Alerts

Warning: Document misusing the name and contact details of Swinburne Maddison LLP and Charlotte Excell

17 March 2026

Document purporting to be an Independent Advice Letter misusing the name and contact details of Swinburne Maddison LLP and Charlotte Excell.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that a document has been sent purporting to be an Independent Advice Letter which misuses the name, old letterhead and contact information for a genuine firm and name and contact details of a genuine solicitor (see below for details of genuine firm and genuine solicitor).

The genuine firm has confirmed that the Independent Advice Letter was not prepared by the firm. It is suspected that the Independent Advice Letter document is a forgery.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm by the name of Swinburne Maddison LLP. The firm’s head office address is Venture House, Aykley Heads Business Centre, Durham DH1 5TS.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor by the name of Charlotte Excell who is employed at the genuine firm.

The genuine firm has confirmed that whilst its genuine contact details appear on the Independent Advice Letter, neither it nor its employee Charlotte Excell has any connection to the document.

What should I do?

When a firm's or individual's identity has been copied exactly (or cloned), due diligence is necessary. If you receive correspondence claiming to be from the above firm(s) or individual(s), or information of a similar nature to that described, you should conduct your own due diligence by checking the authenticity of the correspondence by contacting the law firm directly by reliable and established means. You can contact the SRA to find out if individuals or firms are regulated and authorised by the SRA and verify an individual's or firm's practising details. Other verification methods, such as checking public records (e.g. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.