A diverse range of companies, including sole traders, SMEs, LLPs and various partnerships, call upon Swinburne Maddison LLP’s Durham-based commercial litigation team to work on a wide range of disputes. Head of the dispute resolution and employment law team Jonathan Moreland guides clients through court proceedings and mediation. David Low is the key contact for breach of contract and professional negligence claims, while Abigail Zuk specialises in debt recovery and directors disputes as well as insolvency matters. Recent promotion to associate level Lewis Brown is a name to note for nuisance actions and disputes involving the sale of goods. The team provides a niche specialism in personal and corporate insolvency matters, involving bankruptcy applications.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘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.'

Key clients

  • Ramside Estates Limited
  • The Esh Group
  • Durham Cathedral
  • Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation
  • The Enquire Learning Trust Limited
  • Martin Gray Football Acadamy
  • Baker Tilly Creditor Services LLP
  • Smart Office Systems Limited
  • Teescraft Engineering Limited
  • Allure Developments Limited
  • JEM Road Construction Limited
  • Northern Freight Services Limited
  • Evenmore Properties Limited
  • Durham County Council
  • Ingleford Scaffolding Limited
  • AKV Cladding Products Ltd
  • Aetrio Holdings Ltd
  • Box. North East Ltd
  • Certa Roofing and Cladding Ltd
  • North Shire Limited
  • Stichting Duits-Nederlandse Windtunnels
  • North East Pipeline Solutions Ltd
  • Land Technologies Limited
  • Manolete Partners plc
  • Beyond Housing Limited
  • Gas and Water Solutions Limited
  • Wirac Automation Limited
  • Man Co 1 Limited
  • Savanna Group Ltd
  • Soccarena Holdings Ltd
  • Berger Closures Limited
  • F&I Management Limited
  • The Auckland Project

Work highlights

  • Advising on a settlement proposal arising out of a complex insolvency dispute which concerned assets valued at £18 million.
  • Acting on behalf of a client in defending an £800,000 claim for repayment of a company buyback of shares.
  • Acting on behalf of the shareholders of a company in defending a £600,000 claim by a former director who believes he was unfairly prejudiced by the payment of a fixed dividend payment.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Jonathan Moreland

Other key lawyers

David Low, Abigail Zuk, Lewis Brown