Gillian Moir
Swinburne Maddison LLPSwinburne Maddison LLP’s full-service commercial property practice is led by Victoria Walton, who advises property developers, landowners, commercial landlords and registered providers of social housing on large-scale residential and commercial developments. Simon Robinson acts for promoters of residential and commercial development sites in the Durham, Darlington and Teesside areas. ‘Highly dedicated partner’, Kate Stephenson frequently supports businesses across the retail, health and hospitality sectors on property acquisitions, sales and developments. Managing associates Gillian Moir and Chris Ross provide support to both the commercial property and corporate teams on the real estate aspects of transactions. Ross, in particular, also works on infrastructure and planning agreements. All named lawyers are based in Durham.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘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.’
Key clients
- Durham Cathedral
- The Esh Group
- Ramside Estates Limited
- Beyond Housing Limited
- Hargreaves Services plc
- Theakston Estates Limited and associated companies
- TJD Properties Limited
- Karbon Homes Limited
- Atom Bank plc
- Handelsbanken
- The Enquire Learning Trust Limited
- Livin Housing
- Clever Clogs Day Nurseries Limited
- Believe Housing
- Vestbrown Limited
- The Auckland Project
- Banner Holdings Limited
- Mitchells Investments Ltd
- Durham County Council
- Amberstone Security Group Limited
- Mulberry Homes Limited
- Broadacres Housing
- Rose A Farms Limited
- Teesside Properties Limited
- B Capital Holdings Limited
- Cairnwell Limited
Work highlights
- Acting on behalf on Atom Bank plc in connection with 42 separate instructions, including a large volume of Recovery Loan Scheme transactions aimed at supporting SMEs across the UK to access the finance they need to grow and invest in the wake of COVID-19.
- Advising Argenbright Security Europe Limited in connection with all property elements arising out of their acquisition of the entire issued share capital of The Protector Group Limited and subsidiary companies.
- Acting on behalf of a consortium of landowners whose land has been allocated for residential development in the local plan.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Kate Stephenson
Swinburne Maddison LLPVictoria Walton
Swinburne Maddison LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Victoria Walton