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How Swinburne Maddison LLP Compares

Value for money

This firm - 93%
National Average
Poor Competitive Excellent

Excellent does not necessarily mean ‘cheap’. It means that clients thought that the level of service received was Excellent for what they paid.

This score has been calculated using up to the last 300 reviews left by clients of Swinburne Maddison LLP on ReviewSolicitors.

As part of our review questionnaire we ask reviewer questions about the value for money they felt they received by using Swinburne Maddison LLP. These questions include:

  • Value for money (a rating of 1-5)
  • How much were you initially quoted or how much did you expect to pay?
  • Approximately how much did you end up spending for the legal services provided (ignoring disbursements and court fees)
  • Did you think this was underpriced, overpriced or about right?
  • Overall experience

We use data science to amalgamate the answers to these questions and create a ‘ReviewSolicitors score’ out of 100. The above chart representation score is a simple percentage representation of the averaged score across those who have reviewed this law firm.

Underpriced 2%
Overpriced 0%
About Right 97%

If you would like to read more about how we work with our review data please see our Transparency section.

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Would recommend to
friends and family

This firm - 94%
National Average
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

ReviewSolicitors uses our community data to show you how many clients used Swinburne Maddison LLP and have had a satisfactory experience where they have indicated that they would recommend the services of the law firm to their friends and family.

You can use this data to see how Swinburne Maddison LLP performs against other law firms nationally. A score close to 100% indicates that this firm is highly valued by their clients.

As part of our review questionnaire we ask the question:

"Would you recommend this firm to somebody else?"

The reviewer can select either “Yes” or “No”.

The above score is a simple percentage representation of the total amount of clients who selected the “Yes” option:

Yes 94%
No 6%

If you would like to read more about how we work with our review data please see our Transparency section.

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Satisfied with
outcome of matter

This firm - 94%
National Average
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

ReviewSolicitors uses our community data to show you how many clients used Swinburne Maddison LLP and were satisfied with the outcome of their matter. Being satisfied with the outcome of your matter is an important consideration to have in mind.

You can use this data to see how Swinburne Maddison LLP compares to the national average of clients being satisfied with the outcome of their matter after instructing a solicitor.

As part of our review questionnaire we ask the question:

"Were you satisfied with the outcome of your case?"

The reviewer can select either “Yes” or “No”.

The above score is a simple percentage representation of the total amount of clients who selected the “Yes” option:

Yes 94%
No 6%

If you would like to read more about how we work with our review data please see our Transparency section.

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Rankings by area of expertise

The rankings below show the areas of expertise that Swinburne Maddison LLP offers to clients. You can see how good the service offered is in comparison to all other law firms nationally.

Data shown above is based on the reviews and client feedback collected by ReviewSolicitors over the last 12 months.

Review Sources

Client Reviews

4.7/5

Reviews summary

  • Excellent

    74
  • Very Good

    3
  • Average

    0
  • Poor

    0
  • Awful

    5

Overall experience

  • Value For Money
  • Communication
  • Initial Impressions
  • Approachability
  • Documentation Accuracy
  • Legal knowledge
Stacey B.

Verified review

This review has been left by a verified client who used Swinburne Maddison LLP.

Matter Type:

Settlement Agreements

Stacey B.

April 03, 2025

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Responsive and thorough legal document review

Phoebe Gogarty assisted me with a legal document review and I was very happy with the whole process. The firm and Phoebe responded promptly to my initial inquiry. During the document review, Phoebe ensured I understood the contents and recommended revisions. I felt I received good value for the cost and that Phoebe had my best interests in mind throughout.

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Barbara Davis

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This review has been left by a verified client who used Swinburne Maddison LLP.

Barbara Davis

March 28, 2025

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Highly recommended

I had the pleasure of Phoebe Gogarty dealing with an employment matter for me. She acted swiftly at short notice, was very professional, pleasant and polite. She got the matter sorted with regular communication and tied up all loose ends. A job well done. Thank you Phoebe 😆

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Sylvia Haselhurst

Verified review

This review has been left by a verified client who used Swinburne Maddison LLP.

Matter Type:

Gardening Leave

Sylvia Haselhurst

March 22, 2025

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Brilliant

From contacting Swinburne Maddison, the service I received was brilliant. Phoebe handled my case, swiftly, professionally & updated me every step of the way. Making sure I understood documentation and what it meant for my particular situation. Completely putting my mind at ease.
I would highly recommend to anyone needing legal advice. I'm not surprised that this firm was recommended to me. High praise indeed

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Justine

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This review has been left by a verified client who used Swinburne Maddison LLP.

Justine

March 17, 2025

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Fantastic service

Sharney kept me fully up to date with the matter and explained everything very clearly throughout the process. Very friendly and approachable and would have no hesitation recommending.

