Meet our Fantastic Four

Swinburne Maddison is passionate about attracting and retaining talent. As Durham’s leading law firm, it is important that we support our aspiring lawyers and provide a positive environment for them to excel. In fact, 7 out of 11 of our current Partners began their careers at the firm, either as articled clerks or trainee solicitors, so you could say we have a long history of growing our talent from within.

There are many ways to become a lawyer, be it through CILEx, a solicitor apprenticeship or by the more traditional University-LPCtraining contract route.

We are delighted that, for the first time ever, we have four trainees currently training with us – with another two joining us next year! If the ability, dedication and drive of our current cohort is anything to go by, the future is very bright.

How does studying law compare to working at a law firm? The main difference between studying law and working at the firm is the application of knowledge. Instead of working towards the goal of receiving a high grade at University, at a law firm you are applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios and seeing first-hand the consequences on regular people. It is far more stimulating and rewarding, albeit more challenging, than just studying the theory. The life of a trainee can be a busy one, with lots of new skills to learn and many surprising twists and turns along the way. With the right support, and an approachable network of experienced colleagues around you, we hope that it is an exciting and rewarding one too. We sat down with each of our four current trainees to ask them some questions and find out a bit more about their day-to-day roles.

Alex Siddle

Commenced October 2022, First seat: Dispute Resolution

Describe the Dispute Resolution team in 3 words? Compassionate, supportive and (incredibly) hard-working.

What has been the highlight of your time at the firm so far? The obvious answer has to be receiving my training contract! It’s safe to say that this next step in my career represents my effort since starting University and I’m very grateful. For a slightly less ‘professional’ achievement, I’m on a winning streak with firm social events at the moment, having won the Annual Egg and Spoon race with Julie Rushton and David Low earlier this year (which was very intense!) and then winning the Mr Bean cardboard cut-out at our “Bongo’s Bingo” inspired summer party. Who wouldn’t be happy with that?

Brooke Jefferson

Commenced September 2022, First seat: Private Client

You recently moved into our Private Client team. Is this an area of law that appeals to you? Definitely! I find working in the Private Client team very interesting and rewarding as you are meeting individuals looking to plan their future or supporting those who may have lost a loved one. I enjoy being able to get to know my clients on a personal level and helping to provide them with a solution, whatever their individual circumstances.

What workplace values are important to you? When starting out in your career you need to feel supported first and foremost. At Swinburne Maddison I already feel trusted to do a good job which, in turn, has improved my confidence and made me feel like a valued member of the team. The firm has a great office space, a good atmosphere, and a lot of positive and pragmatic people who are willing to help if you need anything. All of the Partners operate an “open door policy” and are approachable if you ever have any questions, which really makes you feel like you work in a place which values teamwork and collaboration.

How do you relax after a busy day/week in the office? I am a bit of a foodie, so there is nothing better than finishing work for the week and having a nice takeaway or a meal out, usually an Italian, followed by a couple of cocktails. I also find going on a nice walk quite relaxing – occasionally.

Ashley Patterson

Commenced May 2021, First seat: Corporate and Commercial

You worked as a PA in the Corporate team prior to starting your training contract. What has been the most interesting deal you have worked on during your five years with the firm? There are two deals which stand out. The first involved our team advising the shareholders of Amberstone Security Group Limited in connection with the investment made by Argenbright Holdings LLC earlier this year – this was the biggest deal I had ever played a part in and involved quite a few late nights, but it was great to work with the team and other departments and see how everyone pulls together to get the deal done, and it was a great learning experience. The other was the sale of Sirius Renewable Energy when I was a secretary. This deal completed just as the country went into the first lockdown. Getting it over the line was a huge relief for the team and the client!

Trainees are typically required to rotate “seats” several times during a training contract. How easy is it to adjust to a new team? I can see how this could be nerve-wracking, but here it is absolutely fine. Everyone knows each other and are always very welcoming and supportive. I have recently moved into the Dispute Resolution team from Corporate and it can take some time to get to grips with how your new team operates. In Corporate, a lot of the work can be project based, however our Dispute lawyers can be instructed on a significant number of different files at any one time, with extra added pressures of strict court deadlines. It’s impressive to see how they manage this and it’s a great experience!

Which work/social event is the highlight of your calendar? The Insider North East Dealmaker Awards is always such a great night and the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate our achievements over the past year.

Everyone knows each other and are always very welcoming and supportive. I have recently moved into the Dispute Resolution team from Corporate it can take some time to get to grips with how your new team operates. Since joining the team, I have worked with developer clients, such as Esh Group, assisting them with land purchases, lenders such as Atom Bank who provide lending for business owners and private landlords and businesses who are looking to lease or purchase premises for commercial use.

Liam Musgrave

Commenced April 2022, First seat: Commercial Property

You are currently sitting in our Commercial Property team. What type of clients do you deal with here? It’s a complete mixture. Since joining the team, I have worked with developer clients, such as Esh Group, assisting them with land purchases, lenders such as Atom Bank who provide lending for business owners and private landlords and businesses who are looking to lease or purchase premises for commercial use. I also deal with various other contacts such as agents and banks. Many of our clients have a longstanding relationship with the firm and you get to know the people you are dealing with so it doesn’t feel as ‘transactional’ as you may think.

What advice would you give to a young student considering a career in the law? Keep an open mind as to which area of law might be for you. At University, something which you may have really enjoyed studying, in practice you might not enjoy at all – and vice versa.

You are an active member of the Swinburne Maddison social committee. What does that involve? The social committee is something I asked to be involved with. There are six of us from across fee earner and support staff roles who come together to plan and execute the firm’s social calendar. This ranges from the annual summer and Christmas parties to beach walks with the team and their families (dogs included!). It’s great fun and I always take time to speak with my colleagues throughout the firm to make sure there’s something on the calendar for everyone.