Swinburne Maddison appoints new private client partner

Swinburne Maddison LLP, Durham City’s leading law firm, has expanded its private client team with the appointment of Akkelin Harris as partner.

Akkelin, who qualified in 1998 and is STEP accredited, brings significant expertise to the team, which is led by partner Anna Stephenson. The department now comprises four solicitors, a paralegal, and five support staff.

Having previously headed a private client department at another local firm, Akkelin is a well-established figure in the sector and has closely followed Swinburne Maddison’s growth.

Her appointment strengthens the firm’s capabilities in delivering high-quality legal services in trusts, estates and private client matters.

She said: “I am excited by the prospect of working with the private client team at Swinburne Maddison. 

“I have been watching the progress of the firm for many years and respect its heritage and ethos as a forward focused firm with an ambitious outlook.  

“Swinburne Maddison has always been a firm I wanted to work for, so when the opportunity to bolster the private client team arose, I could not turn it down.  

“My arrival will allow Anna to focus on strengthening her collaboration with tax experts across the region to ensure our private client service is absolutely gold standard and at the same time, will provide more scope for her to further develop our work within the agricultural community.”

Partner Anna Stephenson, who leads the private client team, added: “Following a sustained period of new instructions, as my team grew, we needed to have greater resource and capability at a senior level, so I am delighted that Akkelin has joined us.  

“She brings an immense amount of experience to the role and will be an amazing addition to my team.

“As well as providing support in helping to manage the team day-to-day and assisting with case work, Akkelin’s STEP qualification will enable her to undertake inheritance tax planning and complex estate matters.  

“Additionally, in view of our award-winning success in commercial property and corporate matters, at a time when farmers are going to need good advice to ensure their estate planning is in capable hands, I would like to devote more time to reinforcing our relationships within the agriculture sector.”

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