With offices across Chelmsford, Cambridge, and Sevenoaks, Birketts LLP’s broad caseload encompasses succession planning, tax work relating to agricultural issues, and renewable energy projects. Chris Coupland is knowledgeable of family farming partnerships and capital taxation issues, while Annabelle Rout is experienced in grants of easement, option agreements, and overage agreements. Charlotte Strutt and Samantha Barnes handle agricultural tenancy matters, while Katie Gibson-Green is another key team member.
Agriculture and estates in South East
Birketts LLP
Praxisleiter:
Chris Coupland; Annabelle Rout
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Charlotte Strutt: Samantha Barnes: Katie Gibson-Green
Referenzen
‚This team has in-depth knowledge of the law across this complex area, covering freehold, boundaries, tenancies, overage, entitlements, licenses, public rights of way, planning consent, and more.‘
‚What stood out the most was the team’s extensive knowledge and professionalism.‘
‚Annabelle Rout is, without a doubt, the leading agricultural partner in the region. Her expertise is exceptional, but it is her tenacity in resolving complex issues, chasing the Land Registry, liaising with opposing counsel, and driving transactions forward that truly sets her apart. She approaches everything with a positive and professional demeanour, making her a tremendous asset to the firm.‘
Boodle Hatfield LLP
Often advising major estates on tax management, farming agreements, and sales and acquisitions, Boodle Hatfield LLP is overseen by Natasha Hassall. Praised as ‘one of the UK’s top trust lawyers, handling even the most complex trust matters with exceptional skill’, Hassall is particularly proficient in succession planning issues. Eleanor Sepanski is another key team member.
Praxisleiter:
Natasha Hassall
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Eleanor Sepanski
Referenzen
‚The team has a deep understanding of trust and estate law, as well as the complexities of our business operations.‘
‚This is a top-tier practice that consistently makes clients feel valued, demonstrating a strong commitment to achieving successful outcomes. The partners, who are highly competent, collaborate effectively by pooling their strengths and knowledge. The firm is well-organised and approachable.‘
‚We work closely with Natasha Hassall, whose expertise is essential to the functioning of our business. The breadth of support she provides is invaluable.‘
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Often handling inbound investment into domestic rural estates and agricultural businesses, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is skilled at land sales and tax structuring work. The practice is jointly led by Duncan Elson and Oliver Auld; Elson is notably experienced in landed estate matters and has over three decades of contentious experience. Other key members of the team include William Marriott, who is well versed in the acquisition and disposal of property, Tristram van Lawick, and Hayley Lasling.
Praxisleiter:
Oliver Auld; Duncan Elson
Weitere Kernanwälte:
William Marriott; Tristram van Lawick; Hayley Lasling
Referenzen
‘William Marriott is the stand-out individual, with exceptional knowledge and experience. He is always a good person to have in your corner, a problem solver, and an effective lawyer.’
‘It was a pleasure working with the CRS team and seeing a transaction through to a successful conclusion.’
‘They are proactive and put their client first. They make sure the property is ready for sale, ironing out any potential issues prior to marketing. They lead the client and provide excellent advice.‘
Kernmandanten
Guildford Diocesan Board of Finance
Freeths LLP
Praised for its ‘comprehensive understanding of agricultural matters’, Freeths LLP’s broad offering covers estate acquisitions and sales, litigation, and tax planning work. Iain Davis oversees the practice and is experienced in environmental matters, agricultural tenancies, and landed estate developments. Masood Ahmed is often engaged in rural property transactions, Lisa Mark-Bell is noted for her tax expertise, and Rosalyn Shephard handles tenancy disputes. Clare Bellis, Tom Walker, and Katherine Burge are other key team members.
Praxisleiter:
Iain Davis
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Masood Ahmed: Lisa Mark-Bell; Rosalyn Shephard; Clare Bellis; Tom Walker; Katherine Burge
Referenzen
‚The firm demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of agricultural matters and the intricacies of agricultural law.‘
‚Freeths have a strong farming practice with good tax and contentious teams.‘
‚Clare Bellis has been very responsive and knowledgeable.‘
Kernmandanten
Trinity College Oxford
Carington Estate
West Wycombe Estate
New College
Trustees of the Swanbourne Estate
Peterborough City Council
East Lindsey District Council
Central Bedfordshire Council
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution
Trustees of the Shotover Estate
Tarmac Group of Companies
Chancerygate Group of Companies
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised a Landed Estate Owner on the grant of an Option Agreement for over 1,350 acres of land.
