DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Michelmores LLP

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

5 ranked lawyers

Band 1

South West

UK 2022 View ranking table

chambers review

department information

Ranked Lawyers

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What the team is known for

Well-reputed agricultural team operating out of the firm's offices in Bristol and Exeter. Notable for strength in depth on both the contentious and transactional sides of agriculture work. Has strong client relationships with private landowners, local authorities and landed estates. Also provides corporate expertise for large farming companies, including advice on restructurings, share buy-backs and hive-downs.

Strengths

One source says that "all its lawyers are responsive, efficient, and have good knowledge of the law. They take a lead in agricultural tenancy law and rural estate management work. They are one of my go-to firms."

Work highlights

Advised Selkley Vale Milk Group on matters relating to its milk supply contracts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Notable practitioners

Ben Sharples handles agricultural and rural property litigation and commercial disputes.
"Ben Sharples is extremely impressive: authoritative, with a very firm handle on the cases he deals with and a very good and clear perspective of what he wants to achieve in getting the best result. He's also very personable."

Christian Massey has extensive experience handling landed estate and rural property matters.
"He is very efficient and is a good communicator - he is very clear, very articulate and very experienced and has in-depth knowledge of the legal framework. He is one of the best in the country for agriculture matters."

Philip Wolfgang regularly acts for individual and institutional clients on a range of agricultural property matters.

Tom Hyde is a qualified rural chartered surveyor, and focuses on agricultural property transactions and other rural land matters.
"He is very practical. He is approachable and refreshing to work with. He tries to find a way forward."

Vivienne Williams focuses her practice on agricultural property disputes, regularly dealing with landlord and tenant issues and possession claims.

Department Information

This content is provided by Michelmores LLP.

Overview

Michelmores have the largest team of Agricultural solicitors in the country, offering practical and commercial advice to landowners, farming businesses, landed estates, institutions and others with interests in land and the wider rural economy.

Informed and proactive, we understand the demands and requirements placed on those operating in the rural sector. Our clients receive advice from lawyers who have a thorough understanding of countryside issues, and provide seamless advice on all aspects of business, with one main point of contact.