We are seeking a highlyexperienced Agricultural Solicitor with over 5 years ofpostqualification experience (PQE) to join our clientswellestablished Agricultural and Rural Affairs team. The successfulcandidate will provide expert legal advice and services to ourclients in the agricultural sector handling a wide range of mattersincluding land transactions agricultural tenancies rural planningand diversification projects. This role requires a deepunderstanding of the unique legal issues faced by farmerslandowners and rural businesses combined with a proactive andclientfocused approach.
KeyResponsibilities:
1. ClientAdvisory and CaseManagement:
o Providespecialist legal advice on agricultural and rural issues includingland sales and purchases tenancies and farmingpartnerships.
o Manage a diversecaseload efficiently ensuring highquality service delivery toclients.
o Develop tailored legalsolutions to meet the specific needs and objectives of eachclient.
2. Landand PropertyTransactions:
o Handlecomplex land and property transactions including sales purchasesleases and easements.
o Conduct duediligence draft and review contracts and negotiate terms on behalfof clients.
o Advise on landregistration issues and ensure compliance with relevantregulations.
3. AgriculturalTenancies andLeasing:
o Advise onagricultural tenancies including Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs) andAgricultural Holdings Acttenancies.
o Draft tenancy agreementsand provide guidance on tenancy disputes andrenewals.
o Assist clients with issuesrelated to succession and rights ofway.
4. RuralPlanning andDiversification:
o Providelegal support on rural planning matters including planningapplications appeals and enforcementissues.
o Advise on diversificationprojects such as renewable energy schemes tourism ventures andalternative land uses.
o Navigateclients through regulatory frameworks and obtain necessary consentsandlicenses.
5. Complianceand Regulatory Advice:
o Stayabreast of changes in agricultural law and policy ensuring clientsare informed of relevantupdates.
o Advise clients onenvironmental regulations crosscompliance requirements and subsidyschemes.
o Assist clients withcompliance matters related to health and safety animal welfare andfoodstandards.
6. DisputeResolution:
o Representclients in agricultural disputes including boundary issues tenancydisputes and contractualdisagreements.
o Prepare and managelitigation cases including drafting pleadings attending court andnegotiating settlements.
o Utilizealternative dispute resolution methods to achieve favorableoutcomes forclients.
7. BusinessDevelopment:
o Develop andimplement strategies to expand the agricultural lawpractice.
o Identify and pursue newbusiness opportunities building relationships with potentialclients and industrystakeholders.
o Participate innetworking events conferences and seminars to enhance the firm sprofile within the agriculturalsector.
8. TeamCollaboration andLeadership:
o Workcollaboratively with colleagues across the firm to providecomprehensive legal services toclients.
o Mentor and support juniorteam members sharing knowledge andexpertise.
o Contribute to thedevelopment and improvement of departmental processes andpractices.
Requirements
* Education:Qualified Solicitor with a current practisingcertificate.
* Experience: Minimum of5 years PQE in agricultural law with significant experiencehandling a wide range of agricultural and ruralmatters.
* Skills:
o Strongexpertise in agricultural and rural affairslaw.
o Excellent analyticalnegotiation and problemsolvingabilities.
o Superior written andverbal communication skills.
o Abilityto manage a varied caseload effectively andefficiently.
o High level of attentionto detail and accuracy.
o Proficiencyin legal research anddrafting.
o Strong client relationshipmanagementskills.
Attributes:
* Professionaland approachable demeanour.
* Strongethical standards andintegrity.
* Commitment to continuousprofessional development and excellence in clientservice.
* Ability to workindependently and as part of ateam.
* Resilient and adaptable with aproactiveattitude.
Education: Qualified Solicitor with a current practisingcertificate. Experience: Minimum of 5 years PQE in agriculturallaw, with significant experience handling a wide range ofagricultural and rural matters. Skills: Strong expertise inagricultural and rural affairs law. Excellent analytical,negotiation, and problem-solving abilities. Superior written andverbal communication skills. Ability to manage a varied caseloadeffectively and efficiently. High level of attention to detail andaccuracy. Proficiency in legal research and drafting. Strong clientrelationship management skills. Attributes: Professional andapproachable demeanour. Strong ethical standards and integrity.Commitment to continuous professional development and excellence inclient service. Ability to work independently and as part of ateam. Resilient and adaptable with a proactiveattitude.