Burnetts’ dispute resolution team is recognised for its expertise across commercial disputes, property litigation, and contentious trusts and probate, with particular strength in agribusiness, land and property disputes, and company-related litigation. Operating from offices across Cumbria and Newcastle, the team supports a wide client base. James Johnston, who leads the team, is highly experienced in contractual and commercial litigation, acting for many of the firm’s key clients. Georgina Nicholls handles high-value disputes, focusing on contractual, commercial, and company matters.
Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the North in North
Burnetts
Responsables de la pratique:
James Johnston
Autres avocats clés:
Georgina Nicholls
Les références
‘James Johnston and Georgina Nicholls both appeared technically very good, with excellent case management, client handling and strategic skills. I was extremely impressed by them. They went out of their way to look after the client in difficult circumstances.’
‘It was very obvious that they were willing to go right out of their way to make sure the client got a good service.’
‘Based in Cumbria and the North East but with the service a large national firm would pride itself on.’
Swinburne Maddison LLP
Swinburne Maddison LLP’s commercial litigation team is regularly instructed by both claimants and defendants, acting for a wide client base ranging from sole traders to national companies, LLPs and partnerships. The team is noted for its niche expertise in insolvency litigation, advising on both personal and corporate matters; it also works collaboratively with the firm’s corporate and commercial teams to provide a cohesive service. Jonathan Moreland leads the team, while David Low handles a broad mix of litigation including breach of contract, professional negligence, and debt recovery claims. Abigail Zuk brings strong experience in commercial and probate litigation and is regularly instructed in contract disputes, debt recovery issues, directors disputes and insolvency matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jonathan Moreland
Autres avocats clés:
David Low; Abigail Zuk; James Curran
Les références
‘The legal landscape is constantly evolving, with new laws and rulings regularly coming into play. Swinburne Maddison LLP solicitors stay current, adapting quickly to these changes to provide informed, relevant advice. When faced with unexpected challenges, they are resourceful, thinking on their feet to navigate complex situations effectively and protect your interests.’
‘David Low is responsive and commercial. He is a real pleasure to deal with and a great strength to the firm.’
‘They have excellent people skills and take the time to get to know clients’ ambitions and problems which is an absolutely essential requirement in developing a longer-term relationship.’
Principaux clients
Ramside Estates Limited
The Esh Group
Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation
The Enquire Learning Trust Limited
Baker Tilly Creditor Services LLP
Smart Office Systems Limited
Teescraft Engineering Limited
Allure Developments Limited
JEM Road Construction Limited
Northern Freight Services Limited
Evenmore Properties Limited
Durham County Council
AKV Cladding Products Ltd
Aetrio Holdings Ltd
Box. North East Ltd
Certa Roofing and Cladding Ltd
North East Pipeline Solutions Ltd
Land Technologies Limited
Manolete Partners plc
Beyond Housing Limited
Gas and Water Solutions Limited
Wirac Automation Limited
Soccarena Holdings Ltd
Berger Closures Limited
The Auckland Project
Sirius Remediation Ltd
Omega Asbestos Consulting Limited
John Wade (Holdings) Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Acting on a breach of contract claim involving issued proceedings with a value of in excess of £2m.
- Acting on behalf of a client in defending an £800,000 claim for repayment of a company buyback of shares.
- Acting on behalf of a shareholder of a company in bringing an unfair prejudice petition including a freezing order application with a claim value of over £1m.
Ward Hadaway LLP
Ward Hadaway LLP, which merged with Endeavour Partnership LLP in mid-2025, fields a commercial disputes team, which is well regarded for its work across contractual and tortious claims, construction and property litigation, and insolvency matters, acting for clients both in the UK and internationally. The team supports clients from the construction, manufacturing, engineering, and chemicals sectors, with a strong regional presence in the Tees Valley. Ged Flanagan leads the team, specialising in complex disputes including fraud and professional negligence. James Craddock is noted for his expertise in high-value litigation, particularly breach of contract and product liability claims.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ged Flanagan
Autres avocats clés:
Alex Smith; Lee Bramley; James Craddock; Sophie Ryan
Les références
‘James Craddock has a fantastic reputation and is an excellent dispute resolution solicitor who always takes a very pragmatic approach when dealing with matters on our behalf.’
‘Small firm with large firm capability.’
‘Small but talented team of commercial litigators with a depth of experience unrivalled in the Teesside area.’
Principaux clients
The Mandale Group
Topp Holdings Ltd
Correll Engineering
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for a large marine company in respect of the exit from a long lease, alleged dilapidations and other contractual claims, with a value of £4m.
- Acting for Taylor Goodchild Limited in a long-running dispute between a law firm and its former director and partner.
- Advising Pneuma Commercial Property Limited as a commercial landlord in respect of the recovery of a debt from a well established restaurant business including advice as to recovery, forfeiture and winding up petitions.