Norwich-based expert in agriculture property law Chris Coupland heads the nationwide agriculture and estates practice at Birketts LLP. The ‘extensive team of knowledgeable agricultural and property experts’ covers the gamut of matters in the field and is frequently sought after by private families, banks, utility companies, charities, the Environment Agency and local authority clients across the country. Jack Royall heads the broader private client division at the firm from its Norwich office, while in Ipswich, James Dinwiddy specialises in agricultural property matters relating to freehold sales and purchases, and landlord and tenant issues. Tom Verrill and Jeremy Stanton are both notable contacts for landowner clients, and Sophia Key in the natural capital team acts for farmers, landowners and banks.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Broad range of people offering a diverse set of skills across the agriculture industry.’
  • ‘Birketts have a large skilled agriculture and estates team who can be relied upon to deliver solid legal advice in a straightforward way on the most complex of issues. The range of professionals and services ensures that all of the skill sets are covered and the interaction between the teams to deliver combined advice is exceptional.’
  • ‘I value the strong knowledge base and communication skills.’
  • ‘The partners I work mostly with are James Dinwiddy and Tom Verrill. They are valued for the knowledge and the reasons listed above.’
  • ‘The team came out of the blocks to help resolve an 8-year-problem for a client in a matter of months. Dedication and team work helped get over the line and keep the client focused on the deal required. Pleasure to work with the Birketts team.’
  • ‘Jeremy Stanton was clear, concise and firm in his advice. He led the wider team required and showed his considerable skills, not least in how he dealt with the other side and their solicitor with whom he built a good working relationship.’

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Jack Royall
Jack Royall
Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Sophia Key
Sophia Key
Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Tom Verrill
Tom Verrill
Rachel Mc Killop-Wilkin
Rachel Mc Killop-Wilkin
Practice head

Chris Coupland

Other key lawyers

Rachel Mc Killop-Wilkin; Jack Royall; James Dinwiddy; Tom Verrill; Jeremy Stanton; Sophia Key