HCR Hewitsons has ‘true experts in their field and holds a vast breadth of experience’. Head of agriculture and rural affairs Denise Wilkinson handles complex property and family issues in the rural sector, and private client partner Elizabeth Davies handles complex estates matters. Up-and-coming partner Emily Pumfrey is ‘very client-focused but with the ability to be pragmatic’, particularly in renewable energy projects, and property partner James Frankland has notable expertise in farm business and Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies. New partner hire Lisa Millington from Roythornes Solicitors handles wills, trusts and estate administration for rural clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Emily Pumfrey is well grounded in land and agriculture. Very client-focused but with the ability to be commercial/pragmatic when required.’
‘Denise Wilkinson brings vast experience in rural and land, and foresees problems well in advance, saving us time and money, and avoiding pitfalls for the charity. Together with her colleagues, the team provides swift and reliable advice and documents as needed.’
‘Emily Pumfrey has been excellent on the projects that we have worked together, providing great advice and guidance for clients and progressing matters swiftly. She has balanced her attention to detail and protection of clients interests, with an ability to maintain the objective of concluding the deal.’
‘The team were very knowledgeable in the subject area and understood our values, providing sound advice taking into account our long-term considerations.'
‘Denise Wilkinson is extremely knowledgeable and her advice adds value to the cases she is engaged to assist with. She always acknowledges emails in a prompt manner, if she is unable to respond fully at the time she will communicate this and manage expectations. An overall positive and 'can do' attitude with an understanding of the practical applications and implications.'
- 'On property development projects, I am working with Emily Pumfrey who, like Denise Wilkinson, has a very proactive, 'can do' approach and nothing seems to be too much bother.'
‘The team are true experts in their field and hold a vast breadth of experience that means their ability to adapt and respond to requests is second to none.’
‘Denise Wilkinson continues to be a key member of the team. Her knowledge and experience means that she can find ways through complex negotiations. She is always solution focused which ensures the best for her clients.’
Key clients
- RSPB (The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds)
- The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Denise Wilkinson
Other key lawyers
James Frankland; Emily Pumfrey; Elizabeth Davies; Simon Biggin; Lisa Millington