- Advised a Landed Estate Owner on the purchase of a 1,800-acre Lincolnshire Estate for £23.5m.
- Advised a Landed Estate Owner concerning the Network Rail (East West Rail) (Bicester to Bedford Improvements) Order 2020 coming into force to enable Network Rail to purchase biodiversity net gain units from the Estate.
Tees Law
A key port of call for private and corporate landowners, landed estates, as well as international investors in domestic agriculture, Tees Law is experienced in renewable energy projects and strategic land transactions. Letty Glaister is highly proficient in succession planning, while Victoria Sandberg handles agricultural tenancies and renewable option agreements. Alexander Waples is knowledgeable of farming partnership agreements, while Tom Moulsdale is another key team member.
Praxisleiter:
Letty Glaister; Victoria Sandberg
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Alexander Waples; Tom Moulsdale
Referenzen
‚The care with which they treat clients is second to none—it makes you feel as if you are their only client.‘
‚Tees Law has phenomenal resources within their pool of experts. The knowledge and professionalism is second to none and communication between departments can be relied on where necessary.‘
‚Letty Glaister’s knowledge of the industry is invaluable. Her communication skills, timeliness, and flexibility have made each occasion much easier. She is relatable and professional all at the same time.‘
Birkett Long LLP
Birkett Long LLP has a broad regional footprint, with offices across Colchester, Chelmsford, Basildon, and London. The practice, which is praised as a ‘great team with a spread of strengths’, is jointly led by Lisa Collins and Mel Loxley. Loxley is praised as ‘polite and professional’, while Karen Johnson, Francesca Cozens, and Farrah Harvey-Nawaz are other key team members.
Praxisleiter:
Lisa Collins; Mel Loxley
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Karen Johnson; Francesca Cozens; Farrah Harvey-Nawaz
Referenzen
‚A great team with a spread of strengths.‘
‚Birkett Long LLP are very professional at what they do. They are always very polite and attentive.‘
‚Mel Loxley performed outstandingly. She guided me through the process and always treated me with respect. She was always very polite and professional. I would recommend her services to anyone. She is an outstanding lawyer, and her team is top-notch. They were always quick when information was required to be sent.‘
Brachers (Part of Lawfront)
Counting various high-net-worth clients on its roster, Brachers (Part of Lawfront) often handles agricultural tenancy matters and estate disputes. With over two decades of experience, Sarah Gaines leads the practice and is experienced in agricultural land transactions and land transfers. Christopher Eriksson-Lee is noted for his capabilities in succession planning and the reorganisation of agricultural business structures.
Praxisleiter:
Sarah Gaines
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Christopher Eriksson-Lee
Kernmandanten
Kent County Agricultural Society
Alan Firmin Limited
Kent Farmers Benevolent Society
Plumpton College
Cripps
Home to ‘exceptional lawyers’, Cripps is geared to handle property disputes, share farming agreements, and succession planning issues. Praised for her ‘expert guidance’, Sally Firby leads the practice and is well versed in the sale and purchase of farms and estates, while Kate Arnold is informed on inheritance tax reliefs. Other key members of the team include Damion Lindley, who is often engaged in farm letting work.
Praxisleiter:
Sally Firby
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Kate Arnold; Damion Lindley
Referenzen
‚They are exceptional lawyers.‘
‚Cripps‘ approach is tailored to individual needs. The client is always at the heart of what they do.‘
‚Sally Firby offers expert guidance, and is calm and steady but tenacious in her approach. She is an expert in her field and always a pleasure to work with.‘
Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell is well geared to handle tax planning issues, succession planning work, property transactions, and environmental disputes. James Pavey is a key port of call for large rural landowners, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional landowners on land use disputes, while Natalie Hayes-Green is often engaged in landlord and tenant matters. Rebecca Huston and Elise Sherwell are other key team members.
Praxisleiter:
James Pavey
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Natalie Hayes-Green: Rebecca Huston; Elise Sherwell
Referenzen
‘They have a personal touch.’
