LAW
Strategic appointment – managing partner Jonathan Moreland, pictured with Helen Lyne, says the expension into Teesside is“ a natural evolution” for Swinburne Maddison.
At Swinburne Maddison, we’ re not just keeping up, we’ re leading the way.”
“ Too often, businesses find themselves in disputes simply because they weren’ t properly advised in the early stages,” she explained.“ That’ s when they need support the most. I’ m passionate about helping ambitious businesses, those that are going somewhere, stay on the front foot.”
Her approach reflects a broader shift in the legal industry, where clients increasingly seek lawyers who combine technical expertise with commercial awareness and strategic foresight.
“ Legal support should be about more than putting out fires, it should help clients build stronger, more resilient businesses. It’ s extremely rewarding to go on that journey with them.” she added.
A new base in Middlesbrough To support its growing presence in Teesside, Swinburne Maddison has taken space at Flok, a contemporary co-working hub in the heart of Middlesbrough. This flexible setup allows the firm to expand its reach into the region while working alongside a number of ambitious, forward-thinking businesses. This reflects their commitment to being accessible, adaptable, and embedded within the communities it serves.
Flok offers a modern, professional environment with private offices and meeting rooms available on demand, ideal for a firm that values both collaboration and client convenience.
“ Flok is a breath of fresh air,” said Helen.“ It fuses the professionalism of traditional legal practice with the energy and innovation of a modern business ecosystem. It’ s a place where collaboration happens naturally.”
The space within Flok aligns with Swinburne Maddison’ s refreshed brand identity, which champions innovation, collaboration and a forward-thinking approach to legal services.
“ Flok isn’ t just a workspace, it’ s a community,” added managing partner Jonathan.“ It’ s where ideas are shared, partnerships are formed and innovation thrives. That aligns perfectly with how we see the future of legal services.”
For the firm’ s Teesside-based lawyers, many of whom have long-standing ties to the area, the new base offers a practical and symbolic home, one that allows them to stay connected to the clients and communities they’ ve supported for years.
“ The UK legal market has changed significantly in recent years,” Helen noted.“ There’ s a growing demand for nuanced, flexible support, especially here on Teesside. At Swinburne Maddison, nothing is off the peg. We offer focused, effective legal solutions that evolve with our clients’ needs.”
Looking ahead As Swinburne Maddison continues to expand, its focus remains on sustainable, strategic growth, investing in people, technology and places that align with client needs.
“ We already have a strong team with deep connections in Teesside,” said Jonathan.“ Now, with a physical base and Helen’ s expertise, we’ re even better positioned to support the region’ s businesses.”
Helen agrees:“ The legal landscape is evolving, and clients want tailored, strategic advice. At Swinburne Maddison, we’ re not just keeping up, we’ re leading the way.”
In line with this vision, Swinburne Maddison has welcomed a further two new partners to the firm- Jenny Wade, who will be leading the firm’ s commercial offering, and Ellie Gibbison, who will be heading up its private client team.
“ Their appointments further strengthen our leadership and reinforce our commitment to delivering exceptional service across all areas of the business,” added Jonathan.
With its roots firmly in Durham and its reach extending across the region, Swinburne Maddison is proving that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand and that the future of legal services is both local and forward-thinking.
For more details, visit swinburnemaddison. co. uk
The voice of business in the Tees region | 117