offer a full range of services, they provide clear billing information, their administration is slick and they employ accessible, quality people. Although our business is near York, we still use this Durham based firm.’

‘We have worked with Mike Ward for many years. He has developed an intimate understanding of our business needs. He knows and works well with all the individuals that need to interact with him. He provides all corporate services from operational legal advice to company restructuring.’

‘The corporate team are fantastic, they have completed several deals for me and I wouldn’t go anywhere else.’

‘The litigation team quickly grasped the essence of the litigation matter and clearly articulated a route to potential resolution.’

‘Lewis Brown’s very professional, yet personable approach, made dealing with often challenging litigation matters very simple and straight-forward. His no-nonsense approach ensured he got to the heart of the matter without any fuss.’

‘Abigail Zuk provides detailed updates, well thought out advice and is proactive in keeping the momentum going towards achieving the outcomes we seek as a client.’

‘I have dealt with David Low who has been exceptionally helpful and informative. He clearly explained the legal terms that have been used and explained what happens next at every stage.’

‘A strong team of accessible and professional colleagues who take the time to understand the nuances and specific needs of their clients. I have always had a high quality and timely service at a competitive price.’

‘David Low is my point of contact. He is personable, approachable and sensitive to the specific requirements of my organisation. He takes time to explain technical legal matters and does so within the framework of my organisation. He provides a top rate service. David will always make time to attend a meeting of the governing body. He is well respected and trusted.’

‘David Low is a very clever and capable lawyer, able to deal efficiently with knotty legal and practical questions and to explain clearly to clients what is going on. I have no hesitation in referring work to him.’

‘Jonathan Moreland is a calming influence, who gives litigation advice diligently and with assurance when dealing with differing issues that both myself and our business has encountered over the last 12 months. Unlike others I have used in the past, Jonathan offers clear guidance and structure to allow solutions or a way forward in tackling problems.’

‘What sets Swinburne Maddison apart from larger city firms is that they are equally as capable with lower fees and the partners work very closely together.’

‘The team has been growing steadily year on year and the internal knowledge and experience is impressive, but they also have an extensive network of specialists should these need to be called upon. I have always had a highly professional service at a reasonable price.’

‘My main contact is Kate Stephenson who is a highly dedicated partner specialising in commercial property. Kate is always accessible and if not immediately available will always get back to you in a short timescale. Speed of transaction is very important to me and Kate is quick and efficient even if the other side is often dragging their heels and she will always keep me posted when we are waiting for a response or there is undue delay from the opposite team.’

‘Victoria Walton is very good in heading up the team and can always be relied upon to manage and support colleagues who may be designated to a particular transaction being undertaken on my behalf. Whether it is a sale of property, or commercial lease, I always have the ability to discuss any issues to allow everything to run smoothly and in good order.’

‘Particular mention to Kate Stephenson and Victoria Walton who provide an excellent property service with pragmatic advice. They work well with others, which is key. Kate significantly received praise from another firm representing our contracting partner, expressing that she really knew her stuff. This not only builds credibility for her and Swinburne Maddison but also reflects well on our business.’

‘We have for many years seen Swinburne Maddison as part of our own in-house team, we enjoy good working relationships with all team members and find them friendly, approachable and contemporary in their approach to practicing law.’

‘Victoria Walton is an exceptional solicitor and our go-to for advice and support. We love the fact that Swinburne Maddison are plain-talking and commercially aware, with the benefit of backing this up with a keen eye for the detail and legal process.’

‘Very experienced local practice with a national reputation.’

‘I am impressed with David Low’s knowledge and experience. I feel very confident when he takes on a matter that he will give it his full attention and respond promptly.’

‘The practice provides us with a dedicated contact, David Low, who is a sector expert and gives us specialist housing advice on a range of housing management issues, from anti social behaviour cases, to tenancy management cases, hoarding and garden cases.’

‘The firm has a good knowledge of affordable housing, and good regional knowledge, which allows them to be more effective in their service delivery.’

‘Particular mention to Kate Stephenson and Victoria Walton who provide an excellent property service with pragmatic advice.’

‘Chris Ross, also in property, provides a great responsive service.’

‘Our key contact is Chris Ross who has an extensive knowledge of the various home ownership options. Chris is accessible to the team and delivers a quick turnaround of accurate documentation providing same day turnaround of contracts when necessary.’

‘A large firm but with the feel of a small firm when it comes service and excellence. Always provides value for money.’

‘Chris Ross always provides first class and reliable services. He fully understands the nuances and particular challenges faced by social housing providers and factors this knowledge into all advice and services provided.’

‘Kath Hill takes great pride in her job and truly respects her clients. She doesn’t tell you what you want to hear, she tells you the facts and the options which, for me, is what I need. I don’t want things to be sugar coated in case things don’t turn out that way. Her empathy flows out of her but is still very professional.’

‘Wisdom, professionalism, guidance and experience are the words that spring to mind with regard to Kath Hill. With my matter I felt I was getting the best advice at a time when I could not see things clearly.’