‚Pamela Chesterman- tenacious and a passion for town planning, along with excellent pragmatic advice.‘
‚Victoria Tague- excellent and pragmatic advice and all round a lovely person to work with.‘
Kernmandanten
Caravan & Motorhome Club
Darwall, Blachford Farms
Hawarden Estate
Highclere Castle Estate
Hyde Estate
Restore Trust
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted in Darwall v Dartmoor National Park Authority on a dispute relating to wild camping on the Dartmoor Commons.
- Advised Highclere Castle Estate on a variety of matters surrounding the real-life Downtown Abbey.
- Advised the Ford landowners consortium on the development of an entire new village.
Moore Barlow
Praised for its ‘excellent advice and prompt service’, Moore Barlow‘s rural business and wealth team is highly knowledgeable of the full gamut of agricultural matters. Sarah Jordan oversees the practice and is highly proficient in rural asset management issues surrounding landed estates and agricultural tenancies, while Charlotte Brackley and Nellie van der Lande are both noted for their transactional capabilities.
Praxisleiter:
Sarah Jordan
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Charlotte Brackley; Nellie van der Lande
Referenzen
‚Moore Barlow’s agricultural team has provided us with excellent advice and prompt service.‘
‚The main point of contact on tenancy matters has been Sarah Jordan, who has given clear and understandable advice as and when needed.‘
‚They were incredibly responsive and available throughout the matter to answer my questions, no matter how small. Their professionalism and attention to detail gave me great confidence throughout the entire process.‘
Kernmandanten
Cowdray Estate
The Grange Estate Hampshire
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising the Cowdray Estate, a 16,000-acre landed estate, on its strategic estate planning and rural asset management needs.
- Advised the Grange Hampshire Estate on rural asset management.
Thompson Smith and Puxon
Commended for its ‘depth of expertise and knowledge’, Thompson Smith and Puxon is noted for its strength in succession planning and rural land transactions. The practice is headed up by Stephen Firmin, who is vastly experienced in land development and diversification projects, while Fiona Ashworth handles inheritance tax and trust matters surrounding agricultural assets. Mary Anne Fedeyko is a key contact for family farming partnerships, while Fiona Gibson is knowledgeable of solar farm developments. Ann Coutts is another key team member.
Praxisleiter:
Stephen Firmin
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Fiona Ashworth; Mary Anne Fedeyko; Fiona Gibson; Ann Coutts
Referenzen
‚The agricultural and estates team has a depth of expertise and knowledge. I have worked on a number of cases with the team and have found them to be resourceful and easy to work with.‘
‚Stephen Firmin and Fiona Ashworth are extremely knowledgeable within the sector and have the skills and expertise to provide the quality of advice that is required.‘
‚They have the technical knowledge and local awareness to support a comprehensive package of essential landowner needs.‘
Thrings LLP
With a strong track record in agricultural litigation, Thrings LLP is noted for its expertise in wind energy and battery storage projects. Duncan Sigournay oversees the team and is highly proficient in agricultural tenancies, while Mark Charter often advises clients on strategic land development and diversification projects. Eve Laws is a strong choice for landowners on transactional matters, and Josephine Taylor is another key team member.
Praxisleiter:
Duncan Sigournay
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Mark Charter; Eve Laws; Josephine Taylor
Kernmandanten
National Farmers Union
Country Land and Business Association
The Badminton Estate
Denhay Farms Ltd
Countryside Education Trust
Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal Trust
DJ Houghton Catching Services Ltd
Koppert
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised 34 landowners in relation to options for easements and leases for the new Fawley to Heathrow oil pipeline.
- Represented a client before the Supreme Court, winning a proprietary estoppel case and appeal.
- Representing the defendants in a multi-million-pound proprietary estoppel claim concerning farmland and quarries in Lincolnshire.
Trethowans LLP
Trethowans LLP’s broad agricultural and estates offering encompasses transactional work, litigation, tax planning advice, and farming partnerships. Marcus Thorpe oversees the Salisbury team. Charlotte West-Withers spearheads the Winchester practice, and Amanda Inch has in-depth expertise in tenancies, renewables, and promotion agreements.
Praxisleiter:
Marcus Thorpe; Charlotte West-Withers
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Amanda Inch
Referenzen
‚Marcus Thorpe is an excellent lawyer, user-friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable.‘
‚Marcus Thorpe is knowledgeable, energetic, and personable.‘
‚Charlotte West-Withers is very competent, responsive, and good fun to work with.‘
Kernmandanten
Nattergal Limited
Harolds Park Wildland Limited
Pockford Estate
Lyburn Cheese Farm
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Winsortan Limited on the £45m purchase of the Abbotts Ann Estate, Wiltshire.
