Agriculture and estates
Dickinson Dees LLP, Newcastle
Cartmell Shepherd, Carlisle
Ward Hadaway, Newcastle
BHP Law, Darlington
Burnetts, Carlisle
Jacksons Law, Stockton
Latimer Hinks, Darlington
Hayton Winkley, Kendal
Smith & Graham, Hartlepool
Dickinson Dees LLP’s team, praised for its “positive, no-nonsense” approach, includes pre-eminent agricultural law expert Simon Kirkup, and David Towns, Andrew Farquharson and Harry Chrisp on the property side, and acts for clients such as the National Trust, Natural England and a number of landowning local authorities. Jen Smurthwaite is also recommended, for her contentious expertise.
Cartmell Shepherd’s Tim Cartmell attracts an array of contentious and non-contentious agricultural matters.
Ward Hadaway “works hard at building client relationships and gives good partner contact”, and acts for the likes of English Heritage, Northumberland National Park, Lake District National Park and the National Trust. Neil Robson, William Green and Chris Hewitt are “very knowledgeable and spend time explaining matters with no legal jargon”.
Highlights for BHP Law’s agricultural practice included advising on the purchase of a farm and other land valued at around £3.5m. It also advises a large-scale developer of residential holiday caravan parks. Peter Blackett is the key contact.
Burnetts handles agricultural property issues such as farm sales and purchases, as well as advising family farm businesses on inheritance issues. Richard Miller heads the practice.
Jacksons Law’s practice head Adrienne Patterson is notable for her expertise gained as former regional legal adviser to the National Farmers’ Union, which reappointed to its legal panel in 2009. The practice also has growing expertise in equine law.
Latimer Hinks’ “evident commitment to the farming community” has significantly enhanced its reputation for agricultural work. Clients particularly highlight Anne Elliott, who “combines a clear grasp of the issues, passionate commitment and an ability to communicate in clear, everyday language”. Tim Haggie is also recommended, for agricultural property development.
