Thrings LLP's agriculture team provides comprehensive advice to agricultural entities, landed estates and individuals spanning both non-contentious and litigious matters. Led by Duncan Sigournay, the practice excels in handling agricultural property affairs, including tenancies, transactions and easements. Russell Reeves is noted for his experience in disputes, while Robert James excels in proprietary estoppel claims. The sale, purchase and leasing of agricultural assets are areas of focus for Neil Barbour who is a go-to contact for matters pertaining to high-value farms, country houses and estates in particular.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team has great experience in agricultural disputes, including proprietary estoppel claims, and a fantastic wealth of knowledge and skill in the area. They really know the sector very well and as a result understand their clients' priorities and concerns very well.’
‘Russell Reeves is a standout partner. He is extremely hardworking and organised and fights his client’s corner very hard. He is a pleasure to work with, has a very pragmatic and realistic approach and is skilled at explaining difficult points clearly and straightforwardly.’
‘Very experienced and knowledgeable in the area of agricultural disputes.’
‘Russell Reeves is a master tactician and a great pleasure to work with.’
‘Thrings stand out in the South West as a go-to firm for complex rural estates and agricultural work. They have a small but very skilled team led by Robert James.’
‘Robert James knows more about proprietary estoppel claims relating to farms than any other solicitor in business today.’
‘Master tacticians in a different league to others. The number one choice when it comes to any kind of rural or inheritance dispute.’
‘Duncan Sigournay is excellent in agricultural law disputes.’
Key clients
- National Farmers Union
- Country Land and Business Association
- The Badminton Estate
- Denhay Farms Ltd
- Countryside Education Trust
- EU Plants Ltd
- Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal Trust
- DJ Houghton Catching Services Ltd
- Koppert
Work highlights
- Represented the defendants in a multi-million-pound proprietary estoppel claim concerning farmland and quarries in Lincolnshire, which went to trial in June 2023.
- Acted for the UK’s major banks on agricultural land transactions and security issues.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Duncan Sigournay