Hay & Kilner has further strengthened its commercial property offering with the appointment of James Stacey as a Commercial Property Associate.

James joins the Newcastle-headquartered law firm from another regional law firm , where he worked as a commercial property solicitor advising on a wide range of complex property matters. In his new role, James will work closely with Hay & Kilner’s established Commercial Property Team, supporting a broad client base ranging from individuals and charities to PLCs.

James brings extensive experience advising clients across the leisure and retail sectors, alongside charities, pension funds, care providers, banks and property developers. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for Hay & Kilner as it celebrates its 80th anniversary while accelerating its growth strategy. With a clear focus on innovation, investment in technology and strengthening sector expertise, the firm continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of clients across the region and beyond.

Speaking about his move, James said: “I was attracted to Hay & Kilner because of the opportunity to work closely with a highly respected team and to be part of a firm with real momentum. There’s a clear forward-thinking approach here — from embracing new technologies and modern ways of working to its strong commitment to the local community. Stepping into an associate role also gives me greater responsibility and the platform to grow and develop my own client base, which is an exciting next step in my career.

Nicola Tiffen, Partner and Head of Commercial Property at Hay & Kilner, added: “James is an excellent addition to our commercial property team. He brings strong technical expertise, a commercial mindset and experience across a wide range of sectors that align perfectly with our client base. As we continue to grow the firm and invest in our people, James’ appointment reflects our commitment to developing talent and providing a high-quality, forward-thinking service to our clients.”