Based in Northampton, the ‘exceptionally personable and approachable’ team at HCR Hewitsons is equipped to handle land acquisitions, restructurings and inheritance issues. Denise Wilkinson leads the practice from Cambridge, and in Northampton, Gareth Williams is ’unrivalled in the field of option agreements, promotion agreements, and solar agreements’. Acting for landowners, Williams is a key contact for matters involving the sale of land for residential developments. With clients spanning landowners, families and farmers, Stephanie Dennis is highly experienced in negotiating option and lease agreements. Helen Deady is knowledgeable of contractual matters such as direct agreements, conditional contracts and overage agreements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Gareth Williams is unrivalled in the field of Option Agreements, Promotion Agreements, and Solar Agreements. Stephanie Dennis is equally skilled in all aspects of rural work. Both are prepared to go the extra mile. They give clear sound advice and are not afraid of pointing out the exposure to risk in any deal.’
‘Everyone in the team is very knowledgeable, friendly and extremely proactive, always replying promptly to emails and available at the end of the phone.'
‘Individuals I have worked with within the Agriculture and Estates team are always extremely approachable and refreshing to work with. Nothing is ever too much trouble.'
‘The Team have recently dealt with a number of jobs which they have carried out in a professional way.'
‘As a farming business, we have used HCR Hewitsons for several decades due to their professional approach and understanding of farming and property issues. Stephanie Dennis has taken the lead on recent jobs and we respect her for her knowledge and ability to understand our needs with a professional yet friendly manner.’
‘We deal with Stephanie Dennis in the Agriculture team and the support we receive is always first class. She has extensive knowledge of a wide range of areas and her advice is always tailored to the circumstance which is extremely important for us. She is an excellent communicator and always gives prompt and relevant advice.’
Key clients
- Merton College, Oxford
- Compton Estates (Lord Northampton and the Castle Ashby Trust)
- Arbury Estate, Warwickshire
- The Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB)
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Gareth Williams; Stephanie Dennis; Helen Deady