Burges Salmon LLP has an enviable reputation for its work on an array of rural real estate transactions. The agile team also garners praise for its estate-focused tax planning advice, and for its expertise in agricultural dispute resolution. Tom Hewitt is a trusted adviser to numerous landed estate clients, while Kevin Kennedy is recognised for his work on a range of high-value agricultural disputes. Ross Simpson has a strong track record in handling the disposals and acquisitions of some of the UK’s most significant landholdings and sizeable agricultural portfolios. Jim Aveline is another key member of the department who acts for a sizeable client base of diversified farms and landed estates on numerous tax, estate, and succession matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘My land sale to a local developer was handled in a very thorough manner. The work was carried out very promptly, with every detail fully scrutinised. Constant attention was given to the implications of every detail in the contract, including any possible tax implications.’
‘The team members worked quickly on my case, and were prepared to work outside of normal office hours, if necessary, in order to progress my case. The team members were clearly very experienced, and used this knowledge to overcome all the hurdles which arose during my case.'
‘Burges Salmon have put together a very good team to lead and react to my needs. Their knowledge base on specifics is exemplary and they issue regular workstream updates so that I can keep an eye on progress, without having to go through quantities of notes.'
‘Ross Simpson and his team fight on behalf of their clients. They use simple, well-rehearsed arguments and experience to diffuse difficult situations and fractious meetings. They interact very well, are courteous, professional and attentive. Above all, they are reliable.’
‘We have used Burgess Salmon for many years. Their speciality of landed estate work and experience with private client family complexities has always given us confidence in making long-term decisions.’
‘We have used Jim Aveline for a number of years now. He is very clear thinking with a personal touch and understanding of personal situations of all the people and parties involved within our business.'
'Jim Aveline's ability and willingness to work with other professionals we use from different disciplines makes for efficient overall decision making.’
‘Ross Simpson stands out as one of the leading conveyancing lawyers in the specialist market for large agricultural estates in the UK. Excellent technical expertise, coupled with an easy personal manner and great at communicating.’
Key clients
- The Crown Estate
- The Woodland Trust
- Yeo Valley, including family farming business
- The Leckford Estate, owned by John Lewis/Waitrose
- Environment Agency
- Earl of Plymouth estates
- Church Commissioners of England
- Ministry of Defence
- Severn Trent Water
Work highlights
- Assisting Oxygen Conservation with acquiring over 30,000 acres of land.
- Advising The Crown Estate on its Rural and Windsor Portfolios.
- Advising the Ministry of Defence on its rural estate.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Tom Hewitt