About Us
Kidston Helm Ross is a full-service firm of Vernon lawyers proudly serving the Okanagan Valley and throughout British Columbia. We represent clients in many areas, including real estate law, family law, estate planning & administration, estate litigation, insurance & property disputes, business law, employment law, Indigenous law, and personal injury.
Our Firm's History
For over a century, the legal professionals at Kidston Helm Ross have been dedicated to serving the North Okanagan with integrity, legal expertise, and a commitment to community service. The firm’s roots date back over a century, when W.M. Cochrane established one of Vernon’s first law offices. Over the decades, the firm evolved, carrying forward a tradition of legal excellence through the contributions of some of the region’s most distinguished lawyers.
William Maurice (W.M.) Cochrane
Image Courtesy: Museum and Archives of Vernon. Originally published in the Morning Star, November 27, 1992.
Frederic Billings
Image Courtesy: Museum and Archives of Vernon – GVMA 28907.
W.M. Cochrane and Frederic Billings
In 1891, W.M. Cochrane opened his law office in Vernon, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the city’s legal and civic development. He drafted and hand-delivered Vernon’s incorporation papers, leading to its official recognition as a city on December 30, 1892.
In 1892, Frederic Billings, a young lawyer from Whitby, Ontario, joined Cochrane as a partner, forming Cochrane & Billings. Billings, known for his ability to resolve legal matters efficiently and avoid costly litigation, later established his own practice, but continued a professional relationship with Cochrane’s firm.
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Arthur Ormiston (A.O.) Cochrane
Image Courtesy: Museum and Archives of Vernon – GVMA 10381.
Judge Gordon Lindsay
Image Courtesy: Museum and Archives of Vernon – GVMA 6852.
A.O. Cochrane & Gordon Lindsay
Following Cochrane’s passing in 1900, his son, Arthur Ormiston (A.O.) Cochrane, finished his studies in law and took over the practice, partnering once again with Billings to form Billings & Cochrane. After Billings’ untimely death in 1915, the firm name transitioned to Cochrane, Ladner & Reinhart.
In 1919, Gordon Lindsay, a veteran of World War I, joined the firm, working alongside A.O. Cochrane. After A.O. Cochrane’s passing in 1926, Lindsay continued the practice, solidifying his role as a key figure in the firm’s history.
John Richard “Jack” Kidston
Image Courtesy: Museum and Archives of Vernon – GVMA 10381.
J.R. Kidston
In 1936, Vernon native John Richard "Jack" Kidston established his own practice in the city, continuing his work until the onset of World War II, when he joined the Royal Canadian Navy, becoming a Lieutenant-Commander. During his absence, Gordon Lindsay safeguarded Kidston’s legal practice. Upon returning in 1946, Kidston and Lindsay formed a partnership, creating Lindsay & Kidston, a firm that became a cornerstone of Vernon’s legal community for over a decade.
Kidston & Company
In 1957, Gordon Lindsay was appointed as a Judge of the County Court of Yale and a Local Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, leading to another shift in the firm’s structure. In 1960, the firm was renamed Kidston & MacIntyre, and later became Kidston & Company.
J.R. "Jack" Kidston retired in 1976. He was a pillar of the Vernon community, serving as president of the local Legion, Bar Association, and Rotary Club, and playing a key role in arts and cultural initiatives throughout the North Okanagan region. His commitment to public service earned him Vernon’s Most Valuable Person award in 1990.
David Helm
Kidston Helm Ross
Robert Ross
Kidston Helm Ross
Kidston Helm Ross
As the firm expanded, it welcomed David Helm in 1997, an accomplished trial lawyer with expertise in real estate, corporate and commercial law, business transactions, personal injury, and estate planning. In 2012, Robert Ross joined the firm, bringing his knowledge in estate litigation and personal injury.
In 2022, Kidston & Company officially became Kidston Helm Ross, recognizing the leadership and contributions of Helm and Ross in shaping the firm’s future. While the name has changed, the firm remains committed to the values of its founders—strong legal advocacy, deep community ties, and a steadfast dedication to client service.
Our Firm's
Milestone Timeline
1891
W.M. Cochrane opens a law firm in Vernon, known as the “Law Office of Mr. W.M. Cochrane.”
1892
Frederic Billings joins as a partner, forming Cochrane & Billings.
1900
W.M. Cochrane passes away. His son, law student Arthur Ormiston (A.O.) Cochrane, had been articling with him prior to his death.
1904
Arthur Ormiston (A.O.) Cochrane passes his law exams and returns to Vernon to join Frederic Billings' practice.
1915
Frederic Billings passes away. The firm becomes Cochrane, Ladner & Reinhart.
1919
Gordon Lindsay joins the firm after serving in WWI.
1926
A.O. Cochrane passes away suddenly; Gordon Lindsay continues the firm.
1936
J.R. Kidston establishes his own law practice in Vernon.
1939
J.R. Kidston serves in WWII, leaving his practice in the hands of WWI veteran Gordon Lindsay.
1946
J.R. Kidston returns from war and partners with Gordon Lindsay, forming Lindsay & Kidston.
1957
Gordon Lindsay is appointed a judge.
1976
J.R. Kidston retires; the firm is now Kidston & Co.
1997
David Helm joins the firm, bringing expertise in real estate, corporate law, and estate planning.
2012
Robert Ross joins the firm, specializing in estate litigation and personal injury.
2022
The firm is officially renamed Kidston Helm Ross, recognizing Helm and Ross’s leadership.
Comprehensive Legal Services in Vernon, BC
Today, Kidston Helm Ross is a full-service law firm based in Vernon, BC providing trusted legal counsel across a range of practice areas, including:
Our firm remains dedicated to upholding the same values that have guided us for over a century - providing exceptional legal service, advocating for our clients, and continuing our deep connection to the community.
Whether you’re seeking legal advice for personal, business, or litigation matters, Kidston Helm Ross is here to help. Our experienced team is committed to delivering strong, strategic, and personalized legal representation to clients in Vernon and throughout British Columbia.