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TO raise the aspirations of young people in the county, highlight future career choices, and encourage them to stay within the county, #MYFUTUREISDURHAM has spoken to local people who have forged successful careers in the county.

These advocates provide real-life examples of what can be achieved, and act as role models for the next generation. The message will be taken into schools to engage directly with schoolchildren, teachers and parents, during week commencing May 20, as part of an initiative between Durham County Council and the Northern Echo.

Victoria Walton

With 20 years’ experience in Commercial Property matters, Victoria Walton became Partner at Durham’s leading law firm, Swinburne Maddison LLP in 2006 after beginning her career at the firm in 1999.

Born in 1977, Victoria was raised in Durham. Her father worked for Sunderland City Council, and her mother worked for an estate agent in Durham.

As a child she attended Newton Hall Infants School, and Blue Coat C of E Junior School.  Victoria had aspirations about becoming a Solicitor during secondary education, at Framwellgate Moor Comprehensive where she studied Maths, German and Law. At the time, she was unsure what this career would entail, so decided to pursue a Law A Level qualification to gain further understanding.

Victoria progressed with her ambitions of becoming a Solicitor, studying for her Law degree at Nottingham Trent University. Despite relocating to experience university life, she fully intended on returning to the North East to complete her Legal Practice Course at Northumbria University, Newcastle.

Originally Victoria took an interest in Family Law and court work, but a taste of Property Law whilst undertaking a two-year training contract with Swinburne Maddison LLP, convinced her that this was the area of law for her.

Victoria explains: “When beginning my training contract, I was working within the commercial property team. I found that, in practice, I enjoyed this line of work, and it differed significantly when learning in an academic setting. 

“I act for a broad client base, including house builders and developers, landowners and registered providers of social housing, dealing with a wide range of complex regeneration and development schemes involving various structures and supporting documents. My role is to ensure that, from a contractual perspective, my clients are fully supported in their matters.”

Over the years Victoria has played an instrumental role in the development and growth of Swinburne Maddison LLP to the firm that is today.  She hopes to continue the firm’s success and growth.

“The North-East, especially Durham, has many fantastic events and activities going on each and every week. You could be forgiven for thinking that such a picturesque city is no place for big business, however Durham is home to many forward-thinking businesses which are thriving both in the region and nationally.

“Although my role can be challenging at times, working in Durham provides me with an excellent work-life balance whilst feeling well connected to the larger cities.”

Click here to read more about the campaign