Agricultural Property Partner

Agricultural Property Senior Associate/Partner – Head of Department

Location: Dorchester – flexible Hybrid working available

An exciting opportunity has arisen as my client is launching a specialist Agriculture & Rural Land team based in Poundbury, Dorset to strengthen its West Country capability. It is seeking an experienced Solicitor or Partner–level Lawyer to lead and grow the practice advising farmers, landed estates, rural businesses and developers on agricultural property, farm tenancies, rural diversification, land development and related commercial and regulatory matters.

Why this role?

• Build and lead a new agriculture practice with clear firm support and autonomy to shape the team
• Work from Poundbury with excellent links across Dorset and the South West
• Join a firm that combines specialist capability (construction, planning, private client) with a collaborative, single–firm culture

Key responsibilities

• Lead, develop and commercialise the Agriculture & Rural Land practice
• Act on a broad range of agriculture matters: farm & estate sales and purchases, tenancy advice (Agricultural Holdings Act/Farm Business Tenancies), rights of way, easements and overage, diversification projects, renewables and natural capital work and rural disputes
• Provide high–quality, pragmatic advice to private landowners, farmers, estate managers and agribusiness clients
• Win and develop client relationships – work with the firm's Private Client, Planning & Construction and Commercial teams to offer cross–service solutions
• Supervise, mentor and recruit fee earners and support staff as the team grows
• Support business development events, sector thought leadership and local networking across the West Country

Your profile (ideal)

• Qualified Solicitor with substantial experience in agricultural/rural property law – Senior Solicitor/Partner level (Suggested: c 7+ years PQE)
• Proven track record of handling farm/estate transactions, tenancy issues and rural diversification projects
• Demonstrable business development skills and existing sector contacts across landed estates, farming & rural clients
• Leadership experience – managing or mentoring fee–earners and building a team
• Commercial, client–focused approach with strong technical and drafting skills

Hybrid working is available.

My client is eager to shortlist for interviews as soon as possible, so please contact me confidentially or send your CV to Chris Rodriguez by applying on–line.

(Please note salary is just a guideline).