Swinburne Maddison LLP

10/08/2026

You've reserved your dream new-build home... what happens next? 🏡
For many first-time buyers, the period between reservation and completion can feel unfamiliar. From mortgage applications and conveyancing to exchanging contracts, snagging and finally collecting the keys, there's still plenty to navigate before move-in day.

In our latest article, Holly Brennan explains what to expect after you've reserved your plot and shares practical tips to help keep your purchase on track.

Read the full article
👉 https://bit.ly/4i19SrP

07/08/2026

As Surrogacy Week comes to a close, it's an important time to raise awareness of the legal realities that many intended parents face on their journey to parenthood.

While surrogacy can be a life-changing route to starting or growing a family, recent Family Court decisions have highlighted that legal parenthood, parental responsibility and surrogacy arrangements can be far more complex than many people realise, particularly where international arrangements are involved.

In her latest article, Catherine Lowther explores the legal framework surrounding surrogacy in England and Wales, the significance of Parental Orders, and why obtaining specialist legal advice at an early stage can help provide certainty and protect the interests of both parents and children.

Read the full article here 👇
https://bit.ly/4wGd5S9

07/08/2026

Is breastfeeding in the workplace a right or a choice?
During World Breastfeeding Week, it's worth asking a different question: have we created workplaces where employees feel confident that reasonable needs will be taken seriously?

In her latest article, Sharney Randhawa discusses the legal and practical considerations for employers supporting breastfeeding employees, including risk assessments, workplace facilities, flexible arrangements and the potential consequences of getting it wrong.

Read the full article here 👇
https://bit.ly/4w9v4PN

30/07/2026

We’re delighted to have secured six shortlist places across four categories at the Insider North East​ Dealmakers Awards 2026.

Swinburne Maddison has been shortlisted for Corporate Law Firm of the Year, while Partner and Head of Corporate & Commercial, Martyn Tennant​, is shortlisted for Corporate Lawyer of the Year.

Four transactions on which our team advised have also been recognised:

• MBO of Advantex – Deal of the Year (sub £5m)

• Sale of Tyre Spot to Micheldever Tyre Service – Deal of the Year (sub £5m)

• Sale of Noted. Aromas, SE Retail and Malton Holdings to NA Bidco – Deal of the Year (£20m+)

• Volue’s acquisition of Quorum – Deal of the Year (£20m+)

These shortlists reflect the strength of our Corporate & Commercial team, the trust placed in us by our clients and the contribution of every adviser involved in bringing these transactions to completion.

Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists. We look forward to the awards evening on 24 September.

28/07/2026

Damp and mould complaints continue to create significant risks for landlords and managing agents. 🏡
In her latest article, Kelly Jefferson, Associate and CILEx Lawyer in our Property Litigation team, explores the recent case of Kemp v Henderson Property Management Solutions Ltd, where the court awarded significant damages after finding a property was both in disrepair and unfit for human habitation.

With housing disrepair claims continuing to rise, this judgment provides a timely reminder of the need for proactive property management and robust compliance procedures.

Read Kelly's article below. 👇
https://bit.ly/3Rh5cU3

Award-winning law firm in Durham, providing expert commercial and private legal services to businesses and individuals nationally. Call us today.

27/07/2026

A huge congratulations to Olivia Fisher, who has officially qualified as a solicitor today!
Olivia begins her new role within our Family Law and Probate Litigation teams, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have her continue her journey with Swinburne Maddison.

Having joined the firm in June 2025 part way through her training contract, Olivia brought with her a wealth of family law experience and quickly became an integral part of the team. Since then, she has impressed colleagues, clients and fellow professionals alike with her exceptional client care, positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile.

Away from client matters, Olivia is also a valued member of both our CSR Committee and Social Committee, helping to organise fundraising, volunteering and engagement activities across the firm.

As for today... we're not entirely sure Olivia has made it to her laptop yet. Her colleagues have gone all out decorating her desk for the occasion, so hopefully she'll manage to find her laptop and log on before lunchtime.

Congratulations, Olivia – a thoroughly deserved achievement. We can't wait to see what comes next! 👏

22/07/2026

Can a garden gnome really decide who owns a piece of land? 🧙‍♂️🏘️

It might sound unusual, but a recent Tribunal decision has highlighted how easily disputes can arise over small areas of land between neighbouring properties. In Dobson v Unsted, a disagreement over a small grassed area raised important questions about adverse possession and what happens when land is maintained and treated as your own over a long period of time.

In her latest article, Grace Robinson, Paralegal in our Commercial Property team, explores the Tribunal's decision and explains why everyday actions such as maintaining land, planting flowers and incorporating it into a garden can be enough to support an adverse possession claim. She also looks at why property owners should keep a close eye on their boundaries and challenge unauthorised use where necessary.

Read the full article 👇
https://bit.ly/44HwYMs

Award-winning law firm in Durham, providing expert commercial and private legal services to businesses and individuals nationally. Call us today.

20/07/2026

The summer holidays can be a challenging time for separated parents, particularly when it comes to agreeing arrangements for children and balancing family commitments.

In her latest article, Ellie Straughan, Solicitor in our Family Law team, explores the importance of planning ahead, keeping communication open, and understanding the options available when agreement cannot be reached.

Read the article online. 👇

Award-winning law firm in Durham, providing expert commercial and private legal services to businesses and individuals nationally. Call us today.

17/07/2026

Over the past two weeks, we have had the pleasure of welcoming four students to Swinburne Maddison as part of our work experience programme, giving them an insight into life at a law firm and the variety of career opportunities available within the legal profession.

In week one, we welcomed Alexander Robinson-Wood, a former Swinburne Maddison IT whizz who is now preparing to enter his third year studying Law. Reflecting on his time with us, Alex said:
"It was nice to be back and it was interesting to experience different departments to see where I might end up qualifying in the future."

We also hosted Lily Rowe, who has recently completed her GCSEs at Durham Johnston Comprehensive School and is preparing to begin her A Levels, with plans to study Law. Lily commented:
"It was lovely meeting the team and seeing what it's actually like to work in a law firm. I really enjoyed my time with the Family team."

In week two, Larina Ghafour, who is currently studying Business and Applied Law at Emmanuel College, Gateshead and is about to enter Year 13, joined us to gain a greater understanding of legal practice beyond the classroom. Larina particularly enjoyed her time with our Dispute Resolution team, which closely aligned with subjects she is currently studying.

Finally, we welcomed George Elliott, who has recently completed his GCSEs at St John's Catholic School & Sixth Form College and will begin his A Levels in September. George said:
"I now have a better understanding of what it is truly like to work as a solicitor. This experience has given me a clearer understanding of the role."

A huge thank you to everyone across the firm who supported our work experience programme. We hope Alex, Lily, Larina and George enjoyed their time with us and wish them every success in their future studies and careers. 🚀 👏🏼

17/07/2026

Thinking about buying your first new-build home? 🏡
The journey from researching developments to reserving your chosen plot can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process early can help you navigate the process more smoothly.

In her latest article, Holly Brennan, Paralegal in our Commercial Property team, shares a practical guide for first-time buyers, covering everything from mortgage agreements in principle and budgeting to choosing the right plot and instructing a solicitor.

Whether you're just starting your property search or ready to take the next step, Holly highlights the key considerations to help make your new-build purchase as smooth as possible.

Read the full article below. 👇
https://bit.ly/3TET8wo

Award-winning law firm in Durham, providing expert commercial and private legal services to businesses and individuals nationally. Call us today.