Leading law firm for businesses Muckle LLP is continuing to invest in the best legal talent Teesside has to offer by growing its real estate and corporate team.
The firm’s new appointments, Oliver Hebdon and Samantha Alderton, form part of a more extensive investment in Teesside, following increased demand for specialist legal expertise from businesses operating in and around the area.
Muckle has been embedded in the Teesside community for several years, providing the full spectrum of legal services to clients such as Wilton Universal Group and Teesside International Airport.
As part of the firm’s five-year strategic plan, Muckle aims for its Teesside and Cumbria offices to contribute 15 per cent of the firm’s overall revenue by 2031.
As a purpose-led, B Corp-accredited firm, Muckle is also committed to using business as a force for good.
The firm has actively supported communities in Teesside, providing charities including Middlesbrough-based Clean Slate Solutions with wraparound support such as grant funding, volunteering and pro bono advice.
Joining the corporate team is partner Oliver, with associate Samantha strengthening the firm’s real estate team.
Both are based in Teesside, providing an excellent legal service to clients throughout the region and beyond.
Stockton-on-Tees-based Samantha is supporting head of real estate Gail Bennett, partner Rachel List and the wider team on a range of real estate legal matters.
Samantha says: “I was drawn to real estate law because of the transactional element of it; every transaction is unique.
“I get to know our clients and their businesses on a deeper level, which is really important.”
She advises clients on various property-related legal matters, including landlord and tenant, sales and acquisitions, secured lending and development.
Samantha has already received a warm welcome from the firm and is looking forward to her new chapter.
She adds: “Joining Muckle seemed like the natural next step in my career, and being part of the firm’s growth in Teesside is really exciting.
Developing and retaining exceptional talent
As part of the firm’s top-tier ranked corporate team, Oliver will be leading on M&A activity and supporting the acquisitive growth and succession planning of businesses in Teesside and beyond.
He says: “I love the fast-paced nature of corporate law; Muckle’s combination of genuine local knowledge, complex transaction experience and the firm’s strong national reputation will be a real asset to Teesside.
“When the opportunity came to join Muckle and further develop the firm’s presence in Teesside, I knew it represented a very unique prospect.
“Muckle’s shared values and its ability to develop and retain exceptional people really stand out.
“It’s a firm where people can build long-lasting careers that have a meaningful impact, and that is reflected in its culture and the commitment its clients and wider community experience too.”
The right expertise
Leah Duffield, private client partner and lead Teesside partner, is pleased to be expanding the Teesside team.
She says: “Building a strong foundation of people and capabilities is integral to Muckle’s growth in Teesside, so we’re focused on bringing in the right people with the right expertise that will help this office thrive.
“I am delighted to welcome Sam and Oliver to Muckle.
“Both bring exceptional knowledge of their legal areas and the wider Teesside region, which will undoubtedly play a key role as we continue to grow our client base in the area.
“I joined Muckle in March last year as the first to be based in Teesside, and I am proud of the team’s growth in such a short period of time.
“I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds as we continue to expand.”
To learn more about Muckle, its Teesside-based legal support and its B Corp status, visit www.muckle-llp.com
May 8, 2026