Law firms link

Submitted by on Wed, 2.07.08

A 200 year old North East law firm has merged with another local firm as it looks to grow.

Swinburne & Jackson, which has its head office in Gateshead, has joined with established Hexham firm Robert Lewis & Co, which has been operating in the town for over two decades.

The merger between the two respected firms will improve services for clients and create a strong practice with 5 partners, 25 fee earners and 40 employees. It will place the firm in a strong position for future growth.

As well as offices in Gateshead and Hexham, Swinburne & Jackson also has offices in, Washington, Ryton and Chester-le-Street.

Managing partner Christian Swinburne, who lives in Tynedale, said: “This is an excellent match. Robert Lewis & Co is a highly respected firm with strong credentials. We’re delighted to be working together and believe this will increase the skills and expertise we have available to clients particularly those living and working in the Tyne Valley.

“Clients are increasingly attracted to the personal attention that a law firm like this can offer. We have enjoyed a strong demand for our services and this move strengthens the expertise and range of services we can bring to the task.”

Established in 1816, Swinburne & Jackson is believed to be the oldest law firm with an unbroken family lineage. It provides a wide range of legal services, with particular strength in conveyancing (both for private homes and commercial premises), commercial and corporate, litigation (including employment and personal injury work) and family/matrimonial.

Robert Lewis & Co was established in 1985 by Robert Lewis, who has been practising in Hexham since 1980, the firm having practised in Hexham under various names for well over a hundred years.  Robert Lewis added: “I very much welcome the merger with Swinburne & Jackson, a firm with the same ethos of putting the client first. As well as strengthening and consolidating our existing services the larger firm will bring to existing clients and to Tynedale additional legal services delivered in our particular style”.