Agriculture and rural economy

Specialist agricultural Lawyers

We are one of the largest and most experienced teams of agricultural lawyers in the UK and we lead the market. We are ranked in Band 1 by Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession and in the Top Tier by Legal 500. We have thousands of farming clients all over the UK.

Market-leading agricultural law expertise

Our success is based on two important factors: the relationships we build and the specialist knowledge we bring to everything we do. We work hard to get to know our clients and their businesses, and to understand their long-term objectives as well as their immediate concerns. Our agricultural lawyers have an in-depth knowledge of the agriculture market.

We are proud to have been chosen by the National Farmers Union to act for its members in more counties than any other legal firm and to be appointed by ‘Farmers Weekly’ to provide legal advice to its members through its Business Clinic feature.

Our team includes renowned national specialists dedicated to the sale and purchase of tens of thousands of acres of farmland annually, as well as specialists in complex farm diversification projects and strategic long term succession planning for farming families.

We act for Landed Estates that are household names and we have a track record of winning large-scale agricultural litigation in the fields of farm partnership, ownership and inheritance disputes, tenancy disputes and rural planning. We have also forced the Government to change agricultural laws.

We are able to build our team around each client’s specific needs and goals. Through our strategic and personal approach, we bring clarity, strategy and commercial oversight to the challenges farms and agricultural businesses face. Our track record of success means our clients also benefit from our extensive industry network and position.

Our agricultural lawyers have a unique practical understanding of the sector, with a combination of insight and expertise that allows us to actively contribute to the long-term success of agricultural businesses across the UK.

Clients praise the team for their 'wealth of knowledge, attention to detail, swift response and ability to explain legal matters clearly to clients'. Chambers and Partners

Thrings has 'a national standing in the Agricultural law field'. The Legal 500

A very strong rural team which has a high profile among landowners and farmers – every aspect is fully covered and in depth. They have knowledge and experience, and interact well amongst themselves to deliver high-quality results Legal 500

Conor Melvin

Associate 01793 412 598

Duncan Sigournay

Partner 01225 340 064

Fred Quartermain

Partner 0117 930 9572

Gavin Smith

Legal Director 01225 340 076

Isobel Gentle

Paralegal 02380 930 334

Jonathan Payne

Senior Partner 01793 412 643

Josephine Taylor

Senior Associate 01794 310 313

Mark Charter

Partner 02380 930 314

Natalie Ward

Partner 0117 930 9523

Neil Barbour

Head of Agricultural Property 01225 340 070

Penelope Munro

Partner 01225 340 072

Richie Rees

Senior Associate (CILEX Qualified) 0117 374 9629

Robert James

Partner 0117 374 9614

Rosalyn Trotman

Partner 0117 930 9577

Russell Reeves

Partner 0117 930 9598

View Team

Keeping on track podcast

THRINGS IS PARTNERING WITH FARMER AND BROADCASTER ADAM HENSON TO CHAMPION WELLBEING AND MENTAL HEALTH IN THE FARMING SECTOR

Agricultural disputes

Combining litigation experience and in-depth sector knowledge to provide clear, strategic advice.

Commercial advice

Focused, long-term support that helps you overcome challenges and achieve your business objectives.

Equine and equestrian

Assistance with property agreements or equestrian business sales, as well as guidance on disputes or personal injury claims.

Farm sale and purchase

Our expert team provides strategic legal advice at every stage of the transaction process, from conveyancing and support schemes to tenancies.

Investigations and prosecutions

Experienced representation for businesses facing criminal and regulatory investigations with a focus on minimising legal repercussions, expense and reputational damage.

Landed Estates

Tailored legal services for owners of private property, historic estates and properties that are open to the public, and newly acquired farms.

Planning and development

Our specialist planning team can guide you through the entire planning and property development process, working collaboratively with your consultant, agents and architects.

Solar and renewable energy

Helping agricultural businesses harness the full benefits of solar and renewable energy.

Succession planning and tax

Providing clarity and guidance on exiting your business and preparing agreements for its continued operation.

Tenancies

Dispute representation, tenancy drafting and commercial support for both tenants and landlords.