Meet the new partners

At the end of last year, we added strength and depth to our Corporate and Commercial team with the senior appointment of one of Teesside’s top commercial lawyers, Craig Malarkey.

In a second appointment at partner level, we were also delighted to announce that Anna Stephenson, currently head of the firm’s private client team, had also been made a partner.

Both positions form part of the firm’s ambitious expansion plans, which were announced following a reorganisation at the start of the last financial year.

Craig’s reputation on Teesside provides a sound opportunity for Swinburne Maddison to expand its services further in this area, represented by a well-known face with strong professional connections.

Having worked on a number of deals together over many years, our Corporate and Commercial team gained first-hand experience of Craig’s technical ability and pragmatic approach to concluding transactions, which, as partner, Martyn Tennant, explains, makes him a perfect fit for the team.

“Craig has risen through the ranks at his last law firm to become Head of the Corporate and Commercial team, specialising in corporate finance and transactional matters. We are extremely pleased that he has decided to join our team at this exciting stage in our development, which has seen our busiest year to date. He is a fantastic addition to our service offering. “The timing of Craig’s arrival could not be better, given the volume, quality and complexity of our caseload which has created the need for more senior members of staff to lead on our many transactional engagements.

Commenting on the second of the firm’s partner appointments, Managing Partner, Jonathan Moreland explains why Anna Stephenson’s promotion was the next logical step in her career path.

“Anna has distinguished herself over eight sterling years with our firm, the highlight of which was her key role in helping the team to win the Northern Law Awards ‘Private Client Team of the Year’ in 2018. She was promoted in May that year to the position of Managing Associate and became Head of Private Client soon after.

“Anna is an outstanding practitioner in her field of Wills, Trusts and Probate and has been extremely successful in leading the team, so it was an easy decision to appoint her to the partnership, a level at which I am confident she will further utilise her talents to help shape our future success.

Both positions form part of the firm’s ambitious expansion plans, which were announced following a reorganisation at the start of the last financial year.

“I am delighted to welcome both Craig and Anna to their new roles and look forward to collaborating closely with them.”

Speaking of his new appointment, Craig said: “I have watched Swinburne Maddison’s growth with admiration over the years - and the award-winning capacity of its team - particularly the Corporate and Commercial team, who enjoy a sound reputation within the corporate finance community and are also held in such high regard by clients and the business community alike.

“When Swinburne Maddison approached me, I saw the role as the perfect opportunity to develop my career. I will not only be able to build on my experience, but also, be part of a young, dynamic and highly regarded legal team which share my outlook and values.”

Across the firm, all teams are reporting increased workloads and the Private Client team is no different, having seen a dramatic increase in volumes throughout the pandemic under Anna Stephenson’s leadership. Jonathan continues: “Since embarking on our strategic reorganisation, we continue to trade ahead of target and expect this to continue.

“We are extremely busy at the present time. In fact, every quarter is busier than the last. Not only are we seeing an increased volume of work, but we are seeing an increase in the size, complexity and value of instructions in which we are involved.”

Anna Stephenson

Partner and Head of the Private Client team

What have you been working on recently? There has been an interesting variety of new work coming in over the last year. In particular, we have seen an upsurge in instructions from business owners turning their minds towards estate planning, which has led to an increase in cross-referrals and collaboration between the Private Client and Corporate teams, something which I really enjoy. I have also enjoyed working closely with specialist tax advisors providing our clients with carefully tailored advice and practical solutions to some of their more complex estate planning needs.

What is it that makes Swinburne Maddison a great place to work? We are a growing firm, providing opportunities which are on a par with larger firms yet we continue to feel like a very personable, friendly practice.

What has been the most valuable piece of advice given to you? A friend recently said to me that my children will look back in the years to come and feel inspired to raise a family and develop a career at the same time. I hope that all the juggling will pay off.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Walking, paddle boarding and recently wild swimming (wearing a very thick wetsuit!)

Craig Malarkey

Partner, Corporate and Commercial team

What have you been working on recently? Since joining I have completed a number of transactions, including an investment for Sphera Limited, a company specialising in environmentally friendly building materials and Countrywide Property Group, a client I had worked for at my previous firm. I am currently busy with a number of share restructures and EMI schemes.

What attracted you to join Swinburne Maddison? Having known Martyn for a number of years, I’d always kept an eye on the success of the team and the firm and the quality of the work and clients that they acted for. The opportunity to become a part of that and, in particular, joining a firm that looks to have very clear commercial goals but also with a really positive outlook and good people at its core was a real attraction.

What has been the most valuable piece of advice given to you? Surround yourself with good people. My uncle who was a partner at a national law firm always said that he would “recruit on personality and train for excellence”, which makes sense in all walks of life as the people you surround yourself with, professionally or personally, will have a huge impact on your success and importantly the enjoyment you take in whatever it is you are doing. I think it is evident that we have a great team here and I am enjoying getting to know everyone.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I have recently purchased a VW campervan so I am currently exploring places that I can go with the family and our dog as I try to embrace the “off grid” and outdoors lifestyle more. Beyond that my favourite thing to do with our spare time is to watch live music – although I seem to be spending more time at musical theatre than in the mosh pit these days.