Ansons has a specialist team that has many years experience of advising on all aspects of agricultural law. The success of the agricultural team is due to its understanding and affinity with farmers and the farming community.
The agricultural team advises farm owners, tenants and managers and those who are closely linked to farming, including contractors, professional advisers, estate planners and agricultural land agents.
The team is led by Simon James, who is from a farming family himself. Simon is recognised as an agricultural specialist by the Legal Experts’ directory and the Legal 500 recognises Ansons’ success in advising on “a number of diversification projects including woodland acquisitions, the conversion of agricultural buildings for office and light industrial purposes and option agreements for development projects.”
Simon is involved in tax planning for families and businesses generally and frequently acts as a trustee of family trusts. Simon is a member of the Agricultural Law Association and he is well known within the agricultural community.
The agricultural department regularly advise on:
- agricultural joint ventures and partnerships
- dispute resolution, arbitrations and tribunals
- diversification projects
- environmental issues
- family disputes
- option agreements
- planning obligation and statutory agreements
- promotion agreements
- rights of way and other easements
- sale and purchase of farms and estates
- succession planning
- tax planning
- telecommunications masts
- tenancy agreements including succession applications
- wayleaves
Who to contact
What others say
'The company has a good range of specialists but still maintains the approachability of a local firm. Clear, concise advice provided in terms that are easily understood and in a timely fashion'.
Legal 500 UK 2023
‘The agricultural team is part of a small mixed practice so clients can get advice on many areas of the law under one roof, co-ordinated by the lead partner. They provide value for money and no-nonsense advice’.
Legal 500 UK 2023
'The team comprised experienced and long standing professionals acting in this rural area. The lawyers have a wealth of experience and local knowledge. They are local and ‘hands on’ firm. The members of the team we deal with are experienced and long standing professionals acting in this rural area'.
Legal 500 UK 2023
‘Simon James is an excellent solicitor in a field that inevitably throws up complex matters and his experience is invaluable’.
Legal 500 UK 2023
‘Simon James has provided rounded and robust advice throughout the forty plus years that I have engaged with him. He continues to take a practical view to find solutions and brings a sense of humour to business, which has been essential over the past couple of years. Always quick out of the traps, his pace efficient and effective’.
Legal 500 UK 2023