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Knights solicitors llp focuses on tax, property, and partnership/company issues for farming clients, and has a strong relationship with the Country Land and Business Association. Highlights included advising a large minerals client on agricultural tenancies. Kate Smith is recommended for inheritance tax and succession planning. Brona Simmonds, previously a property partner at the firm, has returned as a consultant.

Martineau covers the full spectrum of agriculture and estates work, and has specialist teams focusing on raising awareness of issues around plans for a new High Speed Rail network and equine matters, as well as energy and utilities issues. James Spreckley, who leads the practice, is highly recommended.

Wright Hassall LLP’s team ‘gives very pragmatic advice’, and acts for clients such as Warwickshire Rural Hub and Meadow Quality. Paul Rice is a ‘market leader in the region’, and has ‘in-depth knowledge and the tenacity to see the deal through despite complications that might derail lesser solicitors’.

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP recently advised on the option agreement for the £11m sale of a farm in the Home Counties, and represented the successful appellant in the case of Murrell v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and Broadlands District Council. Steven Corfield ‘grasps situations quickly’.

Lodders Solicitors LLP is often ‘instructed over other local practices due to its specialist agricultural and commercial property expertise and being better value than larger outfits’. David Lodder is ‘professional and exceedingly knowledgeable’.

mfg Solicitors LLP’s team is ‘extremely quick on important matters, and is particularly good on estate tax planning and agricultural estate law’. Sarah Baugh has been active on refinancings, while Iain Morrison recently advised on the sale of a large landed estate.

Shakespeares, created by the merger of Shakespeare Putsman and Needham & James, is ‘consistently good – knowledgeable, market-oriented and expert in its business’. The team advised a major landed estate on the grant of a long-term farm business tenancy. Peter Snodgrass is ‘a very good operator’.

Ansons LLP provides a ‘professional, diligent and value-for-money service’ to clients in the farming community. The group advised on a number of diversification projects, including woodland acquisitions. Simon James is recommended.

Lanyon Bowdler is the appointed adviser to the NFU in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Straffordshire, and delivers ‘service and advice that is extremely good’. Andrew Evans leads the team.

Kate Austin, FILEX leads Brethertons LLP’s team, advising on sales, purchases, remortgages, deeds of easement, and land registry matters.

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