Thrings LLP

Agriculture (non-contentious).

Head of Agriculture at Thrings. Agricultural property specialist; particular expertise in agricultural tenancies, both modern farm business tenancies and Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies. Workload divided between advisory work (tenancies, single payment scheme, etc) and transactional work (farm sales and purchases and associated property matters, such as telecommunication masts, pipelines etc). Currently involved in a number of significant tenancy matters, including various notices to quit and associated arbitrations, rent reviews, succession applications and succession planning. In addition, advising on agricultural subsidies including the current CAP reforms both in the context of tenancies and land sales/purchases.

Trained Crellins, Weybridge, Surrey; qualified 1996; partner, Meadows & Co, on qualification; associate, commercial property (agriculture) team, Lodders, Stratford upon Avon 1999; joined Country Land and Business Association on secondment during ‘foot and mouth’ crisis, 2001; subsequently joined the CLA’s legal team, rising to senior legal adviser; associate, Thrings 2004, partner 2007. Whilst at CLA, Duncan was heavily involved in the Tenancy Reform Industry Group (TRIG). Various articles in Law Society Gazette, Estates Gazette and farming press regarding TRIG and agricultural tenancies. Contributed several chapters to ‘Guide to Rural Businesses’, and ‘Doing Business in the Countryside’, published by Kogan Page. Regular speaker at Central Law Training conferences, both in agricultural and equine matters.

Agricultural Law Association – previously sat on the ALA’s tenancy committee; on the recommended professionals list of the Tenant Farmers Association and a member of Worshipful Company of Farmers

Shenfield School, Shenfield, Essex; Keele University, (Law and Economics, Joint Honours 2(1)); Guildford Law School (Law Society Finals Course); qualified as a Notary Public.