Department profile
Thrings LLP

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

UK Guide 2026 : South West

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Thrings LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Agriculture & Rural Affairs - South West

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Thrings has a respected agricultural practice with a strong presence in the South West. It advises farming businesses, members of rural organisations and landed estates on a range of agricultural law matters. Members of the team also act for financial institutions on secured lending transactions. The group also advises on renewable energy issues, including solar power and wind energy matters.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Thrings acted for Keith Birch and Edith Birch in defence of a proprietary estoppel claim brought by their daughter over their farm valued at £7 million.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Thrings has an excellent breadth of knowledge in the area of expertise.

    Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

  • Thrings has an impressive team of experienced and knowledgeable lawyers who combine specialist expertise with great practical and tactical application.

    Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

  • Thrings strengths are the team's knowledge, expertise and communication.

    Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Robert James
    Robert James

    Robert James

    Robert James handles a wide range of agricultural disputes, including proprietary estoppel cases and inheritance claims.

    • Robert James is the number one practitioner dealing with proprietary estoppel. I can't think of anyone better. He is extremely bright, incisive and capable.

      Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

    • James is a real tour de force. His communication skills are phenomenal, his grasp of the commercial realities of the situation is exceptional and his law knowledge is fantastic.

      Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

    • Robert is a very impressive lawyer who combines expert legal analysis with great practical and tactical skill.

      Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK
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  • Russell Reeves
    Russell Reeves

    Russell Reeves

    Russell Reeves is head of the agricultural litigation team at Thrings and regularly acts for farmers and agricultural companies in a range of high-profile disputes.

    • Russell is very pragmatic and also very sharp on the details. He doesn't just delegate everything, he keeps quite close control and oversight over the case.

      Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

    • Russell Reeves I am a huge fan of. I was so impressed by his manner and his intellectual energy. He is really conscientious and with really high energy.

      Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

    • Russell is very diligent, experienced, commercial and very good at seeing through the details.

      Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK
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  • Duncan Sigournay
    Duncan Sigournay

    Duncan Sigournay

    Duncan Sigournay is head of the firm's agricultural team. He has significant experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters and has specialist knowledge in agricultural tenancy and succession matters.

    • Duncan Sigournay is very thorough in his advice. He really gets into the detail.

      Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK
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  • Neil Barbour
    Neil Barbour

    Neil Barbour

    Neil Barbour often acts for landowners, farmers and institutional investors. He regularly advises on agricultural conveyancing matters.

    • Neil Barbour has an extraordinary level of attention to detail.

      Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK
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  • Polly Ridgway
    Polly Ridgway

    Polly Ridgway

    Polly Ridgway earns acclaim for her expertise in handling agricultural disputes.

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Ranked Individuals at Thrings LLP (5)

South West

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