Newcastle law firm Hay & Kilner has opened a new office in Stockton-on-Tees as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations, marking a significant expansion in the Tees Valley region. The full-service firm says the new base at Preston Farm will enable it to better serve its longstanding client base across South Durham, Tees Valley, and North Yorkshire.
Recruitment Underway for New Office
Recruitment for the Stockton office is already well underway, with positions available across multiple practice areas, including corporate, property, and dispute resolution. The firm expects the move to create further opportunities for regional growth, as it continues to invest in its people and sector expertise.
Ambitious Growth Targets
Hay & Kilner, which celebrates its 80th year in business, has set a target to increase turnover by 50% over the next five years. This will be achieved through continued investment in its workforce, specialist knowledge, and regional presence. Latest accounts for the year ending March 2025 show turnover exceeded £10 million, with operating profit of more than £3.2 million and profit before members' remuneration and profit shares of over £3.3 million.
Jonathan Waters, managing partner at Hay & Kilner, said: "The opening of our Stockton office is an important step in our long-term growth strategy. We already work with a substantial number of businesses and individuals across Tees Valley, South Durham and North Yorkshire, and having a dedicated base there will allow us to support them even more effectively while strengthening our presence in the region."
Strong Financial Performance and Hiring Spree
According to the firm, the expansion onto Teesside follows two consecutive years of strong financial growth and sustained investment, including the recruitment of more than 40 new colleagues in legal and business support roles. Hay & Kilner now employs over 130 people, with recent hires including experienced solicitors, trainees, and specialists in compliance, marketing, and finance. This expanded workforce provides a solid platform for the next phase of expansion.
Waters added: "We're incredibly proud to be celebrating our 80th year in the North East at a time of real momentum for the firm. The continued investment we're making in our people, our clients and our regional footprint reflects our confidence in the future."
Future Plans and Heritage
Hay & Kilner's strategy focuses on disciplined, sustainable growth. The firm aims to strengthen its presence across the region, attract exceptional talent, and continue delivering outstanding client service. "Our heritage gives us credibility and deep roots in the North East, but our mindset is firmly future-focused. We are investing, we are recruiting and we are expanding," Waters said.
The new Stockton office represents a key milestone in the firm's history, enabling it to serve clients more effectively while building on eight decades of legal expertise in the North East.
