Swinburne Maddison expands private client team

North East law firm Swinburne Maddison has expanded its private client team following significant investment in recruitment and specialist expertise.

The expansion follows the appointment of Laura Murphy as head of private client and senior managing associate in May, working alongside established team members Amy Pyman, managing associate, and Akkelin Harris, consultant.

Recent additions include solicitors Hope Gallant, Jennifer Robinson and Joanna Nolan, who joined throughout 2026.

Danielle Cruickshank also returned to the firm as a paralegal in May, while Imogen Bosanko qualified into the department in October after completing her training contract.

Supported by four dedicated legal assistants, the expanded team advises individuals, families, landowners and business owners on wills, trusts, probate, estate administration and succession planning.

Its expertise also covers complex estates involving business interests, agricultural assets and valuable property.

Laura Murphy, senior managing associate and head of private client at Swinburne Maddison, said: “Since becoming head of private client in May, my focus has been on building a team that combines strong technical expertise with an exceptional level of client care.

“The expansion gives us greater capacity to undertake complex matters involving substantial estates, business interests, agricultural assets and intricate family circumstances.

“We have experienced lawyers and dedicated support staff in place, allowing us to provide each client with clear, practical and carefully considered advice.

“Our ability to work closely with specialists across the wider firm is also a real strength.

“Wills, trusts and probate instructions will often overlap with family, property, business or contentious matters, and our full-service approach means clients can access that wider expertise when they need it.

“I am incredibly proud of the team we have built and excited about the future of the department.”

The investment coincides with recognition in the 2027 Legal 500 rankings, with the firm maintaining its standing in personal tax, trusts and probate.

Amy Pyman received a new leading associate ranking, while Laura Murphy, Akkelin Harris and Hope Gallant were recognised as key lawyers.

The firm’s contentious trusts and probate practice was also named a firm to watch.

Jonathan Moreland, managing partner at Swinburne Maddison, added: “This expansion represents a significant investment by the firm and has created the strongest private client team we have ever had.

“The department combines experienced STEP-qualified specialists, talented lawyers at different stages of their careers and a strong support team.

“Together, they give us the depth of expertise and capacity needed to take on more complex instructions while continuing to provide the personal service our clients expect.

“Wills, trusts and probate remains an important strategic area for Swinburne Maddison.

“With the team now in place, we are exceptionally well positioned to meet growing demand from individuals, families, landowners and business owners across the North East and beyond.”

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