Jonathan Waters is Managing Partner of full service law firm, Hay & Kilner based in The Lumen at Newcastle Helix.
A business that puts their people, clients and values at the core of everything they do, Jonathan is proud to have been at the firm for over 26 years, starting out as a trainee solicitor, progressing through the business, taking on a number of different roles along the way.
Here he shares more about the firm, its values, the importance of giving back, nurturing the next generation and creating a great place to work.
About Hay & Kilner
Starting life as a post-war practice in 1946, the fast growing and multi award-winning firm continues to go from strengthto strength offering a wide range of commercial and private client services to companies and individuals both from the North East and further afield.
Creating a great place to work
“I am 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! Something I can personally vouch for having been with the firm for over 26 years 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.”
Supporting the next generation of talent
“Mentoring our talented next generation is something I find personally fulfilling as well as being involved in the training and development of our junior lawyers. It’s something I’ve always been incredibly invested in, having been given the same support during my time with the firm.”
“We recently won an Investors in People award and it’s great to get independent verification of our ongoing commitment to the development of our team and being a great place to work.”
Giving back to the local community
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, recently donating £10,000 to Great North Air Ambulance Service. From internal mentoring schemes, partnering with the Social Mobility Foundation, sponsorships and time off for volunteering, giving back is something the whole team enjoys.
Jonathan is also a proud trustee of the Chronicle Sunshine Fund, a charity that provides specialist and adapted equipment to children aged 0-19 living with disabilities.
“It’s amazing to be involved with a great team that makes such a difference to the lives of young people and their families.”
2025 outlook
“2025 is already proving to be another exciting year for the firm, as we continue our commitment to growth, supporting our people and clients in the way we know best.
“We’ve seen a strong start to the year, with a number of ongoing deals and investments paired with a strong pipeline. We’re also making a number of high profile external appointments to key growth areas in the business as well as promoting internal talent.”
“However, the current climate is testing and many businesses across the North East are facing challenges right across the spectrum. As a full service commercial firm, we are well placed to support clients to act as a trusted advisor and we take a proactive and holistic approach to help them navigate the bumps along the journey.”
Despite the context of wider economic changes, Jonathan says that there is a lot of cause for optimism in the North East and further afield.
“There is a resilience and buzz in the region across the business and professional community.”
As for the future at Hay & Kilner, he adds: “It’s about moving forward, embracing new processes and technology, investing in the right talent, and being a firm where people love working and one that clients love working with.”
www.hay-kilner.co.uk
LinkedIn: Hay & Kilner
Instagram: @hay_kilner