‘I worked with Kath Hill after a recommendation. Kath was very knowledgeable and experienced in what was required in my case to help me. I would recommend Kath Hill highly to anyone needing support with family law.’

‘Their team, which is spread across several offices in the North East, displays significant experience of dealing with substantial cases.’

‘Kath Hill. She shows a nice mix empathy and realistic advice for clients.’

‘Kath Hill is a brilliant, collaborative lawyer. Kath makes collaborative working look incredibly easy, she is hugely skillful and her warm, yet professional nature puts parties at ease whilst instilling confidence. Kath is an absolute pleasure to work alongside.’

‘Swinburne Maddison’s family team are well respected in relation to all family law matters. The team is led by Kath Hill who is a respected mediator and collaborative lawyer. Catherine Lowther is extremely approachable and is also committed to dispute resolution.’

‘Kath Hill. Kath is a well-known and well-respected family lawyer. She is particularly known for her dispute resolution work as a mediator and collaborative lawyer. I have worked with Kath on several cases both in the collaborative and traditional settings and have always found her to be down to earth, sensible and good to work with. Kath strives to reduce and minimise emotion and conflict between parties and also has a good technical ability in advocacy.’

‘The administrative side of the practice is well organised. Communications are dealt with promptly, efficiently and courteously.’

‘I was pleased to have David Low’s personal attention at the precise moment that it was required. His work has been intelligent, measured, efficiently directed, productive and effective.’

‘We believe that the major selling point for this firm is the way their staff fulfil their roles in an outstanding professional manner.’

‘We have primarily dealt with Lewis Brown. He has impressed us with the timely manner in dealing with correspondence, keeping us abreast of any developments.’

‘The approach by Swinburne Maddison is entirely customer-focussed with strong client relationships and a genuine ambition to understand the customer needs, as well as being accessible and responsive throughout case management.’

‘David Lowe has a wealth of legal knowledge and experience, complemented by common sense. He is always approachable, quick to respond to enquiries, and it is a pleasure to work with him. Instructions are always clear, commendably brief and given in good time.’

‘David Low gives excellent advice, with a big dose of common sense and realism.’

‘Lewis Brown is excellent. He is responsive, across the issues and commercially minded.’

‘Sharney Randhawa was recommended by another firm of solicitors. From the very first consultation where Sharney listened to my case and provided initial feedback I found Sharney very easy to deal with. I would recommend Sharney to anyone in a similar position to myself without hesitation.’

‘Jonathan Moreland is our main contact at Swinburne Maddison and has always been a great source of support. He remains calm and professional at all times and shows a level of understanding of our business which has surpassed that of others we have worked with.’

‘The team at Swinburne Maddison are very approachable , combining in-depth knowledge of their area of specialism with a down to earth manner which makes the client feel at ease when dealing with them. Their professionalism shines through in all aspects of their work.’

‘Jonathan Moreland has provided outstanding care and attention. His attention to detail and personal approach have given me great confidence that I made the right choice of legal firm. Correspondence has been prompt, options have been presented clearly and advice given candidly and thoughtfully when requested.’

‘Jonathan Moreland typifies the highly professional yet personable approach we have experienced from Swinburn Maddison. Not only is his advice consistently timely, considered and precise, but his unflappable demeanour and good sense of humour are both reassuring and confidence inspiring.’

‘Jonathan Moreland is a very well regarded lawyer with a vast amount of employment law knowledge and commercial acuity. ‘

‘Swinburne Maddison has always provided myself & my business with exceptional customer service and excellent advice.’

‘The practice supports me in employment matters and I find their advice always practical and valuable. I respect the partners I work with.’

‘Straightforward service with clear advice at each stage in process.’

‘Anna Stephenson has been incredibly supportive, helpful, professional and efficient throughout. I trust her judgement completely and she has provided excellent and timely advice throughout the process.’

‘In addition to obvious professional knowledge and ability, I particularly value the patience, clear explanation and understanding provided. Listening skills, patience and tolerance are vital when dealing with laymen such as myself trying to get to terms with emotive issues in order to reach the correct outcomes. I would especially cite Jennifer Purvis in this regard.’

‘The team are friendly, approachable, helpful and very knowledgable. The team are very caring and considerate under the circumstances.’

‘Swinburne Maddison provide a service that combines good technical knowledge with a common sense approach. A client can know that they will get advice that works for them and not just the application of a generic structure.’

‘Anna Stephenson, Partner – gives exceptional service. Knows exactly what we require regarding Trust set up and guiding us gently through the process.’

‘The team have a very professional yet personable approach which immediately places you at ease. Their warmth and friendliness shines through accompanied by a steely determination to deal with matters professionally and proficiently.’

‘Anna Stephenson acts with probity and is attentive, considerate, careful and professional. She is a delight to work with and she provides assurance that matters are dealt with correctly. I cannot recommend Anna highly enough.’