FBC Manby Bowdler is highly regarded for its work on transactional matters. Led by Sarah Baugh, the 'strong' team excels in advising on the acquisitions, disposals and funding of land and property. It is also skilled at providing partnership advice. Other areas of expertise include advising on tenancies under the 1995 Agricultural Tenancies Act. The team continues to be busy advising on a myriad of other matters relating to farm diversification, mineral and sporting rights, as well as tourism. It also excels at acting in succession and tax planning matters, as well as a whole host of contentious issues. Tom Devey is well-regarded for his work on all property and business related agricultural matters.

The first-class team at Lanyon Bowdler acts for numerous large agricultural and horticultural clients, in addition to landed estates. It is a NFU panel firm for Shropshire, Herefordshire and Staffordshire, and works closely with the NFU regionally. Practice head Brian Evans has particular expertise in the mediation of disputes involving agricultural property. Edward Nutting acts on a wide range of agricultural and commercial property matters. The agile team covers areas as diverse as renewable energy projects and professional negligence cases involving farmers as claimants, as well as employment matters. Andrew Pegg has built up a specialism in agricultural dispute resolution, while David Pugh assists with estate planning for farming clients.

Led by James Spreckley, the ‘helpful‘ and 'conscientious' agriculture and estates team at Lodders Solicitors LLP advises clients on all aspects of their agricultural and rural affairs. It covers a diverse range of matters including farm sales and purchases, as well as advising on biodiversity net-gain and off-setting, environmental matters and rights of way. Clients include farmers, agri-businesses, equestrian businesses, landed estates, breed societies and agricultural charities. John Rouse frequently advises on tax and estate planning matters. Victoria Longmore often supports rural and agricultural clients with their planning matters. Senior associate Nicola Beach is another name to note who deals with a wide range of property-related agricultural issues.

Alexandra Phillips and Susan Morrissy co-head the department at MFG Solicitors LLP, which primarily focuses on succession planning matters. Its emphasis is on ensuring that estate owners and farmers can pass the farm down to the next generation. The group also covers a wide spectrum of other matters, such as pre-nuptial agreements and divorces, as well as various contentious and corporate matters. Iain Morrison has developed a strong reputation for his advice to landowners and farmers looking to enter into option and promotion agreements for strategic land development. Tom Bell is another name to note for his work across a variety of agricultural matters. Helen Gough joined Seymour Legal as a consultant.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP fields a versatile team, which frequently advises on a myriad of transactions relating to farms and rural land. The group also excels in advising on natural capital projects, agricultural tenancies and renewable energy schemes. Under the direction of Jennie Wheildon, it receives plaudits for its advice on farm litigation as well as succession and tax planning matters. In addition, the team is well-equipped to advise on the breakdown of farming partnerships. The team is adept at providing planning advice on issues that affect farm development, and on changes of use. Consultant Peter Snodgrass is another important member of the practice.

Headed by Neil Faunch, Ansons is experienced in advising landowners on development work. It is also adept at handling agricultural land acquisitions and disposals, as well as other issues such as renewable energy, rural subsidies and tenancies. In addition, it receives a steady flow of instructions on issues relating to tax planning and trusts.

The multi-disciplinary offering at Knights plc advises agricultural clients on matters ranging from property transactions and disputes to wealth management and family issues. Jon Clifford, Emma Hughes and Tony Gibb are the practice heads. Shane Miller is a key contact for agricultural divorces.

Alex Robinson, who is a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association, heads the department at Wright Hassall LLP. Robinson oversees all farmland-related transactions. Neal Patterson advises landowners on the letting of land for renewable development projects including wind, solar, AD/battery storage and hydrogen. The team continues to advise clients on a broad array of issues, from subsidies, farm tenancies, tax and estate planning matters to numerous agricultural disputes. Ethan Desai is now at HCR Hewitsons in Northampton, while Sarah Beer left to join Excello Law.