Muckle LLP‘s agriculture, estates and rural property department in Newcastle is led by the ’extremely experienced’ David Towns, who is an expert in rural property matters with a particular focus on landed estate management issues, sporting rights and minerals rights work. Julie Garbutt is the key contact for estate planning work, while Charlotte Patterson-Ryan specialises in agricultural tenancies and real estate finance offerings and is recommended for her ‘outstanding’ technical knowledge. Other key members are Sarah Barratt, who covers real estate disputes; Rachael Stephenson, who advises on trusts and personal planning for business owners; Tim Boardman, who handles a wide range of private client matters; and associate Kathryn Boyd.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Professional and progressive firm, delivering excellence in legal matters - very supportive and reliable.’
‘Charlotte Patterson-Ryan is an excellent communicator - knowledgeable and able to work in a timely, efficient manner. Very personable, making legal processes a good experience.’
‘Charlotte Patterson-Ryan is brilliant with her clients and the efficiency and speed at which she turns work round is great.’
‘David Towns leads a strong team very well.’
‘The team are always available and willing to take a hands-on approach to meet potential clients, particularly always wanting to go out to the farm and meet the family to really understand what they are advising on. It's a real comfort to work alongside Muckle with a huge breath of knowledge to ensure our clients are always looked after. We would always recommend Muckle as the top firm in this sector to our clients.’
‘Charlotte Patterson-Ryan is efficient and always available. Her technical knowledge is outstanding and I would always recommend my clients to her to ensure they are looked after.’
‘Have an excellent Rural Practice specialist team.’
‘David Towns is extremely experienced and has outstanding speed of response.’
Key clients
- Allendale Estates
- Church Commissioners for England
- Lonsdale Settled Estates
- Chatsworth Trustees/Duke of Devonshire
- Muncaster Estate
- Banks Property Limited/Banks Renewables Limited
- Boughton Estates Limited (part of Buccleuch Group)
- Naworth Castle Estate
- The Lees Court Estate, Kent
- Viscount Lowther’s Trust
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
Practice head
David Towns
Other key lawyers
Julie Garbutt; Charlotte Patterson-Ryan; Sarah Barratt; Rachael Stephenson; Tim Boardman; Kathryn Boyd