Birketts LLP provides ‘the premier service for the farming and agricultural industry in East Anglia’. In Norwich, practice head Chris Coupland and head of private client Jack Royall (whose ‘client commitment and practical advice are second to none’) are the key practitioners. The Cambridge office also has substantial expertise, not least land development specialist Jeremy Stanton in Cambridge and agricultural property partner Rachel Mc Killop-Wilkin. James Dinwiddy and newly promoted partner Tom Verrill are the standout agricultural property advisers in Ipswich. Sophia Key in Norwich is recommended for agricultural sales and purchases. Royall and Key recently handled the negotiation of an option agreement and easement relating to cables crossing Norfolk from Vattenfall’s Vanguard and Boreas Windfarms.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘From initial engagement to resolution, we found the Birketts team highly professional with the ability to translate a complex situation into straightforward terminology, which we could understand. Birketts' ability to flex the team size on demand and engage specialists for specific queries coupled with an approachable informed style was invaluable.'

  • ‘Jack Royall was outstanding leading the team and his client commitment, experienced, sensible, practical advice for more difficult issues was second to none. His personable and very capable approach quickly established great rapport and confidence in the Birketts team.'

  • 'Leo McMahon was our lead and throughout the protracted process he remained responsive, efficient and professional with a measured approach even when under pressure.'
  • ‘All round expertise in the property providing the premier service for the farming and agricultural industry in East Anglia.’

  • ‘The Birketts Agricultural team are professional, knowledgeable and generally a pleasure to work with. Their practical and measured approach is such a comfort to many of my clients. The depth of expertise and experience in the team is impressive and I have always found their work to be timely and well-produced. I believe their charges to be at market value.’

  • ‘Jack Royall - an impressive professional with a great deal of experience and always provides a measured and balanced view and excellent bedside manner.'

  • 'Chris Coupland - an experienced professional with an great eye for detail.'

  • 'Sarah Ellero - a hard-working, diligent, and coherent professional who is good with clients.'

Work highlights

  • Advising circa 60 separate landowners comprising individuals, partnerships, companies and trustee clients and circa 15 additional occupiers and tenants.

Lawyers

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Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Chris Coupland

Other key lawyers

Sophia Key, Rachel Mc Killop-Wilkin, James Dinwiddy, Tom Verrill, Jack Royall, Jeremy Stanton, Sarah Ellero, Leo McMahon