Swinburne Maddison LLP

29/05/2026

What’s shaping the future of our high streets? 🏬
Across County Durham, regeneration projects are transforming how town centres are used, creating new opportunities for investors, landlords and businesses.

In her latest article, Diane Hall, Managing Associate in our Commercial Property team, explores the shift from traditional retail to mixed-use developments and the legal and planning considerations involved.

Read the article online. 👇
https://bit.ly/3PRWWci

18/05/2026

On 1st May, the Renters’ Rights Act introduced one of the biggest shake-ups to the private rental sector in decades. But beyond the headline changes, there are key deadlines landlords can’t afford to miss.

Zoe Limon, Solicitor in our Commercial Property team, explains what landlords need to do now, from providing the mandatory Information Sheet to formalising verbal tenancies and navigating new rules around student lets.

Read the article to understand what these changes mean in practice and how to stay compliant before the 31st May deadline.👇
https://bit.ly/4uZhnDa

15/05/2026

Subscription models are about to face a major reset. 🤖
The UK Government has confirmed sweeping reforms to consumer subscription rules, due to come into force in Spring 2027, and they’ll impact everything from free trials to annual renewals.

From double cooling-off periods to mandatory reminders and stricter “easy exit” rules, the changes are designed to put consumers firmly back in control. In her latest article, Trainee Solicitor Rebecca Tinsley breaks down what’s changing and what businesses should be doing now to prepare.
If you operate a subscription model, it’s well worth a read.

Read the article online 👇
https://bit.ly/4tWklrb

11/05/2026

A new chapter for Swinburne Maddison. 🌟
After 35 years with the firm, Jonathan Moreland will retire from Swinburne Maddison at the end of 2026, marking the end of a significant era for the business.
Following a long‑term and carefully managed succession process, Victoria Walton will succeed Jonathan as Managing Partner in January 2027.

Looking ahead, Victoria says:
“The firm is in great shape – we have the most talented team we have ever had, and the business is underpinned with a strong operational structure. I am excited about what Swinburne Maddison can achieve in the future.”

Building on strong foundations and a collaborative culture, and with an ambitious three‑year business plan underway, the firm is well placed for its next phase of growth.

Read the full announcement on our website. 👇
https://bit.ly/4no2He4

05/05/2026

We’re pleased to share news of a series of firmwide promotions at Swinburne Maddison, recognising the talent, leadership and commitment of colleagues across the business.

This includes promotions to Managing Associate and Associate across multiple teams, reflecting both individual progression and our continued investment in developing senior legal talent.

We’re also delighted to confirm Laura Murphy’s appointment as Head of our Private Client Department, following her success in the role on an interim basis, alongside the introduction of a new Senior Managing Associate position to further strengthen leadership across the firm.

These promotions reflect our continued growth and our long‑term commitment to clear progression pathways and supporting our people at every stage of their careers.

Read the full announcement and meet those promoted here:
https://bit.ly/4nazAec

:egalCareers

Abigail Zuk, Catherine Lowther, Charlotte Excell, Claire Wilson, Craig Foot, Diane Hall, James Curran, Kaye Cunningham, Lewis Brown, Sarah Laird, Sharney Randhawa

01/05/2026

We’re pleased to celebrate Siân Thurkettle as she commences her Training Contract with us today! 🥂
Siân joined Swinburne Maddison LLP in 2024 as a Paralegal in our Dispute Resolution team, where she has provided invaluable support on housing disrepair matters, bringing strong organisation, attention to detail and a consistently positive attitude to the role.

Siân will begin her Training Contract in our Commercial Property team, and we’re excited to support her as she continues her journey towards qualifying as a solicitor.
Best of luck, Siân – we’re incredibly proud of you! 👏🏼

30/04/2026

Counsel & Conversation | S2 E2 | Legal Essentials for a New Business Website 🎙💻
In this episode of Counsel & Conversation, Caroline Smith is joined by Jenny Wade, Partner and Head of our Commercial team, to unpack the key legal protections businesses need when commissioning a new website.

Using the scenario of an established, fast‑growing business rebuilding its site, Jenny explains how to avoid some of the most common – and costly – pitfalls around contracts, IP and compliance.

Watch the full episode on our website. 👇
https://bit.ly/4cWTbK7

Jenny and Caroline explore how to make your new website legally robust, including:
✨ Who really owns your domain name and website content – and how to fix it if it’s not you
✨ When and how to use NDAs when briefing software developers
✨ What a strong website development contract should cover: price, milestones, payment, liability and remedies
✨ Protecting your intellectual property, including copyright in the website and trade mark protection for your name and logo
✨ Refreshing your privacy policy, cookies policy and terms and conditions so they’re up to date and compliant

✨ Extra considerations if you sell online to consumers or operate through multiple companies

If you’re planning a new website or reviewing your online presence, our Commercial team can help.
📞 0191 384 2441 | ✉️ [email protected]

29/04/2026

Director misconduct can have serious consequences for businesses, particularly in smaller or owner-managed companies. From misusing company assets to diverting business opportunities or excluding shareholders, these issues often sit at the heart of complex commercial disputes.

In our latest article, James Curran, Associate Solicitor in our Commercial Litigation team, explains the legal duties directors owe under the Companies Act 2006, the most common types of misconduct we see in practice, and the remedies available when things go wrong.

Read the full article here.
https://www.swinburnemaddison.co.uk/insights/article/director-misconduct-duties-of-directors-common-breaches-and-legal-remedies/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=JCC_DirectorsDuties&utm_id=dispute+article

23/04/2026

Today we brought our colleagues together for our all-team presentation, where we took a chance to pause, reflect and look ahead. 🌟

As we approach the end of our three-year business plan, we looked back on the firm’s performance over the past 12 months, celebrated how far we’ve come and shared our ambitions for the next three years.

It was also a brilliant opportunity to recognise achievements across the firm, both personal and professional, and to look ahead to the first year of our new plan, with plenty of exciting news on the horizon.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a management presentation without a treat for the team! With the sun shining, there was only one choice for lunch… fish and chips from The Little Fishy 🐟🍟

We wouldn’t be where we are today without our people, an incredible team who continue to drive the firm forward every day. 💙

20/04/2026

Menopause is a major life transition, yet its impact on relationships is often overlooked.

For many couples, this stage can coincide with emotional distance, rising conflict and, in some cases, relationship breakdown. Research shows a clear link between menopause and increased divorce rates, with many women experiencing separation during their 40s and 50s.

In our latest article, Catherine Lowther, Head of our Family team, explores why menopause can place strain on relationships, the wider pressures couples may be facing at the same time, and why recognising what is happening can help individuals make informed, compassionate decisions about their future.

Read the full article here.
https://bit.ly/4eu0riT

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17/04/2026

With spring in full swing, now is typically the most popular time to buy and sell a home. 🌷 🏡
Many movers aim to be settled into their new property by the summer months, while longer daylight hours and gardens coming back to life mean homes often show at their best.

With activity picking up, it’s more important than ever to understand what happens behind the scenes once an offer is accepted. From investigating the legal title and raising enquiries, to carrying out searches and meeting mortgage requirements, your solicitor plays a key role in protecting you from unexpected legal or financial issues.

Our latest article, Managing Associate, Rebecca Harper, explains how the conveyancing process works in practice and how having the right legal support in place from the outset can help keep your move on track.
Read the article online. 👇
https://bit.ly/4mB3wQb