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Scary

Verified review

This review has been left by a verified client who used Swinburne Maddison LLP.

Matter Type:

Wills

Scary

March 12, 2025

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Professional

Akkelin was the solicitor I had contact with. She was very helpful and efficient explaining clearly points that I would not otherwise have considered when writing my will. Emma, the senior legal assistant I had contact with, with also very efficient and helpful.

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Wayne H

Verified review

This review has been left by a verified client who used Swinburne Maddison LLP.

Matter Type:

Employment - business

Wayne H

March 11, 2025

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Excellent advice and support

We engaged with Swinburne Maddison LLP to provide guidance on employment law and legal agreements. I would highly recommend working with this company and a big thank you to Sharney Randhawa in helping our company with excellent advice and support.

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Louise H

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This review has been left by a verified client who used Swinburne Maddison LLP.

Louise H

March 06, 2025

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Highly recommended

Based on my experience of having Phoebe as my solicitor, I wouldn't hesitate to use Swinburne Maddison again in the future. She was very thorough and acted in my best interests at all times. During a very tough time for me she was compassionate and professional, a true credit to the company.

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Ian Crampton

Verified review

This review has been left by a verified client who used Swinburne Maddison LLP.

Matter Type:

Employment Law

Ian Crampton

March 05, 2025

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CRA144/1

Very knowledgeable, helpful & supportive.

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Natalia

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This review has been left by a verified client who used Swinburne Maddison LLP.

Natalia

March 05, 2025

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Excellent service

Professional and efficient service. Clear communication and swift resolutions. Recommend for anyone looking for reliable and knowledgeable legal support.

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Donna Dove

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This review has been left by a verified client who used Swinburne Maddison LLP.

Donna Dove

February 28, 2025

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Settlement agreement

Lovely and approachable. Apologies for the late response.

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Reviews collected from

RAW

RAW

March 24, 2025

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RAW

Dear David Low

I am writing to formally request an urgent investigation into the legal actions taken against me and the significant distress they have caused. My situation has had a profound impact on my mental health, and I believe procedural errors and a lack of awareness of mental health conditions have exacerbated my difficulties.

Background of My Case
I was taken to court after referring to your client as “Putin,” despite my diagnosed mental health conditions and the personal hardships I was facing at the time. I was struggling with the aftermath of lockdown, denied access to my mother while she was suffering from pneumonia (the same illness that tragically took my young nephew’s life), and was prescribed incorrect medication. The term “Putin” was used in reference to coercive control, as I was prevented from seeing my mother. Rather than addressing this concern, I was taken to court. In another case I was taken to court and sentenced for sending 22 text messages whilst under contract to sell a property. Unfortunately, not doing her maths correctly she spent my commission and went to the police and cried wolf rather than working on a payment plan.

After 22 court adjournements i could not take anymore as the whole this left me suicidal.

My Mother’s Current Mental Health and Request for Contact
I am now receiving messages from my cousin and youngest sister, stating that my mother wishes to see me. Her mental health is deteriorating as she now is in her mid 70s, yet I am unable to make contact due to a court order. Previously, I was arrested under a non-molestation order simply for sending my mother a thank-you message for a birthday gift. To avoid legal consequences, I require formal written permission to see her. Given the circumstances, I request urgent consideration of my right to visit my mother before it is too late. For the record, my father is not a bad man, just hugely misguided by a money hungry solicitor.

Legal and Procedural Concerns
Errors in My Case: My bail statement was altered to falsely state that I was arrested in Horsham when I was actually detained at Brighton Police Station while attempting to recover my work phone. I was then held for nearly 33 hours before being transported to court, only to be released after 15 minutes, as I had already been bailed.

Incorrect Case Escalation: My case was initially classified as "NFA" (No Further Action) but was wrongly mistaken for "No Fixed Address" due to my homelessness at the time. This led to an unnecessary escalation from a civil to a criminal matter.

Impact on My Business and Well-being: At its peak, my company generated ÂŁ100,000 per month, but due to legal proceedings and reputational damage, I now struggle to earn even ÂŁ1,000. I endured 22 court adjournments and was pressured into pleading guilty under the threat of imprisonment. This situation has caused severe financial and emotional hardship, leading to multiple mental health crises, including suicidal thoughts.

Request for Investigation and Immediate Action
Permission to See My Mother: I request written confirmation that I can visit my mother without facing legal repercussions, as she has expressed a desire to see me.

Investigation into Procedural Errors: I urge you to review the handling of my case, including incorrect statements in my bail record, the wrongful escalation of my charges, and the potential misconduct of legal professionals involved.

Review of Mental Health Awareness in Legal Proceedings: My case highlights a concerning lack of understanding regarding neurodiverse conditions such as Autism and ADHD. Detaching individuals with SEND conditions from their primary emotional support can have severe consequences, and I fear that without intervention, similar cases may lead others down a dangerous path.

