England - East Midlands • Private client

HCR Hewitsons

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HCR Hewitsons is frequently instructed by farmers and rural landowners on a range of large and complex transactions involving the buying and selling of farms or significant portions of land. Additionally, the firm handles significant agricultural litigation matters. Gareth Williams handles complex transactions for farmers and agricultural businesses. Denise Wilkinson handles complex property and family issues in the rural sector for both small farmers and major institutions. Newly-promoted partner Stephanie Dennis specialises in agricultural and and rural estate matters, while James Frankland acts on a range of property transactions and management issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A very strong team with knowledge and understanding of development work for private landowners and Estates.’

  • ‘Thorough and able to provide good advice to landowning clients.’

  • ‘We have appreciated the breadth of expertise and experience across the practice and have made use of elements across the board from Agriculture and Estates to Intellectual Property and beyond.'

  • ‘Follow through - good at making sure that even if we let things drop, they don't.’

  • ‘The team is proactive, rather than reactive. Has a fantastic support network to accommodate any specialisms needed across the team, collaborating with difficult/complicated matters, meaning you are always getting the right, and best advice. They provide seamless cover for any out of office requirements and their communication skills are exemplary, meaning you always know where you are with a transactions/job.’

  • ‘Rachel Smith is fantastic. Whenever Rachel is involved in a transaction I know we are in safe hands. She is proactive with great communication skills. Never afraid to pick up the phone to discuss complicated matters, in such a simple way they even for uneducated people like myself to understand.’

  • 'Stephanie Dennis is quick, approachable and gets things done. Always keeps us updated and gives clear common sense advice.’
  • ‘Stephanie Dennis is who we use for all our farm / property / private client work. A well deserved promotion this year and I'm pleased she is staying in place post HCR takeover / merger. Highly recommend Stephanie.’

Key clients

  • Merton College
  • Compton Estates (Lord Northampton and the Castle Ashby Trust)
  • Arbury Estate

Lawyers

Leading individuals

Next Generation Partners

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Gareth Williams, Denise Wilkinson

Other key lawyers

Stephanie Dennis, James Frankland, Rachel Smith