Based in Durham, Swinburne Maddison LLP’s commercial property team advises a broad range of clients, from first-time tenants to developers and organisations with extensive property portfolios. The team also supports not-for-profits and charities, with expertise spanning all areas of commercial property and a particular strength in development work. Victoria Walton leads the team, handling large-scale residential and commercial developments across the UK. Simon Robinson has extensive experience in development and investment transactions, while Kate Stephenson regularly advises landlords and businesses across multiple sectors on their property needs, and Gillian Moir acts for a variety of investors, banks, occupiers and landlords.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Swinburne's have continued to expand, but the key is they have never lost their personal touch. You always feel the partners are in touch and know your issues.'

  • ‘Kate Stephenson has dealt with my requirements in a speedy and efficient manner. I am impressed by her depth of knowledge, which comes from her many years of experience. She exudes confidence and never seems to be phased. Over the years I have gained a great respect for her expert knowledge and she knows how to deliver an excellent service, so I would never want to look anywhere else.’

  • ‘I have used Swinburne Maddison LLP for more than 30 years now and the key point that makes them head and shoulders above other firms is there attention to detail and the level of support is not influenced by the value of the transaction which unfortunately is not the case with some firms.’

  • ‘The service provided by the commercial property team at Swinburne Maddison has always been both professional and personable. The whole team cover for each other and works together to provide a full service with depth of experience.'

  • ‘What we value most about working with Swinburne Maddison is the fact that they know our business inside out and are able to tailor their advice and services accordingly, knowing what is important to us and where our biggest areas of risk lie.'

  • ‘Kate Stephenson is an exceptional solicitor who is able to meet often demanding deadlines at short notice. We really appreciate Kate's dedication in this area as it hugely benefits our strategic relationships with developer partners.'

Key clients

  • Durham Cathedral
  • The Esh Group
  • Ramside Estates Limited
  • Beyond Housing Limited
  • Theakston Estates Limited and associated companies
  • TJD Properties Limited
  • Karbon Homes Limited
  • Atom Bank plc
  • Handelsbanken
  • St Cuthberts Walk Limited
  • Langley Lodge Developments Limited
  • Clever Clogs Day Nurseries Limited

Work highlights

Acting on behalf of Atom Bank plc in connection with 141 separate instructions with a cumulative lending total of over £80m.
Acting on behalf of Leo Vegas UK Limited on the lease of its new offices in Leeds.
Acting on behalf of The Esh Group in relation to numerous sites for residential development across the north east, from site acquisition, site set up and infrastructure agreements and ultimately unit sales.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Kate Stephenson
Victoria Walton

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Gillian Moir

Practice head

Victoria Walton

Other key lawyers

Simon Robertson; Kate Stephenson; Gillian Moir; Chris Ross