Muckle LLP is highly regarded for its agriculture and estates practice, with specialisms covering residential properties, agricultural businesses and landed estates. Operating predominantly in Newcastle, the team acts for regional clients. Leading the practice, David Towns has a particular niche in mineral rights, landed estate management and sporting rights issues, while Charlotte Patterson-Ryan handles rural financial property matters and acts for a number of banks. Sarah Barratt is also a key contact on the contentious property side, and covers residential and commercial tenant work. Rachael Stephenson frequently deals with succession planning regarding complex family arrangements and cross-jurisdictional estates, and Kathryn Rayner is a further key contact for landowners in renewable energy transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Very pragmatic, knowledgeable, and approachable team.
- David Towns and James Armstrong are outstanding in their fields.
- Very strong sound industry knowledge.
- Great client service across a wide range of disciplines. A very personable approach to business and outstanding availability and speed of response to meet client needs.
Key clients
- Allendale Estates
- The Public Trustee and Official Solicitor
- Fitzwilliam-Wentworth Estate
- Raby Estates
- Church Commissioners for England
- Lonsdale Settled Estates
- Chatsworth Estate
- Muncaster Estate
- Banks Property Limited
- Boughton Estates
- Naworth Castle Estate
- The Lees Court Estate
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 Rayner
Practice head
David Towns
Other key lawyers
Charlotte Patterson-Ryan; Sarah Barratt; Rachael Stephenson; Kathryn Rayner