I am prepared to provide all relevant court documents and correspondence to support my claims. This matter requires immediate attention, as my mother’s health is deteriorating, and I am desperate to see her before it is too late.

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Mathew

Mathew

March 12, 2025

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Mathew

This firm almost cost me the sale of my property and I would steer well clear. After my buyers solicitors had been chasing them for the draft contract, we find out the solicitor working the case had left and no proper handover had been conducted. They had lost the memorandum of sale and had no actions done at all on their side. Their reply to the other parties solicitors was to tell them they are waiting instructions from me, yes I had instructed them a month prior to this. Conveyancing solicitors have a bad reputation, and it’s firms like this that are the reason.

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Philip

Philip

February 16, 2025

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Philip

Friendly and approachable yet professional - felt like I was in good hands.

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Peter

Peter

November 22, 2024

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Peter

First time meeting with my solicitor today, despite being on their panel for a few months. A lot of things were dealt with via email, but couldn't really move forward without a face to face meeting. Absolutely lovely building, in a lovely area and the people working there are very courteous and extremely professional.

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Kathryn

Matter Type:

Residential Conveyancing

Kathryn

October 25, 2024

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Kathryn

I can’t speak more highly of this company! The star of the show was Alli Wakefield! She was utterly amazing and made this process as seamless as could be! We can’t thank you enough! She was prompt professional and understanding. Big thank you to Rebecca we fully appreciate your hard work!
Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend! Thanks again.

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Swinburne Maddison LLP are accredited by

accreditation
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About this branch

Description

We are Swinburne Maddison, Durham’s leading law firm. We pride ourselves on being trusted experts in the legal field. We are reliable, ambitious and committed to delivering excellence, and we're thrilled to share our remarkable journey with you. Our story began on the 1st of August 1998 when two distinguished law firms, Swinburne Jackson Moreland and Wilson Maddison, came together in a momentous merger. The prestigious firms combined, bringing 200 years of experience together, firmly laying the foundation for what we now proudly call Swinburne Maddison LLP. Fast forward to today, as we celebrate our 25-year anniversary, and we couldn't be more honoured to have evolved into the firm we are now. What started with 15 solicitors and 25 support staff has blossomed into a formidable team of 80 plus, comprising 37 highly skilled fee earners and 12 exceptional partners. We were delighted to have been awarded the prestigious Investors in People award in 2022, a true testament to the value we place on nurturing and developing our talent. When it comes to expertise, our reputation speaks for itself. We are thrilled to be recognised in The Legal 500 across eight practice areas, with a particular highlight on being ranked Top Tier for Corporate and Commercial, Commercial Property, and Commercial Litigation. Our corporate team's ability has earned us a place among the top 10 in the Experian Market IQ M&A Review, showcasing our exceptional deal-making skills. At Swinburne Maddison, we're not just legal experts, we're your trusted partners in the North East. We aren’t like other law firms, we’re agile, approachable, jargon-free, and genuinely committed to delivering the best possible legal solutions to our clients. Our approach is rooted in understanding your needs and collaborating with you to provide you with clear, practical advice. Whether you are a business seeking expert guidance or an individual navigating a personal matter, we’re here to assist you every step of the way.

