Legal team goes against the grain in solicitor recruitment

Oct 21 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

NORTH East solicitors Hay & Kilner has expanded some of its key practice areas with the appointment of four new solicitors despite the prevailing uncertainty in the wider economy and a raft of job losses in the region's legal sector.

Following the successful completion of their training, Karen Hutchinson, Lucy Gray, Holly Clegg and Leanne Roy have started their future careers with the Newcastle-based firm. Hay & Kilner has also recently appointed two new trainee solicitors.

Martin Soloman, senior partner at Hay & Kilner, said: "We are always keen to attract high calibre graduates to the North East.

“Our rigorous recruitment policy has produced a number of talented individuals and enabled us to offer permanent positions to four highly valued solicitors in areas where they can specialise and compliment the skills of the existing team members."

Karen Hutchinson has joined Hay & Kilner's specialist commercial property team. Karen provides advice to the firm's diverse client base on a range of property matters, including landlord and tenant issues and sales and acquisitions.

Lucy Gray has been appointed as a solicitor in Hay & Kilner's dispute resolution team covering a wide range of commercial litigation matters, including contractual disputes, intellectual property and professional negligence.

Holly Clegg has joined the accident claims unit, working alongside partner Bruce Howorth

Leanne Roy successfully qualified into the firm's highly regarded crime and family departments in their Wallsend office.

Hay & Kilner has also appointed two new trainee solicitors. Rory Patton and Jabad Jaigirdar join four other trainee solicitors who are currently completing the final year of their training contracts.

The 23-partner practice has improved its impressive ratings in The Legal 500 Guide this year with recommendations in 23 different work areas.

Mr Soloman added: “The firm attributes much of its success to its personal approach and expertise across a comprehensive range of commercial and personal legal services.”

Over 200 jobs have been shed in the region’s legal community during the recession.

Our rigorous recruitment policy has produced a number of talented individuals.”