- Advised on the establishment of a £18m farm natural capital scheme and habitat mitigation scheme to allow the sale of nitrate credits and BNG units for developers.
- Acted for Strutt & Parker Farms Limited on multiple transactions, amounting to over £35m, increasing its portfolio of farming assets in Cambridgeshire.
Warners Solicitors
Counting landowners, farmers, and rural businesses on its client roster, Warners Solicitors is highly proficient in landlord work, land disputes, and estate tax planning work. Litigation specialist Michael McNally jointly leads the practice with Gail Hall, who handles estate administration issues. Steve Colville is skilled at land transactions, while Tim Ryan is another key team member.
Praxisleiter:
Michael McNally; Gail Hall
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Steve Colville: Tim Ryan
Referenzen
‚Michael McNally and Gail Hall both stand out for providing clear and concise support in complex legal issues.‘
‚Gail Hall has bags of experience.‘
‚The advice was always given with confidence and experience.‘
Kernmandanten
National Farmers Union
Markel Legal Expenses Insurance
J M Osborne Rural and Sporting Limited
British Hound Sports Association
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised J M Osborne Rural and Sporting Limited in relation to numerous legal issues, including the employment of gamekeepers.
- Represented the National Farmers Union on a variety of property disputes, including trespass, adverse possession, and boundary disputes.
- Advised Markel Legal Protection on mineral rights registration.
Field Seymour Parkes LLP
Praised as ‘very approachable and easy to communicate with’, Field Seymour Parkes LLP is noted for its strength in property based natural capital projects, renewable energy projects, and land transactions. Hazel Eccles oversees the team and is highly proficient in rural property transactions, tenancies, and the grant of ancillary rights. Laura Czapski, Rob Crowther, and Kelsie Essenhigh are other key team members.
Praxisleiter:
Hazel Eccles
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Laura Czapski; Rob Crowther; Kelsie Essenhigh
Referenzen
‚FSP are a great all-round practice, and are equally happy handing day-to-day matters/drafting novel and complex contracts.‘
‚They are very approachable and easy to communicate with.‘
‚They have good knowledge.‘
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised the University of Reading on the purchase of 635 acre site located 5 miles South of the University’s Whiteknights campus.
- Advised the Windsor Forest Colleges Group on the sale of several acres of farmland with the benefit of outline planning for residential development to Elivia Homes.
SE-Solicitors
Commended as an ‘excellent regional practice’, SE-Solicitors is a key port of call for farmers, rural businesses, and country estate owners on land developments, succession planning work, and commercial contracts. With over two decades of experience in transactional matters, the practice is led by Guy Stephenson, who is lauded by clients as ‘very personable, professional, and available’. Harriet Page is noted for her knowledge of unregistered land and property, lease extensions, and overage provisions, while Jennie Loynes is well versed in restructuring the ownership of family farms.
Praxisleiter:
Guy Stephenson
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Harriet Page: Jennie Loynes
Referenzen
‚Guy Stephenson is very personable, professional, and available when a deal needs to be transacted quickly.‘
‚Harriet Page is very diligent but also a very friendly solicitor. She is really responsive and always happy to help.‘
‚Harriet Page is very responsive and detailed in her work. The team is what makes SE Law so good.‘
Thomson Snell & Passmore
Often working in conjunction with the firm’s corporate and commercial team on farming partnership agreements, Thomson Snell & Passmore is skilled at development and planning matters. The practice is headed up by Penelope Edgar, who often handles rural property transactions, biodiversity net gain projects, and portfolio management issues, while Esther Lee is knowledgeable of inheritance tax matters. Robert Trench is well versed in farm tenancies, while Kate Cairnes and Guy Evans are other key team members.
Praxisleiter:
Penelope Edgar
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Esther Lee: Robert Trench: Kate Cairnes: Guy Evans
Referenzen
‚Robert Trench is always diligent, knowledgeable, and friendly.‘
‚Robert Trench has excellent communication skills and is swift to respond. He always comes back to me with sensible, easy-to-understand explanations and is very good at dealing with issues when they inevitably arise during intricate property transactions and negotiations.‘
‚The staff have always responded rapidly, and replied in easy-to-understand language. They are efficient, show compassion, and are easy to communicate with.‘