Wrigleys Solicitors LLP specialises in private client matters, supporting individuals, families and trusts in complex and high value matters. The group covers a diverse range of real estate transactions and agricultural issues, with expertise in relation to the Environment Act and Agriculture Act, covering carbon sequestration, ecosystem services, and farm restructurings. Team lead Jonathan Attey covers the sale and purchase of farms, diversification schemes, and all issues relating to agricultural tenancies. Key names include Emma Ridge, who is particularly active on behalf of estates, and Joanne Spavin, an expert in private client matters. Will Foley is a key name.
Agriculture and estates in Yorkshire And The Humber
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Attey
Other key lawyers:
Clair Douglas; Angus Hunter Smart; Will Foley; Emma Ridge; Matthew Featherstone; Joanne Spavin
Testimonials
‘Ability to advise on complex matters in a straight forward way manner, setting out clearly the options and the recommendation.’
‘Angus Hunter Smart and Jonathan Attey intuitively understand how their clients think and what they not only want from their advisers, but also what they want from their property portfolios.’
‘They are well respected by other professionals as being reliable and competent. They remain so without recourse to too much modern wizardry.’
‘Jonathan Attey is a very knowledgeable lawyer in his field and also a practical farmer. So his keen legal advice is often tempered by some sound common-sense. He is a good explainer of the more intricate points. He is a calm negotiator who relies on persuasive argument and calm reason rather than aggression, which suits me.’
‘Angus Hunter Smart is highly respected in his field and very busy with much bigger clients than us. But we get the advantage of all that and always feel as important. He is also extremely good at explaining the more intricate points, which seem to increase in the world of wills and trusts.’
‘They have superb strength and depth.’
‘Matthew Featherstone is approachable, contactable, direct, clear and concise. He gets into any issues quickly, offers advice with a no nonsense approach and ultimately delivers solutions.’
‘Wrigleys have scale and a diverse skills base to serve most client requirements but are still small enough that they work collaboratively with other colleagues in their office which ensures best advice to their clients.’
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP
The ‘friendly and approachable’ team at Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP works on a cross-departmental basis to provide clients with support in a diverse range of matters, including both contentious and non-contentious mandates. Helen Mellors leads the team and is praised for her ‘depth of personal experience.’ Mellors covers sales and purchases of farmland, as well as commercial leases, and a variety of arrangements relating to diversification. Samuel Peake is a key contact for banking clients active in the sector. Susie Mortonson joined from Harrowells Solicitors in May 2023, and brings expertise in PPAs. Sarah Parker is a key name.
Practice head(s):
Helen Mellors
Other key lawyers:
Claire Ramsden; Samuel Peake; Susie Mortonson; Sarah Parker
Testimonials
‘The team is friendly and approachable, with a diverse offering to look after client needs.’
‘Helen Mellors and Sarah Parker deal with all of my legal requirements. Both are very personable, with great communication and are efficient on deadlines.’
‘The agriculture and estates team is well skilled and readily available. Service turnaround is markedly better than some other firms.’
‘Andrew Jacksons have enormous strength in depth with a large team of agriculture specialists. All members of the team are keen to share knowledge and work together to ensure the best possible outcomes for clients.’
‘Helen Mellors has many years of experience to draw upon when advising on transactions involving agriculture matters and is keen to engage at an early stage to ensure that all parties are working together to achieve a common aim.
‘They have an appetite to see the job over the line in a timely manner, communication being strong throughout.’
‘It is rare to find a team of people with in-depth practical experience of such a wide variety of agricultural and related challenges.’
‘My experience with Helen Mellors in the team is that she has a depth of personal experience and relates well to specific clients, speaking their language and understanding their challenges, having often come across the same or similar events or transactions.’
Key clients
Associated British Ports
Harrowells Solicitors
Harrowells Solicitors is highly active in transactional activity, with expertise in sales, purchases, and refinancings within the agricultural sector. The group provides additional support in matters relating to renewables and energy projects. 'Exceptionally good' Katie Daniel, who leads the team, is experienced in land and property law, including matters relating to the sale and development of land. Former team lead Stephen Proctor remains active within the practice.
Practice head(s):
Katie Daniel
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Proctor
Testimonials
‘Our solicitor had great experience in the field of agricultural sales, which reassured us that the often archaic laws will be adhered to.’
‘A strong team able to cover the breadth of expertise our client-base demands. There is strong synergy with their other departments, such as private client, to ensure their advice is robust. A good geographic spread of offices to ensure clients have the ability to meet their solicitor at mutually convenient locations.’
