Agriculture & Rural Affairs: Midlands

Operating from a base in Towcester, this respected niche firm undertakes a broad range of agricultural work. Recent matters include large-scale planning development work, farm conveyancing, property and tenancy matters. Another area of specialism is the structuring of tenancies to minimise inheritance tax exposure.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Thomson is celebrated for his extensive knowledge of the law concerning agricultural tenancies. Sources say he "excels in explaining complex problems to clients and coming up with practical solutions."

This firm is considered to be a "dominant force in the Midlands" for agricultural law. The team focuses on agricultural property transactions, tax and succession planning for farming families and agribusinesses. It also has experience in minerals work, telecommunication masts and renewables. 

Client Service "They do good work for us and we're very happy. They are responsive and pleasant to deal with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Lodder is considered an "excellent all-round agricultural lawyer" and is very active in the Country Land & Business Association. He garners praise for his work on options, transactions and development agreements. Ian Flavell joins from Martineau, bringing with him his experience in tax, trusts and estate planning.

The team at MFG is among the highest-regarded in the region and benefits from impressive strength in depth. Its experience covers all facets of agricultural law, taking in property transactions, rural business structures, and tax and estate planning. A recent highlight was its involvement in the ground-breaking Antrobus case relating to the extent of inheritance tax relief that can be extended to farmers and their property.

Commercial Awareness "A hugely impressive and fully joined-up service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Quinn is a consultant, distinguished for his authoritative understanding of farming clients, rural business owners and their affairs. Iain Morrison has a broad-ranging agricultural practice and is described by sources as "sound, pragmatic and commercially minded." Sarah Baugh focuses mainly on rural property transactions as well as the incumbent complications surrounding subsidy and tenancy issues. Alan Neal concentrates principally on tax planning. Sources say: "He knows the law on agricultural property relief inside out."

Birmingham-based Martineau enjoys a celebrated presence in dealing with agriculture and rural affairs. As well as servicing many of the largest landed estates in the Midlands, the team has in-depth knowledge of conveyancing, partnership structures, the diversification of agricultural land and wills and estate administration. The firm also has a strong line in equine and bloodstock work. On 1st December 2011, Martineau merged with Sprecher Grier Halberstam to form SGH Martineau LLP.

Client Service "Expert, co-operative and helpful."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hugh Carslake enjoys a "tremendous reputation" as a trusts lawyer and is known for his "innovative approach to establishing tax structures."

This team, based in Leamington Spa, houses a varied offering that specialises in conveyancing, regulatory advice in relation to the CAP and all manner of rural property and tenancy disputes. The firm also has a noted equine practice.  

Commercial Awareness "Practical, sensible, decisive – nothing's too much trouble."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Rice engages in a high volume of transactional work and is lauded for his "astuteness on Single Farm Payment matters."

This firm's agricultural practice is best known for its flair in the sale and purchasing of large landed estates and farm property. Its work on options and development agreements, renewable energy generation, mineral rights and agricultural lending is equally appreciated. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gareth Williams is considered an "affable and practical" all-rounder with a specialism in options development agreements.

This firm has a sturdy reputation for its understanding of countryside matters. Its litigation practice and the work it does for landowners concerning commercial diversification and mineral exploitation is highly regarded. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kate Smith is a key contact.

This reputable firm operates both within and beyond its Lincolnshire location, advising the trustees of landed estates, farmers, landowners and rural business owners across a range of legal concerns. The team has handled a number of large estate transactions for high net worth individuals in recent months.

Client Service "An efficient and prompt service. They always give a carefully considered opinion."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Fearn is the senior agricultural partner. His expertise in developments across tax and trusts law is considered to be "up to the minute" by sources.

This niche firm of rural experts impresses with its handling and understanding of agricultural holdings legislation. The firm is also expert in reform of the CAP, land tribunals, arbitrations and animal welfare issues, and has strong links with the Derbyshire farming community. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nigel Davis's practice covers a broad range of agricultural matters. He is praised for being "extremely knowledgeable and approachable."

Formerly trading under the banner of Needham & James, this group will no doubt find its strengths complemented by its merger with Shakespeare Putsman. It is a member of the NFU legal panel and has acted recently on a variety of compulsory purchase cases in relation to flood alleviation schemes, motorway expansion and rural development options. The team has also represented NFU members in seed and machinery failure claims. 

Commercial Awareness "Commercial, switched-on and pleasant to work with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Snodgrass is a noted authority in rural property law and is considered "highly able, knowledgeable and affable."

With offices in Banbury and Rugby, this firm provides a comprehensive agricultural offering for clients in the southern Midlands and beyond. In addition to rural conveyancing, areas of expertise include partnerships, deeds and trusts and succession issues. The team is complemented by the firm's private client department, which offers a wills and probate service to farming families.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Felicity Wyatt hails from a farming and surveying background, and maintains a keen focus on landlord and tenant work. She also takes a strong interest in renewable energy schemes.

This respected firm offers a well-rounded service in agricultural matters, dispensing advice on non-contentious matters such as tax, rural business partnership structures, tenancy issues and alternative land use. The team also boasts a strong reputation for its contentious work before the Agricultural Land Tribunal and holds a place on the NFU panel.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Niall Blackie is admired for his experience in town and country planning and compulsory purchase cases. Steven Corfield heads the agricultural practice and focuses on rural property law and heritage property transactions.