North East law firm Hay & Kilner has strengthened its growing Wills, Trusts and Estates Team with the appointment of Andrew Steel as Partner and Sarah McColl as Associate.

The appointments bolster the firm’s Private Client offering as demand for specialist advice continues to grow, with both bringing significant experience across wills, trusts, probate and estate administration.

Andrew joins as a Partner and was previously Head of Private Client at a Teesside-based law firm. He advises a broad range of clients on wills, trusts, probate and Court of Protection matters. Andrew will be based across Hay & Kilner’s newly opened Stockton office and it’s Newcastle head office.  

He said: “I have always been impressed by Hay & Kilner and its positive reputation. I was keen to take the next step in my career and the firm offered the opportunity to do that. I’m looking forward to joining the team and supporting clients across the region.”

Sarah joins as an Associate, having previously worked at a firm with offices in Gosforth and Sunderland. She advises on wills, including complex wills incorporating trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, lifetime trusts and estate planning, as well as probate and estate administration. She also works with high net worth clients.

Claire Simmons, Partner and Head of Private Division at Hay & Kilner, said: “We’re proud to bring two highly regarded and experienced professionals into our Private Client team. Andrew and Sarah are both well known and respected in the North East legal community, and their expertise will further strengthen our offering at a time of growing client demand.

“Both appointments reflect our continued investment in the team and our commitment to providing clients with the depth of expertise and high-quality advice they expect from Hay & Kilner.”

The appointments come as Hay & Kilner continues to expand its Private Client offering, advising individuals, families and high net worth clients across a broad range of personal and family wealth matters.