For over a century, the legal professionals at Kidston Helm Ross have been serving the North Okanagan, building a reputation for integrity, legal excellence, and a commitment to the community. The firm’s origins trace back to the late 19th century, evolving through generations of esteemed lawyers who shaped both the practice and the local legal landscape.
The Early Years: William Cochrane "The Pioneer Lawyer"
The story begins with William Maurice (W.M.) Cochrane, a lawyer from Whitby, Ontario, born in 1844. After practicing law in Port Perry, Ontario, and later moving to Minnesota, Cochrane arrived in British Columbia in the late 1880s. By 1891, he had established a law office in Vernon, which quickly gained prominence.
Cochrane played a crucial role in Vernon’s early civic structure. In 1891, he took the first District Census in the Vernon area. In 1892, he was chosen as Chairman of the committee to study incorporating the area as a city. He also drafted and hand-delivered the incorporation papers that led to the city’s official establishment on December 30, 1892.
"W. M. Cochrane, another barrister and solicitor, changed quarters to Vernon in 1891 and founded the business which in after years was carried on by his son-in-law, Fred Billings, and his son, Arthur O. Cochrane, under the firm name of Billings & Cochrane." - Kamloops: Gateway to the Okanagan (Page 33)
Frederic Billings Moves to Vernon
As Cochrane’s law practice flourished, he took on a young lawyer from Whitby, Frederic Billings, as a partner in 1892, forming "Cochrane & Billings". Several years later, Billings married Cochrane’s daughter, Maud. Around this time, Billings left to establish his own firm, "Fred Billings, Barrister, Solicitor, Etc."
"Unlike many lawyers, his method has been to keep his clients out of costly litigation. It was a policy that was not always appreciated—at least not at the time—by clients who were sure they were in the right. But in the long run, it has proven successful, and even the most pugnacious clients have come to see its wisdom, especially when their rights were secured through saner and less costly methods." - Vernon News (October 11, 1906)
Arthur Cochrane Enters Law
W.M. Cochrane continued his practice. When his son Arthur Ormiston (A.O.) Cochrane matriculated, he was articled to his father. Tragically, W.M. Cochrane passed away in 1900 at the age of 56. Arthur continued his studies in Grand Forks, where he articled under his brother-in-law, Judge Cayley.
In 1904, Arthur passed his law examinations in Victoria and returned to Vernon, a "full-fledged solicitor of the Supreme Court of British Columbia." He joined his brother-in law's Fred Billings' practice. The firm evolved over time, becoming "Billings & Cochrane," bringing the two family names together once again. Following Billings’ death in 1915, the firm became "Cochrane, Ladner & Reinhart."
"For a number of years, Arthur was a member of the Vernon Fire Brigade, and was also a member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, and a Rotarian. He was active in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and was the second Exalted Ruler of the Vernon Elks Lodge, later continuing to serve on the Provincial and Grand Lodge Executives." - 45th Report of the Okanagan Historical Society
Gordon Lindsay Returns to Canada
Gordon Lindsay, a young veteran of World War I, returned to Canada in 1919 and joined A.O. Cochrane’s firm as an assistant lawyer. After A.O. Cochrane’s unexpected passing in 1926, Lindsay continued the firm with Arthur's older brother Walter B. Cochrane, who returned to Vernon from Vancouver to assist the practice.
"The law practice of the late Arthur O. Cochrane is being carried on by his assistant, Gordon Lindsay, on behalf of the estate until January 1st, 1927, when Walter M. Cochrane of Vancouver will come to Vernon and continue the practice with Mr. Lindsay." - Vernon News (December 16, 1926)
J.R. Kidston Returns to Vernon to Practice Law
John Richard “Jack” Kidston, established his law practice in Vernon in 1936. Born in Vernon in 1905, Kidston came from a family of orchardists. His legal career was briefly interrupted by World War II, during which he served as a Lieutenant-Commander in the Royal Canadian Navy. Before leaving for service, he entrusted his clients' documents to Gordon Lindsay.
"J. R. Kidston, Barrister & Solicitor, announces that he has temporarily closed his
offices for the duration of the war. All clients' documents in his hands have been delivered to Mr. Gordon Lindsay, Vernon News Block." -Vernon News, (September 14, 1939)
Upon returning from the war in 1946, Kidston partnered with Lindsay, forming "Lindsay & Kidston," which remained a cornerstone of Vernon’s legal community until 1959.
Kidston & Company: The Evolution of the Firm
Gordon Lindsay was appointed as a Judge of the County Court of Yale in British Columbia and as a Local Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia on September 24, 1957. This marked another transition for the firm, which was subsequently renamed "Kidston & MacIntyre".
When J.R. Kidston retired in 1976, and the firm was called "Kidston & Co.," a name that paid homage to the original "Kidstons & Co." founded by his family in Glasgow, Scotland, where he had attended law school. The "Kidstons & Co." in Glasgow merged with UK firm "Lindsays" in 2008.
J.R. Kidston remained active in the Vernon community. Over the years, he held various positions in local organizations:
President of the Royal Canadian Legion (Vernon branch)
President of the local Bar Association
President of the Law Society of B.C.
President of the Vernon Rotary Club
Founding member of the North Okanagan Community Concerts Association
Founding member of the Vernon Community Arts Council (1961)
Chairman of the Vernon School Board
Awarded Life Membership in the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Society
Chairman of the Vernon Restholme Board
In honour of his many contributions, Jack Kidston received the City of Vernon’s Most Valuable Person Award in 1990 for a lifetime of community service.
A New Era: 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.
Continuing the Legacy
From its early days as the "Law Office of W.M. Cochrane" to its present-day identity as Kidston Helm Ross, the firm has remained dedicated to serving the legal needs of Vernon and the North Okanagan. With a foundation built on integrity and legal excellence, the firm continues to honor the legacy of its founders while adapting to the evolving legal landscape.
Today, Kidston Helm Ross remains one of the most respected law firms in British Columbia, carrying forward a tradition of service that began well over a century ago.
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