Business Details
Expert Legal Services in Consett
Established in the late 1800s, Swinburne, Snowball & Jackson has built a reputation as one of County Durham's most respected legal practices. Our firm combines deep-rooted local knowledge with a commitment to delivering accessible, jargon-free legal advice tailored to individual client needs. With partners born and raised in Derwentside, we maintain an intimate understanding of our community's legal requirements. Our team of experienced solicitors and legal executives specialises in criminal defence, family law, and private client services, supported by Lexcel and Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditations. We prioritise cost-effective solutions without compromising service quality, offering both fixed-fee arrangements and hourly rates.As Legal Aid Agency contractors, we ensure accessibility to justice for eligible clients. Our longevity reflects our ability to adapt legal practice management while maintaining traditional values of client care and professional excellence. Regular independent assessments validate our systems and processes, providing clients with assurance of consistent service standards. We invest in staff development, with many team members having served the firm for decades. Our approach balances modern efficiency with the personal touch that has sustained us through generations of local clients.
Services
Criminal Defence
Family Law
Probate Services
Motoring Offences
Wills & Estates
Legal Aid Services
Highlights and features
- We offer over 150 years of continuous legal service in County Durham
- Our partners are Derwentside-born with generational community knowledge
- We hold dual quality accreditations from the Law Society
- We provide Legal Aid services through our SRA-regulated practice
- Our team includes specialists in criminal defence and family law
Associations and certifications
- Law Society Lexcel
- Conveyancing Quality Scheme
Services
Criminal Defence
Our specialist criminal defence team provides expert representation at all court levels. We handle police station interviews, magistrates' and crown court cases, and appeals. With access to QC-level barristers, we tackle complex cases including fraud and serious motoring offences. Our Legal Aid eligibility ensures accessible justice for qualifying clients.
Family Law
We offer compassionate family law support for divorce, child custody, and financial settlements. Our Resolution-accredited team prioritises amicable solutions while maintaining litigation capability. Partner Verity Dobbie's 35-year expertise ensures tailored guidance through emotionally challenging situations with cost-effective options available.
Probate Services
Alan Brown's 40-year expertise leads our probate team in estate administration and wills. We assist executors through probate applications, tax planning, and asset distribution. Our services include creating lasting powers of attorney and providing clear cost structures with fixed-fee options for estate planning.
Motoring Offences
We defend clients facing motoring charges including speeding, drink-driving, and driving bans. Our experienced advocates negotiate mitigating circumstances and challenge evidence where appropriate. Legal Aid availability ensures representation remains accessible for qualifying drivers facing licence penalties.
Wills & Estates
Our wills service ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes. We create legally sound documents and lasting powers of attorney. The team provides inheritance tax advice and estate planning, helping families avoid future disputes while maintaining compliance with current legislation.
People
Verity Dobbie
Partner
Qualified solicitor since 1985 with 35+ years family law expertise. Resolution member promoting non-confrontational approaches. Leads our family law team with calm, client-focused guidance.
Paul Donoghue
Partner
Experienced criminal defence solicitor and duty lawyer. Specialises in serious crime representation including fraud and motoring offences. Oversees our criminal law department with practical courtroom advocacy skills.
Alan Brown
Chartered Legal Executive
Over 40 years wills and probate expertise. Manages estate administration and future planning services. Provides clear inheritance tax advice and lasting power of attorney documentation.
Gillian Peacock
Associate Legal Executive
Supports family law and probate services with practical legal knowledge. Assists in case management and client communication across multiple practice areas.
Fiona Donoghue
Solicitor
Qualified solicitor providing support in family law matters and estate administration. Works closely with senior partners to deliver comprehensive legal solutions.
Questions
What areas do you cover?
We primarily serve Derwentside and surrounding areas of County Durham from our Consett office.
Do you offer legal aid?
Yes, we're contracted with the Legal Aid Agency to provide services for eligible clients.
What are your probate fees?
Probate administration starts at £1,200 plus VAT, with costs varying based on estate complexity.
How experienced are your criminal defence team?
Our criminal defence team has decades of combined experience handling cases from motoring offences to serious fraud.
Are you regulated by the SRA?
Yes, we're regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 71693.
