England - South West • Private client
Thrings LLP
Thrings LLP's reputable agricultural practice is underpinned by its ‘very experienced and knowledgeable’ team. The firm acts for a range of high-profile clients, from some the UK’s major banks to landed estates and family businesses. The practice is led by Duncan Sigournay who specialises in agricultural property matters, dealing with both contentious and non-contentious matters. Russell Reeves - regarded as a ’master tactician’ - serves as head of the agricultural litigation team at the firm. Other key figures include Robert James, noted for his expertise in proprietary estoppel claims, and Neil Barbour, an expert in the acquisition and disposal of farms.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Thrings is a versatile and friendly practice.'
- 'Russell Reeves is friendly; always able to explain things and listen. He is able to absorb information - no matter how complex - and give balanced advice.'
- 'Jonathan Thompson dealt with a complex agricultural land acquisition which changed parameters as it progressed. At each step and turn, Jonathan was able to advise me and deal with the situation.'
- 'Very experienced and knowledgeable in the area of agricultural disputes. Russell Reeves is a master tactician and a great pleasure to work with.'
Key clients
- National Farmers Union (NFU)
- Country Land and Business Association (CLA)
- The Badminton Estate
- The UK’s major banks
- Denhay Farms Ltd
- Countryside Education Trust
- EU Plants Ltd
- Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal Trust
- DJ Houghton Catching Services Ltd
- Koppert
Work highlights
- Won the Supreme Court proprietary estoppel case and appeal in Guest v Guest which took place in December 2021.
- Represented the defendants in a multi-million-pound proprietary estoppel claim concerning farmland and quarries in Lincolnshire due for trial in June 2023.
- Won the appeal in a £10 million proprietary estoppel claim in the Court of Appeal.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Thrings LLP
Head of Agriculture at Thrings. Agricultural property specialist; particular expertise in agricultural tenancies, both modern farm business tenancies and Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies. Workload divided between advisory work (tenancies, single payment scheme, etc) and transactional work (farm sales and purchases and associated property matters, such as telecommunication masts, pipelines etc). Currently involved in a number of significant tenancy matters, including various notices to quit and associated arbitrations, rent reviews, succession applications and succession planning. In addition, advising on agricultural subsidies including the current CAP reforms both in the context of tenancies and land sales/purchases.
Next Generation Partners
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Duncan Sigournay