The rural and agriculture team at Irwin Mitchell advises on tax and succession planning work, agricultural tenancies, employment disputes, and nitrate neutrality schemes. The team is co-led by James Laycock in Leeds and James Pavey, who splits his time between the offices in Gatwick and London. Pavey leads the national rural team at the firm, and has a broad range of experience assisting clients with property transactions and development opportunities within the sector. Naomi Neville is also noted for her capabilities with complex tax issues and estate planning work.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The agricultural team at Irwin Mitchell is excellent and provide an unrivalled service for the area.’

  • ‘James Pavey is excellent. He is a heavyweight who has an eye for how to win a case and deliver a result for the client.’

  • ‘They are very professional, clear in their thinking, and good at problem solving.’

  • 'James Pavey demonstrates a quick understanding of issues and has a broad understanding of the rural sector.'

  • 'James Pavey has a sharp intellect. He is not afraid to share insights and work collectively to solve problems. He is very well regarded in the UK rural sector.'

  • 'They offer good quality advice.'

  • ‘James Pavey is extremely helpful and provides good advice in a timely manner.’

Key clients

  • Highclere Castle Trust
  • Hawarden Estate
  • Hyde Estate
  • Caravan & Motorhome Club
  • Darwall/Blachford Farms

Work highlights

  • Acted for the claimants in a litigation case relating to the extent of public access of the Dartmoor commons.
  • Acted for the claimants in a series of judicial review claims against a local planning authority relating to permission to construct a house in a rural location.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

James Pavey, James Laycock

Other key lawyers

Naomi Neville