With a diverse agriculture and estates offering, Burges Salmon LLP is well-equipped to advise on the full gamut of contentious and non-contentious instructions, with capabilities extending to rural real estate transactions, tax and succession planning, and expert agricultural dispute resolution. Department head Tom Hewitt is a seasoned adviser to landowners, families, and trustees on succession planning, capital taxes, and wills. Kevin Kennedy expertly handles agricultural disputes, while Emma Folkes is a highly capable advisor on rural land transactions. Jim Aveline adds tax capabilities to the group’s offering. Also in the team is Ross Simpson, with a demonstrable track record of disposals and acquisitions of significant landholdings, and Tim Williams, a go-to for estate planning.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They are all experts in their field - they understand agriculture and landed estates alongside the tax complexities that arise.'
- 'The people are friendly and proactive, and communicate well in a timely way. Brilliant technically.'
- 'Tom Hewitt and Tim Williams work in a collaborative way together and with other professionals, providing timely and proactive advice in a joined-up approach.'
- 'The team at Burges Salmon have extremely impressive strength in depth. Their knowledge, strategic approach and case handling are unrivalled in their field.'
- 'Kevin Kennedy: very impressive - smart, on top of every aspect of his cases, and a pleasure to work with.'
- 'They have a very good knowledge and are very client oriented.'
Key clients
- The Crown Estate
- Oxygen Conservation
- John Lewis
- Waitrose
- Church Commissioners
- Environment Agency
Work highlights
Advised Oxygen Conservation on its acquisition of the Dorback Estate, a 15,000 acre estate in Cairngorms National Park.
Assisted The Crown Estate with a groundbreaking new style of Environmental Farm Business Tenancy.
Advised The Crown Estate on a major strategic acquisition of the Dissington Estate, a substantial 2,500-acre property encompassing five farms, three commercial holdings, and five residential properties.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Tom Hewitt
Other key lawyers
Kevin Kennedy; Emma Folkes; Jim Aveline; Ross Simpson; Tim Williams