News

Hay & Kilner's top ranked criminal litigation legal team, has strengthened its foothold in the North East with the promotion of Jonathan Pigford to partner.

Based at Hay & Kilner's Wallsend branch, Jonathan has played an important role in the success of Hay & Kilner's criminal team, which is ranked in the top tier of The Legal 500 guide. It is also one of only 2 local teams ranked for criminal work in the North East and Yorkshire in Chambers Guide.

The crime team is unique in the region as it has 4 practising advocates with ‘higher rights of audience' allowing them to represent their clients, not only at the police station and Magistrates Court, but the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal.

Jonathan was specifically recruited by Hay & Kilner to further develop and manage their expanding Crown Court department. In 2008 he qualified as a Higher Court Advocate, and is now an established Advocate frequently appearing at the Crown Court for more serious matters.

The department has vast experience in all levels and aspects of crime, with particular relevance to commercial organisations. It has developed expertise in white collar crime, all road traffic matters and offences involving abuse of trust and professional ethics. The firm also represents businesses for offences including the Trade Description Act, fraud and money laundering.

Mark Harrison, head of Hay & Kilner's crime team commented:
"Jonathan's promotion is the culmination of much hard work and success in representing some of Hay & Kilner's clients in complex prosecutions in the Crown Court."