‘Katie Daniel is a strong communicator and excellent agricultural and landed estates solicitor. Supported by and works alongside a highly experienced team. Approachable and offers practical advice in the transaction process. Gets the job done in the interest of her clients.’
‘Good team with specialists in all areas who work well together. Good communication.’
‘Katie Daniel is exceptionally good. She always has time to explain things to the client and me as agent, in a way that we can understand. She is very patient. She has in depth knowledge and understanding in most areas but also knows when to seek help and advice.’
Mills & Reeve LLP
Mills & Reeve LLP acts on behalf of domestic and international clients on mandates across the country, advising on a diverse range of agribusiness matters. The group covers natural capital matters, renewable energy projects, and farming business transactions, among other work. Andrea Newman heads the Leeds team, covering all issues relating to natural capital, renewables, and development agreements. Michael Aubrey heads the team at the national level. Nichola Ross is a core team member, providing key support in numerous diversification projects.
Practice head(s):
Andrea Newman; Michael Aubrey
Other key lawyers:
Nichola Ross; Vanessa Walton
Testimonials
‘Mills & Reeve team have always worked to a very high standard. They offer a full range of legal advice and services. We have always found their attention to detail, knowledge, as well as their clear legal advice to be excellent.’
‘We cannot rate Nichola Ross highly enough for the level of service she provides. She is very knowledgeable, works to a very high standard and will ensure all works are accurate and correct before any projects are completed.’
Key clients
Northumbrian Water Limited
MHS Farms Limited
Wilkin Chapman Rollits
Wilkin Chapman Rollits‘s team, praised for its 'honesty, punctuality and availability,' advises farmers, families, and estates in issues relating to farm business tenancies, diversification projects, and woodland acquisitions and sales, as well as a range of other contentious and non-contentious matters. Highly experienced team lead Neil Franklin, based in Hull, covers farm sales, purchases, and tenancies, as well as diversification projects. Libby Clarkson has key expertise in renewables projects.
Practice head(s):
Neil Franklin
Other key lawyers:
Libby Clarkson; Ruth Maltby-Sinker
Testimonials
‘Honesty, punctuality and availability. If you want a straight-talking firm, then Rollits are the firm for you.’
‘Neil Franklin is a well-honed agricultural property specialist who can be trusted with deals of all sizes and complexities.’
‘Very responsive and good at communicating with clients and fellow professional advisors. Good collaboration evident internally to find solutions for the client.’
Key clients
HSBC plc
NatWest Bank
Virgin Money
Wilkin Chapman Rollits
Wilkin Chapman Rollits provides comprehensive support in contentious and non-contentious matters within the agricultural sector. The group covers partnership issues, agricultural tenancies, and manorial rights, as well as advising on property transactions and diversification projects. Katie Wright leads the team from Beverley, and is highly experienced advising on renewables projects, in particular solar and hydrogen. Alistair Latham is a key contact for commercial and succession planning matters. The ‘phenomenal’ Charlotte Boyes specialises in transactional work.
Practice head(s):
Katie Wright
Other key lawyers:
James Marsden; Alistair Latham; Charlotte Boyes
Testimonials
‘The team at Wilkin Chapman has both the knowledge and the skills to make transactions run swiftly and smoothly. The team has a diverse skill set with the ability to take on all types of instructions.’
‘Katie Wright and Charlotte Boyes are both great at ensuring the complications of transactions are kept to a minimum, removing an element of stress for the client. They are both very skilled at their job and have the people skills which many professionals seem to lack.’
‘A proactive and client-focused practice – happy to divert from the norm where clients’ requirements dictate a different approach.’
Work highlights
- Advised a collaboration of landowners on one of the largest solar developments in Europe, with a transaction value of circa £108m.
- Advised a landowner on one of the first hydrogen production and storage facilities in England, with a transaction value of circa £200m.
- Acted for a national bank, assisting with finance for a large estate worth circa £30m and owned by various trusts.
Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell‘s Yorkshire practice operates within the firm’s national agricultural offering, facilitating comprehensive nationwide support. The group has key strength in tax and succession planning matters, and provides a range of property advice within the sector. James Laycock heads the Northern offering, working alongside James Pavey who leads the rural team nationally.
