Regularly acting for large farming businesses and landed estates, Foot Anstey fields a specialist team dedicated to rural property and dispute resolution. Spearheaded by Edward Venmore, who focuses on litigation, the team also draws on its private wealth expertise to advise on succession and tax planning within the agricultural sector. ‘The efficient and knowledgeable’ Danielle Spalding handles agriculture and rural business disputes, while Kate Lucas acts on transactional matters and draws praise for her expertise relating to natural capital.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The firm clearly works well as a team to support agricultural clients, with strong sector-specific knowledge and experience.'

  • ‘The team is very knowledgeable about the farming industry in the South West and the legal issues affecting it, with strong local connections.’

  • ‘Edward Venmore is a real expert in his field and also pleasant to work with. Danielle Spalding is efficient and knowledgeable.’

  • ‘They certainly compare favourably with the agriculture and estate teams in other firms in the South West. Their Experts in the Field podcast is a comparatively recent innovation that adds value to the offering.’

  • ‘The team are very good communicators and offer a high level of support and advice, while being personable and easy to work with. They offered reminders and additional support throughout our working together. The project was a collaboration, but kept on time and made possible by Foot Anstey.’

  • ‘They are real people who understand the challenges farmers face and put all their efforts into supporting the rural community. They have extensive knowledge about the industry and can offer bespoke advice and guidance.’

  • ‘Strength-in-depth, genuine expertise in their field, and client-focused.’

  • ‘Edward Venmore is a brilliant lawyer who is calm under pressure and gets excellent results for his clients.’

Key clients

  • National Farmers Union
  • St Aubyn Estate
  • Longford Estate
  • Lloyds Bank plc
  • HSBC

Work highlights

  • Advised the NFU and various farming businesses on the designation of Penwith Moors in Cornwall as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
  • Defended dairy farmers based in Devon in relation to a private prosecution for statutory nuisance relating to noises and smells arising from farming activities.
  • Defended a farming family in respect of a proprietary estoppel claim brought by their son-in-law, where he was seeking the entire farm.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Edward Venmore

Other key lawyers

Jessica Pitt, Anna Parker, Rachel Brooks, Danielle Spalding, Kate Lucas