Duncan Sigournay > Thrings LLP > Bath, England > Lawyer Profile

Thrings LLP Offices

Thrings LLP
2 QUEEN SQUARE
BATH
BA1 2HQ
England
Visit website 01225 340000 01225 319735

Duncan Sigournay

Duncan Sigournay photo
01225 340064 dsigournay@thrings.com

Work Department

Agriculture (non-contentious).

Position

Head of Agriculture at Thrings. Agricultural property specialist; particular expertise in agricultural tenancies, both modern farm business tenancies and Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies. Workload divided between advisory work (tenancies, single payment scheme, etc) and transactional work (farm sales and purchases and associated property matters, such as telecommunication masts, pipelines etc). Currently involved in a number of significant tenancy matters, including various notices to quit and associated arbitrations, rent reviews, succession applications and succession planning. In addition, advising on agricultural subsidies including the current CAP reforms both in the context of tenancies and land sales/purchases.

Career

Trained Crellins, Weybridge, Surrey; qualified 1996; partner, Meadows & Co, on qualification; associate, commercial property (agriculture) team, Lodders, Stratford upon Avon 1999; joined Country Land and Business Association on secondment during ‘foot and mouth’ crisis, 2001; subsequently joined the CLA’s legal team, rising to senior legal adviser; associate, Thrings 2004, partner 2007. Whilst at CLA, Duncan was heavily involved in the Tenancy Reform Industry Group (TRIG). Various articles in Law Society Gazette, Estates Gazette and farming press regarding TRIG and agricultural tenancies. Contributed several chapters to ‘Guide to Rural Businesses’, and ‘Doing Business in the Countryside’, published by Kogan Page. Regular speaker at Central Law Training conferences, both in agricultural and equine matters.

Memberships

Agricultural Law Association – previously sat on the ALA’s tenancy committee; on the recommended professionals list of the Tenant Farmers Association and a member of Worshipful Company of Farmers

Education

Shenfield School, Shenfield, Essex; Keele University, (Law and Economics, Joint Honours 2(1)); Guildford Law School (Law Society Finals Course); qualified as a Notary Public.

Lawyer Rankings

South East > Private client > Agriculture and estates

Recently been bolstered by its 2022 merger with Okells Francis, Thrings LLP advises farmers and rural landowners with battery storage, solar power, and wind energy matters. Duncan Sigournay leads the team from Bath and handles the purchase and sales of agricultural and equestrian land, while Mark Charter is noted for his experience in significant secured lending for farms and estates. Jonathan Thompson is adept in family business succession planning, and Josephine Taylor is often engaged in matters involving unregistered land. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Romsey, unless stated otherwise.

South West > Private client > Agriculture and estates

(Leading individuals)

Duncan Sigournay  – Thrings LLP

Thrings LLP‘s reputable agricultural practice is underpinned by its ‘very experienced and knowledgeable’ team. The firm acts for a range of high-profile clients, from some the UK’s major banks to landed estates and family businesses. The practice is led by Duncan Sigournay who specialises in agricultural property matters, dealing with both contentious and non-contentious matters. Russell Reeves – regarded as a ‘master tactician’ – serves as head of the agricultural litigation team at the firm. Other key figures include Robert James, noted for his expertise in proprietary estoppel claims, and Neil Barbour, an expert in the acquisition and disposal of farms.

Lawyer Rankings

Top Tier Firm Rankings

Firm Rankings