Muckle LLP’s rural team advises some of the largest family enterprises across the North East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire, with particular expertise in agribusiness matters including energy projects, food and drink production, haulage issues, and holiday accommodation mandates. The firm offers a bespoke lending solution for banks and has a dedicated real estate finance team. David Towns leads the practice, with notable expertise in mineral rights, manorial rights and highways law. Julie Garbutt specialises in personal estate planning work, and Charlotte Patterson-Ryan focuses on rural property and secured lending, while Kathryn Boyd handles day-to-day estate management issues and energy-related land transactions for landowners and farmers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is very thorough, picking up details other firms have missed. They get up to speed with complex issues very quickly.’
‘David Towns has a remarkable grip on many facets of land law and private client issues. He is pragmatic and reasonable and always seems to be in control of the situation.’
‘Very strong well well-balanced team, with depth of knowledge that makes them stand out.’
‘David Towns is extremely knowledgeable, backed up by a strong team who you are happy to work with.’
'Charlotte Patterson-Ryan and David Towns are exceptional solicitors with a vast quantum of knowledge as well as being very approachable. They are very proactive and deliver high quality work.'
Key clients
- Allendale Estates
- Church Commissioners for England
- Lonsdale Settled Estates
- Chatsworth Trustees/Duke of Devonshire
- Muncaster Estate
- Banks Property Limited
- Boughton Estates Limited (part of Buccleuch Group)
- Naworth Castle Estate
- The Lees Court Estate, Kent
- Viscount Lowther’s Trust
- Oxbury Bank
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.
Charlotte Patterson-Ryan
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Kathryn Boyd
Practice head
David Towns
Other key lawyers
Julie Garbutt; Kathryn Boyd; Sarah Barrett; Rachael Stephenson; Tim Boardman; Charlotte Patterson-Ryan