Practice head(s):
James Pavey; James Laycock
Other key lawyers:
Paula Myers; Laura Pang; Richard Smaller; Kat Wainman
Testimonials
‘IM is a truly national firm with formidable strength and depth across its various branches. This enables the firm to give specialist advice at the right level, and junior members are mentored and are given assistance by the more experienced practitioners. ’
‘Laura Pang is great with clients and very knowledgeable.’
‘I have been impressed by James Laycock. He is experienced and wise.’
‘My experience of the team is that they have a strong capability in handling matters for wealthy clients, especially in the north of England. Their creative thinking in the context of dispute-led work is infused with welcome pragmatism.’
‘James Laycock is thorough, incisive and pushes hard to achieve outstanding results for his clients. In short, James and his team are well organised and effective.’
McCormicks
McCormicks, based in Harrogate, covers an array of agricultural issues faced by individuals and estates, with notable expertise in matters relating to shoots. Peter McCormick co-leads the department alongside Elaine Lightfoot, who additionally heads the private client practice within the firm. James Towler advises on restructurings and refinancings.
Practice head(s):
Peter McCormick; Elaine Lightfoot
Other key lawyers:
James Towler; David Birks
Testimonials
‘If you want something, it is done fast.’
‘Extremely efficient business with knowledgeable people in all departments. Everything is prompt and to the point.’
‘Peter McCormick – experience and knowledge brilliant, and a good sense of humour in business is excellent. Elaine Lightfoot – a delight to work with and efficient and knowledgeable.’
Key clients
The Ripley Castle Shoot
Rudding Park
Sir Thomas & Lady Ingilby of the Ripley Castle estate
WMT
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Cheywynde School
Liam Botham
Royal Horticultural Society
Yorkshire Agricultural Society
Work highlights
- Advised the estate of the late John Herbert Strutt and the associated trusts and charities with regards to the potential future development and/or sale of various properties held within the residuary estate.
- Advised the Ripley Castle Shoot on all relevant aspect of the shoot.
- Advised the Rudding Park Estate on re-financing of the entire estate, with advice relating to a dispute with the local council over the granting of an entertainment licence to a neighbouring property.
Raworths
Raworths‘ team is noted for its aptitude in dispute resolution in the agricultural sector, with expertise across a diverse range of complex contentious mandates. The group additionally handles non-contentious matters, including land transfers and employment issues. Team head Matthew Hill is ‘incredibly knowledgeable and very well regarded,’ and is particularly adept in disputes. Heather Roberts joined from McCormicks in March 2023.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Hill
Other key lawyers:
Heather Roberts; Adam Colville-Robins
Testimonials
‘Raworths provide the highest level of expertise and support to their clients. They have achieved excellent results for us.’
‘Adam Colville-Robins and Matthew Hill have achieved excellent results for us with their expert technical advice and their thoughtful and thorough approach at every stage.’
‘A knowledgeable and approachable multidisciplinary team who operate from one centre, giving ability to manage a broad range of matters efficiently.’
‘Matthew Hill leads a team with excellent rural and agricultural experience who are able to address our needs.’
‘Raworths bring a big city level of expertise to a small town, although the Harrogate market encompasses much of the North Yorkshire hinterland, which includes large estates. The firm embodies old-fashioned values on the one hand, but is also down-to-earth and approachable.’
‘I would not hesitate to recommend Raworths for agriculture and estates issues. The entire team is incredibly client focused and will always go the extra mile to ensure their clients get a good result. They are user-friendly, practical and very knowledgeable. ’
‘Matthew Hill is incredibly knowledgeable and very well regarded amongst the legal profession. Not only is he very good on the law, he always considers the most practical and commercial way forward for his clients.’
‘Adam Colville-Robbins is a star in the making. He is very user-friendly, responsive and bright.’
SJP Law
SJP Law‘s agricultural offering is bolstered by the team’s expertise across the real estate, commercial, and private client sectors. Claire Charman leads the team and covers all commercial and real estate matters. Charman has experience advising on a range of diversification projects, as well as freehold sales and purchases and tenancy issues. Philip Lewis-Ogden provides key support.
Practice head(s):
Claire Charman
Other key lawyers:
Philip Lewis-Ogden; Holly Gibson; Mark Dixon
Testimonials
‘The practice has assisted us for a considerable time, and we have received excellent work and advice. The staff are very trustworthy on extremely complicated matters. We completely trust them.’
‘Claire Charman is always contactable, and her knowledge and expertise is remarkable.’
‘Knowledgeable team, very useful to have team members with a farming background.’