ONE of the most experienced wealth management teams in the North East has been bolstered by a major senior appointment amid plans for expansion and a roll out of new services.

The arrival of new partner Alison Hall at Newcastle-based solicitors Hay & Kilner will not only boost the firm’s already renowned level of wealth management expertise, but also help to diversify its service offering.

Alison is an extremely experienced solicitor, having spent over 10 years in a senior position at Ward Hadaway, and also serves as the regional chair of the Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). She joins a seven-strong team, headed by Wills, trusts and tax planning partner Kirstin Cook, who is regularly recognised by the Legal 500 for her knowledgeable approach and her ability to give accurate and supportive advice.

The team boasts some of the region’s top experts in wealth management work and is highly regarded within a flourishing referrals network of accountants, stockbrokers and bankers.

Hay & Kilner has one of the largest private capital teams in the North East and excels in a wide range of areas including succession planning for businesses and individuals, the preparation of wills and trusts, advising on powers of attorney, inheritance tax planning and asset protection.

Recent years have seen the firm grow its national presence and it is expected that Alison Hall’s arrival will help to further extend the geographical reach of the firm.

Alison is also a leading legal expert on agricultural property relief, acting for a number of farmers and landed estates. She speaks annually at the national Farm Tax conference and regularly advises clients on agricultural property relief, succession plans and partnership agreements for farmers.

Although Hay & Kilner already offers these services, Alison intends to help the firm develop them further to cement its position as a leading legal adviser to farmers and estate owners.

Among her new wealth management colleagues are Alice Clewes – one of the few dual-qualified solicitors and tax advisers in the North East – and John Luke, who is a highly respected private client solicitor in the region.

Associate solicitors Jon Gould and Sarah O’Hare also have excellent track records in giving invaluable advice to clients on all aspects of wealth management work including wills, trusts, probate, powers of attorney, inheritance tax and estate planning. Sarah qualified into the private capital division four years ago, after training in-house with the firm. Jon is a member of STEP and helps clients plan their long term financial future. He also advises on the often complex tax rules surrounding trusts, estates and inheritance.

Hay & Kilner’s wealth management team also benefits from the expertise of Nicola Matthews, who is head of the family unit.

She is vastly experienced in handling the complex financial issues surrounding high value divorce cases and in dealing with Court of Protection issues. She also holds the position of regional chairwoman at the family lawyers association, Resolution.

Kirstin Cook, who heads up the wealth management division, said: “With Alison on board, the wealth management team now has a breadth of expertise, a level of experience and a calibre of associates that makes us second to none in the North East.”

For more information on Hay & Kilner’s wide range of wealth management services visit: www.hay-kilner.co.uk