This long-established firm specialises in private client matters (such as wills and probate, estate administration and lasting powers of attorney); residential conveyancing; family law and settlement agreements.
Kath and Jill have a shared vision and commitment and are passionate about what they do.
Kath qualified as a Solicitor in 1995, working in Birmingham and London before returning to the Northeast. After a stint in the Courts Service, she returned to private practice. Jill took a different route, qualifying as a solicitor after a career change and has always specialised in private client work.
We caught up with them to discover more about what drives and inspires them.
What made you decide to set up a practice together?
JO: We met in 2015 at another coastal firm and clicked immediately as friends and work colleagues. We knew straight away that we were very compatible personally and professionally and so becoming business partners was something we often discussed.
KM: I think that conversation got more serious after a couple of years getting to know each other. I honestly had never entertained the idea of running a business. But they say it’s all about meeting the right person. I couldn’t have done it with anyone else.
JO: We became co-directors of Yarwood Stimpson and spent hours discussing what we wanted the business to look like. We were both absolutely of the view that we wanted to put clients’ needs first; and also, to create a supportive and structured environment for staff.
KM: With a strong focus on a work/life balance.
Which aspects of the business are you most proud of ?
JO: Well since 2021 we’ve grown almost every aspect of the business, but we are both extremely proud of the people we have around us. An exceptional team of all female staff and specialists in their respective fields. I’m proud too of the changes we have made to how we work, with a focus on flexibility both for staff (who can drop their kids off at school or go to Pilates at lunchtime) and for clients (who can book out of hours appointments, or home visits to suit their needs).
KM: The reputation we are building makes me proud. Most clients are repeat customers or referrals from other clients or professionals we work with. And we are part of the Whitley Bay business community.
We’re both extremely proud of our new premises on Park View. We wanted a modern image, that was comfortable for clients, and staff, with ground floor meeting rooms for easy access.
We’ve also been through a re-branding exercise, and we are absolutely delighted with the results. New website coming soon!
What are the biggest challenges you have faced on the journey to date?
JO: Renovating the new offices was a big challenge. We did it in such a tight timeframe and had to move decades worth of documents from our old offices.
KM: Well, it’s been a challenge debunking the myth that you can run a professional and reliable service for clients in a more modern way. There are, to be honest, quite a few people who have underestimated us along the way. We think there are a lot of out-dated values out there. Our challenge is to challenge those views, in our own gentle way of course.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of setting up the business?
JO: Everything! But especially, knowing that we are providing a good service for clients, who leave feeling reassured; and having an office and team of staff full of energy and positivity. I would also add that I absolutely love working with Kath. She’s a brilliant lawyer and business partner, one of the kindest people I know and always good fun!
KM: Absolutely. It’s not just about legal services. It’s about making a difference to people’s lives, even if it’s just in a small way. When you think about the work we do, particularly in wills and probate, that peace of mind we believe we offer is hugely valuable to our clients and to us.
What advice would you give your younger selves?
JO: If you work hard and trust your judgement good things will happen.
KM: Just because something has always been done a certain way, don’t be afraid to do it your own way. Or feel that you need to hide from or make excuses about who you are, like being a mother in the workplace.
What do you do to relax out of work?
JO: Netball, swimming and gardening. Kath and I love walking our dogs too (Lola and Nelly)
KM: I’m a gardener as well. And we travel as a family quite a bit. I love the sun.
We wish Kath and Jill every success in their determination to run a different kind of legal practice and thank them for the continued support of RG.