Combining North East heritage with a modern edge, Hay & Kilner is a fast growing and multi award-winning law firm putting their people, clients and values at the core of everything they do.
The full service legal firm originally started life as a post war practice founded by Rowland Hay and Wilf Kilner back in 1946. Fast forward almost 80 years and Hay & Kilner, which is based at The Lumen, part of Newcastle’s flagship future city development, continues to go from strength to strength with a growing team of over 130, offering a range of commercial and private client services. Experts in their field, the team pride themselves on their personable approach, being a great place to work and always going the extra mile for their clients.
Hay & Kilner aim high as a firm and that’s something that is reflected in the culture and attitude of the team. Creating an environment where everyone, no matter who they are or what they do, feel supported in their roles and are able to be the best versions of themselves. With caring leaders fostering an environment where everyone has a purpose, can contribute new ideas, and have access to the resources they need to thrive within the organisation.
Jonathan Waters, Managing Partner said:
“We are incredibly proud of our longstanding legacy as one of the region’s most
reputable law firms. Our focus on our people and client service is something that resonates across our entire business alongside our core values of being engaging, relatable, dynamic, passionate and supportive.
We are also proud of our impressive retention rates at Hay & Kilner so hopefully that means we are doing something right! I can personally vouch for that, having been with the firm for over 26 years now after starting my career as a trainee solicitor and progressing through the business. I genuinely wouldn’t have wanted to have been anywhere else, and it’s wonderful that so many of our colleagues say the same too.”
Investment in talent and creating a ‘family feel’
Flexible working, an open and honest culture and strong team spirit are the most valuable offerings provided by the firm according to team feedback, as well as their competitive remuneration packages.
The firm also prides itself on a down to earth and supportive approach to clients and colleagues, a commitment to promoting equality and diversity and policies that fully support working parents and carers.
Jonathan added:
‘’Our people truly are our biggest strength and most valuable asset, and we are fully invested in providing an open, inclusive and engaging working environment.
“One of the best things about Hay & Kilner and what personally attracted me to
the firm all those years ago was its family feel. I’m proud that it still feels the same today and new recruits often comment on it.”
Loyalty and longevity key to the firm’s success
The firm is also rightly proud of the fact that many of the team that started their careers with Hay & Kilner have continued there. Retention remains high, with their longest serving colleague having been with the firm for over 48 years! With two colleagues this year also celebrating their 25th and 20th anniversary milestones.
Giving back to the local community and creating a sustainable working environment
However, doing good business isn’t just about financial success. Hay & Kilner are proud of their North East roots and commitment to giving back to the local community. From support for their charity of the Year, the Great North Ambulance Service, to mentoring schemes, sponsorships and time off for volunteering, giving back is something the whole team enjoy.
Sustainability is also firmly on their agenda. In addition to their offices in The Lumen being built to BREEAM Excellence standards, the team are going even further, partnering with environmental charity Urban Green Newcastle to plant 750 trees in parks around the city to improve green spaces around the city as part of Net Zero aspirations.
What’s certain is that 2025 promises to be another exciting year for the firm as they continue their commitment to growth, supporting their people and clients in the way they know best. Central to this will be their ongoing commitment to being a law firm that people enjoy coming to work for.
Embracing new processes and technology to support client services and investing in the right talent in order to maintain their longstanding legacy as one of the region’s most reputable law firms.
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