Primarily based out of the firm’s Welshpool and Carmarthen offices (although increasingly working remotely over the past two years), specialist agricultural law firm Agri Advisor Legal LLP has developed strong ties with local farmers/landowners, many of which appreciate the firm’s Welsh speaking capabilities, the lawyers’ own farming credentials and their knowledge of the law. Nerys Llewelyn Jones ‘is very knowledgeable about both legal and agricultural matters’, and is recognised for her expertise in relation to the Common Agricultural Policy. Manon Williams is also a key member of the team, particularly in the context of succession planning for agricultural businesses.
Agriculture and estates in Wales
Agri Advisor Legal LLP
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Nerys Llewelyn Jones; Manon Williams; Elin Owen; Karen Anthony
Testimonials
‘Experts in agricultural matters.’
‘I have complete confidence in Nerys Llewellyn Jones, who is very knowledgeable about both legal and agricultural matters, and has a “fair” approach.’
Work highlights
JCP Solicitors
Drawing upon lawyers within the team who display 'a friendly and client-focused approach', JCP Solicitors has an 'excellent knowledge of agricultural matters', both from an advisory and litigation perspective. Team head Rory Hutchings is 'approachable, knowledgeable and proactive' and as well as work for individual rural clients, also continues to advise the NFU on a variety of issues, including in a recent high-profile challenge, by judicial review, to the Welsh Government's decision to introduce new Water Quality Regulations. The 'knowledgeable and thoughtful' Richard Howells also regularly handles disputes involving high-value agricultural estates (including agricultural proprietary estoppel matters) as part of his role as head of the firm's lifetime planning disputes practice. Based out of the firm's Cardiff office, Welsh speaking lawyer Rhys Evans enhances the firm's property-related agricultural credentials following his move from RDP Law in December 2021.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team has excellent knowledge of agricultural matters.’
‘The team has an excellent knowledge and application of the subject areas, backed up with a friendly and client-focused approach.’
‘Rory Hutchings stands out and is always willing to go above and beyond for clients, excellent rapport and knowledge with a focus on practical solutions to complex issues.’
Key clients
NFU Cymru
Work highlights
Hugh James
Appreciated for its 'depth of knowledge' in the sector, Hugh James' multi-disciplinary team draws from strong independent private wealth, tax and trusts and commercial property teams, in particular, to deliver 'great results' for clients that include high-net-worth landowners and farmers. The 'technically astute and commercially-oriented' Matthew Evans is de-facto head of the team and alongside the 'pragmatic and responsive' is noted for his expertise at handling contentious probate and proprietary estoppel cases for farming clients.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Roman Kubiak; Eleanor Evans; Andrew Jones; Nia Griffiths ; Caroline O’Flaherty; David King; Richard Macphail
Testimonials
‘The team’s strength continues to be the accessibility of key senior staff when needed and a straightforward no-jargon approach to communication.’
‘They have a significant depth of knowledge in the sector and often produce great results.’
‘Mathew Evans is technically astute and commercially oriented.’
‘Roman Kubiak is pragmatic and responsive.’
Key clients
Vaynor Developments Limited
Coleg Gwent
Candelston Ltd
Farm Owner
Family of Deceased
Welsh Government
Cardiff & Vale NHS Trust
Capestone Organic Poultry
Work highlights
- Acting for the family of a deceased North Walian farmer in relation to claims seeking to set aside the deceased’s last will by reason of lack of testamentary capacity, lack of knowledge and approval and undue influence, as well as a claim in relation to the deceased’s farmland and business by reason of a proprietary estoppel.
- Advising Vaynor Developments on the acquisition of a ten-acre agricultural site for future development near Marshfield and the new Cardiff Parkway Development.
RDP Law
Newport-based firm RDP Law is particularly adept at assisting farming stakeholders on wealth protection, succession planning and estate administration. 'Efficient and very knowledgeable' team head Sioned Thomas, who herself comes from a farming background, effectively combines her overarching private client expertise with deep expertise of the sector. Lawyers within the firm's broader litigation, real estate and matrimonial teams are also regularly deployed to advise on work in the sector.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Sioned Thomas is efficient and very knowledgeable.’
Work highlights
Lanyon Bowdler
Although it had previously serviced some notable north Wales landowners from its Shrewsbury and Oswestry offices, the arrival of the ‘well-respected‘ Welsh language speaking Edward Nutting in 2018 to the firm’s nascent Conwy office was the catalyst for Lanyon Bowdler to gain much more traction in the local market. Nutting is particularly well-versed in advising on the unique property law demands of clients in the sector, including advice on option and overage agreements.
Practice head(s):
Brian Evans
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Edward Nutting is well-respected.’
Key clients
Lord Harlech
Lord Newborough
Ellis Family
Sir David Watkin Williams-Wynn Bt
Sweeney Estate Trustees
Roberts Family
The Wynne-Finch Estate Trustees
Tecwyn and Janice Jones
Work highlights
- Completed on a farm purchase for a prominent North Wales livestock farmer in six weeks.
- Acted on the partition of several farms in North Wales, with associated new mortgages, transfers and partnership agreements.
- Acting for a group of landowners in relation to a complex multi-million pound wind farm development.