Agriculture and estates

Michelmores LLP

Michelmores LLP, under the leadership of Ben Sharples and Vivienne Williams, has a strong reputation in both agricultural disputes and non-contentious work including property transactions and strategic development matters. Natural capital and tax are further areas of expertise for the team, whose varied client portfolio is made up of entities including public bodies, landed estates and charitable organisations. Sharples also acts as head of natural capital; both he and Williams specialise in related dispute resolution. Rachel O’Connor is noted for her capabilities relating to regenerative agriculture, while Adam Corbin and Charlotte Razay are further key contacts with experience handling contentious matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Vivienne Williams is grounded and sensible and a safe pair of hands. Ben Sharples has litigation experience and is in the forefront on the developing markets for BNG and natural capital.’
‘One of the leading firms in this practice area, with a number of very experienced solicitors who know a great deal about agricultural disputes.’
‘Ben Sharples is an outstandingly good solicitor, with an excellent grasp of the law and of the technical aspects of agriculture and property, and an outstanding tactician. The best there is. Charlotte Razay is very thorough, diligent and reliable and an excellent team player.’
‘Michelmores is the number one leading national agriculture practice, hands-down. No one else beats their team's breadth of expertise or experience. They really are the agricultural lawyers that you want on your side in every dispute and that you dread being against if you are on the other side!’
‘One of the best teams for this type of work in the country. Strength-in-depth and real understanding of agricultural issues. Great client base and fantastic reputation.’
‘Vivienne Williams is extremely intelligent, hardworking and a pleasure to work with. Charlotte Razay is very capable and always switched on.’
‘I have worked closely with Ben Sharples and Josie Edwards and have always found to be them very approachable and understanding with a desire to work on matters to the benefit of our mutual clients.’
‘Lawyers you want to work with and have fun with. Strong regional presence.’

Key clients

North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Foundation
Sedgewick
Pontypool Park Estates
Revere
Stretton Estate
Bradford Estates
Forestry Commission
Freshways-Medina Group
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
Duchy of Cornwall

Work highlights

Acted for the defendants in the Court of Appeal in the case of Williams v Williams and Ors [2024] concerning an agricultural partnership dispute and claims in proprietary estoppel following the death of one of the partners.
Acted for the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Foundation in relation to a DEFRA-funded test & trial project; a grant scheme DEFRA is operating to assist in the development of its new Environmental Land Management Schemes.
Acted for a group of dairy and livestock farmers in litigation against a large organisation providing agronomy services relating to a claim that a fertiliser product has contaminated the claimants' land.