Regulated by

Solicitors Regulation Authority

Legal services

Personal areas of law

  • Clinical Negligence
    • Clinical Negligence
    • Dental Negligence
    • Dental Negligence Claims
    • Medical Negligence
  • Consumer
    • Consumer Disputes
    • Litigation - Breach of contract
    • Litigation - Insurance disputes
    • Litigation - M&A and warranty disputes
    • Litigation - Product liability claims
    • Litigation - Property litigation claims
    • Litigation - Trust and pension issues
    • Litigation Law
  • Employment
    • Agency Staff / Temp Workers
    • Constructive/Unfair Dismissal
    • Disciplinary Hearings
    • Discrimination at Work
    • Employee Team Moves
    • Employment Contracts
    • Employment Law
    • Equal Pay Disputes
    • Family Leave
    • Flexible Working
    • Gardening Leave
    • Harassment/Bullying at Work
    • Holiday Pay Issues
    • Maternity and Paternity
    • Part Time Workers
    • Pay Issue
    • Pension Law
    • Privacy and Data Protection
    • Professional Discipline
    • Redundancy
    • Restrictive Covenants
    • Senior Executives
    • Settlement Agreements
    • Stress at Work
    • TUPE
    • Tribunal Claims
    • UK Employment Laws
    • Unfair Dismissal Claims
    • Whistleblower Protection
  • Family Law
    • Adoption, Surrogacy, Care and Special Guardianship
    • Annulment
    • Asset protection and tax mitigation
    • Change of name
    • Child Access
    • Child Arrangements Following Divorce
    • Child Custody
    • Child Law
    • Child Maintenance
    • Child Relocation After Divorce
    • Child contact
    • Children
    • Children Act proceedings
    • Civil Partnership Dissolution
    • Civil partnerships
    • Cohabitation agreements and disputes
    • Cohabitation and Unmarried Relationships
    • Collaborative Law
    • Divorce
    • Divorce After A Brain Or Other Serious Injury
    • Domestic Abuse
    • Domestic Violence
    • Elderly care
    • Family Mediation
    • Family law
    • Financial Matters
    • Grandparents' Rights
    • High Net Worth Divorce
    • Inheritance Act claims
    • Injunctions
    • Lasting power of attorney
    • Marriage and civil partnerships
    • Matrimonial finance
    • Parental responsibility, paternity disputes, surrogacy
    • Pension and property advice
    • Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements
    • Separation
    • Separation Agreement
    • Unmarried Couples' Rights
  • Housing & Property
    • Anti-social Behaviour
    • Boundary Disputes
    • Buying at auction
    • Declarations of trusts
    • Deeds of Gifts
    • Deeds of easements, variation, deeds of rectifications
    • Dilapidation Claims
    • Evicting Squatters and Trespassers
    • Exclusivity and lock-out agreements
    • Extending your Lease
    • Freehold Enfranchisement
    • Housing Associations
    • Housing Management
    • Housing disputes
    • Injunctions
    • Investment and buy to let properties
    • Landlord and Tenant
    • Lease Extensions
    • Leasehold properties
    • Matrimonial transfers
    • Neighbour Disputes
    • New home purchases and sales
    • Option agreements and conditional contracts
    • Possession and repossession proceedings
    • Property Disputes
    • Purchase and Sale
    • Remortgaging
    • Renting and Tenancy Agreements
    • Repossessions
    • Residential Conveyancing
    • Restrictive Covenants, Easements and Wayleaves
    • Right of First Refusal
    • Right of Way and Rights to Light
    • Right to Manage
    • Second charges
    • Service Charge Disputes
    • Service Charge Recovery
    • Tenancy Breaches, Injunctions and Forfeiture Claims
    • Tenant Eviction
    • Transfer of title
    • Transfers of equity
    • Transfers of parts of land
    • Unpaid Rent, Service or Ground Charges
  • Money & Tax
    • Debt and Bankruptcy
    • Inheritance Tax
    • Insolvency and bankruptcy
    • Trusts
  • Notary
    • Notary
  • Personal Injury
    • No Win No Fee
    • Personal Injury Law
  • Professional Negligence
    • Professional Negligence
    • Professional Negligence law
  • Wills, Trusts & Probate
    • Disputed Probate
    • Disputed Trusts
    • Disputed Wills
    • Probate
    • Trusts
    • Wills

Business areas of law

  • Agriculture
    • Agricultural land for sale or development
    • Buying and selling a farm
    • Commercial contracts for farming businesses
    • Employment of farm workers
    • Equestrian property
    • Farm partnerships and corporate structures
    • Farming disputes
    • Veterinary negligence
  • Banking
    • Banking
  • Charities
    • Charities
  • Commercial Property
    • Commercial Leases
    • Commercial mortgages
    • Developer disputes
    • Development plot sales
    • Environmental policy law
    • Finance
    • Investment purchases and Buy to Let
    • Landlord and tenant
    • Planning law
    • Purchase and Sale Of Commercial Property
    • Purchase of development land
    • Rights of way issues
    • Sales or purchases of shops, factories, warehouses, offices and licensed premises
  • Company & Commercial
    • Agency agreements
    • Business structures and joint ventures
    • Commercial Contracts and Agreements
    • Commercial Law
    • Commercial Litigation Matters
    • Competition law
    • Contract law
    • Contractual Disputes
    • Corporate Law
    • Corporate finance
    • Credit Control
    • Data Protection
    • Debt Recovery
    • Employment - business
    • Franchising
    • Insolvency and Bankruptcy
    • Management buyouts
    • Merchandising and sponsorship
    • Mergers and Acquisitions
    • Mis-sold Interest Rate Swap Agreements
    • Outsourcing agreements
    • Partnership and LLP law
    • Sales and Purchases
    • Setting up a business
    • Share option schemes
    • Shareholder Agreements
    • Shareholder and Partnership Disputes
    • Small businesses
    • Statutory Demands
    • Summary Judgment
  • Construction
    • Development agreements
  • Dispute Resolution
    • Mediation
  • IT & Intellectual Property
    • Advertising and Marketing Compliance
    • Copyright
    • GDPR
    • Intellectual Property Litigation and Dispute Resolution
  • Regulations
    • Alcohol Licensing
    • Health and Safety
    • Licensing