It's Good To Talk

"The trouble with solicitors is that they don't talk to their clients...but we do.

That was the opening comment from Noel Dilks of Kidd & Spoor Solicitors in Whitley Bay when we called in to see him recently. Noel was with his fellow director in the company, Nigel Miller who between them have been at the practice for approaching 70 years.

Kidd & Spoor have been around since 1870, but their growth over the last few years has been outstanding. They now have a team of 23 legal experts and assistants who can cover most areas of legal advice.

We thought we’d find out what Noel, Nigel and their team are up to a Kidd & Spoor.

What do you offer at Kidd & Spoor?

As a traditional legal practice we cover most areas such as residential and commercial property conveyancing, family law, estate planning, wills, powers of attorney and probate. Obviously legal matters can be very varied and complicated so, after a full and frank discussion with a client, if we feel that we can’t help to the sort of standard that we expect of ourselves, we’ll ensure that the client is passed to another solicitor whom we know will be better suited.

Is that the sort of thing that differentiates you from other firms?

Absolutely. We do know that some companies will do their utmost to hold onto a client and, in effect, learn as they go along. We won’t do that. If we can’t give professional advice in-house, we’ll always make sure that the client isn’t let down and goes to speak to someone who specialises in that particular field.

Is that perhaps a problem? Do people see a solicitor based in Whitley Bay as being inferior to one, for example, in the centre of Newcastle?

Some people possibly do, but just because a solicitor works in a big shiny office in the middle of Newcastle, doesn’t mean that they do a better job. The fact that most of our business comes from referrals proves that when we get involved we do an outstanding job.

But surely, when it comes to legal matters, the price will be the same no matter where you go?

How wrong you are. It is much more cost-effective to come to a firm like Kidd & Spoor. You will invariably find that you enjoy one-to-one contact with our solicitors and legal advisors who will be doing the work on your behalf. We are very proactive, efficient and definitely more convenient. We’re also on the end of a telephone or email and because we are situated in Whitley Bay you can easily find us. Don’t be fooled by appearances.

Talking of appearances, it’s very smart in here.

Our building has recently been totally refurbished to make it ultra-modern yet still friendly and intimate. We’ve been in this building on Marden Road since 1961 and we’d like to think that we are a recognised ‘face’ in the area. We’re always more than happy for people to drop in for a quick chat over a cup of coffee if they’d like to discuss anything.

Is that the sort of thing that makes you different from a much bigger firm?

Definitely. As we mentioned at the start of our conversation, too many legal practices don’t actually talk to their clients. It sounds daft but a thirty minute, informal chat can be invaluable. We believe in personal service; you’re not just a number. Clients have to feel comfortable…something that is important to them AND us. It’s why we have so many people coming back to us. Some families have been coming here for generations. As clients grow older, their legal demands change. We are a family friendly firm who communicate with our clients to build trust.

Is there one particular legal field that you feel you specialise in?

We are very fortunate that here at Kidd & Spoor we can cover most areas. Our specialised department which looks after the older client offers unrivalled service and expertise in Whitley Bay. However, Family Law is certainly occupying more of our time. We have two terrific solicitors who take care of anything family related. Jo Scott and Sue McArthur have a wonderful reputation for being caring, sympathetic and incredibly knowledgeable. If you have any legal matters concerning your family, please get in touch with them.

So, what’s the future for Kidd & Spoor?

The legal world never stands still which means we will continue to evolve. Next year will see us celebrate 150 years as a legal practice but our desire to be a trusted legal practice which is part of the community and who believes in talking to their clients offering no-nonsense, clear, practical, cost-effective legal advice will be something that never changes.