Hay & Kilner celebrates 80 years with raft of promotions

Hay & Kilner celebrates 80 years with raft of promotions

Hay & Kilner is marking its 80th anniversary with a series of senior promotions, reinforcing its long-term commitment to investing in people and delivering sustainable growth.

Now employing more than 130 people, the firm has strengthened its team significantly over the past 12 months, welcoming 37 new colleagues across legal and business support roles.

As part of its anniversary year, Hay & Kilner has announced 9 promotions, including Michael Scobie to Partner in the Clinical Negligence Team.

Michael is an experienced solicitor acting for individuals and families affected by serious injury or bereavement arising from medical negligence and personal injury. He has particular expertise in complex brain and spinal cord injury claims and frequently represents families at inquests following fatalities. His specialism lies in high-value, technically complex clinical negligence cases.

Within the Commercial Property Team, Georgia Whitfield and Jennifer Boynton have both been promoted to Senior Associate. Mark Styles (Criminal Defence) and Tom Bridge (Wills, Trusts & Estates) have also stepped up to Senior Associate roles.

Meanwhile, Alexis Wood (Wills, Trusts & Estates), Beth Donaldson (Dispute Resolution), Michael Taylor (Clinical Negligence) and Rob Hackett (Children & Safeguarding) have all been promoted to Associate.

The promotions span a broad range of practice areas, reflecting both the depth of expertise across the firm and the strength of its internal talent pipeline.

Managing Partner Jonathan Waters said: “Celebrating our 80th year is a proud milestone for the firm, and it is particularly fitting to mark it by recognising the achievements of our people. These promotions demonstrate our clear commitment to supporting progression at every stage of a legal career.

“We have invested heavily in developing talent, creating clear pathways for advancement and ensuring our colleagues have the opportunity to grow with the firm. Our continued expansion both in terms of headcount and regional presence is built on that foundation.

“Welcoming 37 new colleagues over the past year and strengthening our senior team puts us in a strong position for the future. These latest promotions highlight our emphasis on nurturing homegrown talent while continuing to attract high-calibre professionals to the business.”

The firm’s growth strategy includes the continued development of its Tees Valley presence, supporting an already strong and expanding client base in the area. By growing regionally while maintaining its Newcastle headquarters, Hay & Kilner is reinforcing its position as a leading independent law firm in the North East as it enters its ninth decade.