Associate / Senior Associate - Agriculture
Department: Shakespeare Martineau - Commercial Real Estate - Agriculture
Location: Stratford upon Avon
Description
What we can offer you
* Work in a Specialist, High-Value Sector: Join one of the UK’s leading agricultural law teams, advising on complex rural property transactions, succession planning, and emerging issues like Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and conservation covenants.
* Industry Profile & Influence: Be part of a nationally recognised team that is an NFU panel firm for Warwickshire and Worcestershire, involved in Farmers Weekly Transitions Live, Agroforestry Show, and active members of ALA and CLA.
* Collaborative, National Reach: Work across a national agriculture team operating from hubs in Nottingham, Lincoln, and Stratford, supported by our wider AMPA group to deliver a full-service offering.
* Flexibility with Empowered Working: Enjoy hybrid working with an ideal of two days per week in the office (flexible to suit client and team needs).
* Career Growth & Development: Progress in a team that invests in the agriculture sector, giving you opportunities to develop niche expertise, engage with next-generation farmers, and influence the future of rural law.
The Role
We’re looking for an Associate or Senior Associate to join our Stratford-upon-Avon Agriculture and Rural Affairs team. You’ll work on a mix of high-value, non-contentious agricultural property matters and advisory work, collaborating with clients ranging from family farms to landed estates and private companies.
Key Responsibilities
* Advise on Agricultural Property Transactions: Handle a broad caseload of farm and estate sales, purchases, and associated agreements, including AHA tenancies and succession planning.
* Navigate Emerging Legislation: Support clients with BNG, conservation covenants, and Environment Act obligations.
* Client Engagement: Work directly with farmers, landowners, and rural businesses to deliver practical, commercial advice.
* Business Development: Build relationships with existing clients and identify new opportunities, including attending industry events and contributing to marketing initiatives.
* Legal Documentation: Draft and negotiate documents such as Section 106 agreements and promotion agreements.
* File Management & Deadlines: Maintain high standards of accuracy and organisation to deliver efficient, timely service.
What you will need:
* PQE Level: 4 year+ (we will also consider experienced commercial property lawyers with a strong agricultural focus).
* Technical Excellence: Proven experience in complex land transactions and strong understanding of rural property law.
* Industry Knowledge: Awareness of agricultural sector challenges and opportunities, including BNG and environmental compliance.
* Business Development Ability: Demonstrated success in building and maintaining client relationships.
* Organisational Skills: Ability to manage multiple matters and work effectively to deadlines.
* Communication Skills: Confident, personable, and able to engage with a wide range of clients.
We embrace agile working and offer a blended approach to where and how we work. We appreciate that people have different needs and preferences and we’re keen to be flexible.
Shakespeare Martineau is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures.
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