Agricultural Solicitor

We are seeking a highly experienced Agricultural Solicitor with over 5 years of postqualification experience (PQE) to join our clients wellestablished Agricultural and Rural Affairs team. The successful candidate will provide expert legal advice and services to our clients in the agricultural sector handling a wide range of matters including land transactions agricultural tenancies rural planning and diversification projects. This role requires a deep understanding of the unique legal issues faced by farmers landowners and rural businesses combined with a proactive and clientfocused approach.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Client Advisory and Case Management:
   

   • Provide specialist legal advice on agricultural and rural issues including land sales and purchases tenancies and farming partnerships.
     
   • Manage a diverse caseload efficiently ensuring highquality service delivery to clients.
     
   • Develop tailored legal solutions to meet the specific needs and objectives of each client.
     

2. Land and Property Transactions:
   

   • Handle complex land and property transactions including sales purchases leases and easements.
     
   • Conduct due diligence draft and review contracts and negotiate terms on behalf of clients.
     
   • Advise on land registration issues and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
     

3. Agricultural Tenancies and Leasing:
   

   • Advise on agricultural tenancies including Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs) and Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies.
     
   • Draft tenancy agreements and provide guidance on tenancy disputes and renewals.
     
   • Assist clients with issues related to succession and rights of way.
     

4. Rural Planning and Diversification:
   

   • Provide legal support on rural planning matters including planning applications appeals and enforcement issues.
     
   • Advise on diversification projects such as renewable energy schemes tourism ventures and alternative land uses.
     
   • Navigate clients through regulatory frameworks and obtain necessary consents and licenses.
     

5. Compliance and Regulatory Advice:
   

   • Stay abreast of changes in agricultural law and policy ensuring clients are informed of relevant updates.
     
   • Advise clients on environmental regulations crosscompliance requirements and subsidy schemes.
     
   • Assist clients with compliance matters related to health and safety animal welfare and food standards.
     

6. Dispute Resolution:
   

   • Represent clients in agricultural disputes including boundary issues tenancy disputes and contractual disagreements.
     
   • Prepare and manage litigation cases including drafting pleadings attending court and negotiating settlements.
     
   • Utilize alternative dispute resolution methods to achieve favorable outcomes for clients.
     

7. Business Development:
   

   • Develop and implement strategies to expand the agricultural law practice.
     
   • Identify and pursue new business opportunities building relationships with potential clients and industry stakeholders.
     
   • Participate in networking events conferences and seminars to enhance the firm s profile within the agricultural sector.
     

8. Team Collaboration and Leadership:
   

   • Work collaboratively with colleagues across the firm to provide comprehensive legal services to clients.
     
   • Mentor and support junior team members sharing knowledge and expertise.
     
   • Contribute to the development and improvement of departmental processes and practices.
     

Requirements

• Education: Qualified Solicitor with a current practising certificate.
  
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years PQE in agricultural law with significant experience handling a wide range of agricultural and rural matters.
  
• Skills:
  • Strong expertise in agricultural and rural affairs law.
    
  • Excellent analytical negotiation and problemsolving abilities.
    
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills.
    
  • Ability to manage a varied caseload effectively and efficiently.
    
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
    
  • Proficiency in legal research and drafting.
    
  • Strong client relationship management skills.
    

Attributes:

• Professional and approachable demeanour.
  
• Strong ethical standards and integrity.
  
• Commitment to continuous professional development and excellence in client service.
  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  
• Resilient and adaptable with a proactive attitude.