Solicitor - Agriculture

Shakespeare Martineau; Stratford-upon-Avon; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm specializing in agriculture seeks an Associate or Senior Associate in Stratford-upon-Avon. You will handle high-value agricultural transactions, engage with clients, and work in a hybrid environment. This role offers significant career growth in a supportive team focused on rural affairs and legal compliance.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Career development opportunities

Work with a nationally recognized team

Qualifications

• Proven experience in complex land transactions and strong understanding of rural property law.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining client relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and work effectively to deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Advise on Agricultural Property Transactions.
• Support clients with BNG, conservation covenants, and Environment Act obligations.
• Deliver practical, commercial advice to farmers and landowners.
• Build relationships with existing clients and identify new opportunities.
• Draft and negotiate legal documents and agreements.
• Maintain accurate and efficient file management.

Skills

Client Engagement

Business Development

Organisational Skills

Communication Skills

Education

PQE Level: 4 years+

Job description

Solicitor - Agriculture

Shakespeare Martineau

• Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
• Permanent
• Full-time

Overview

We are seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to join our Stratford-upon-Avon Agriculture and Rural Affairs team. You will 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. You will take a hands-on role in complex land transactions, develop expertise in evolving areas like Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) compliance, and contribute to the team’s growth and profile through business development and client engagement.

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. You\'ll take a hands-on role in complex land transactions, develop expertise in evolving areas like BNG compliance, and contribute to the team\'s growth and profile through business development and client engagement. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to deepen their agricultural law expertise and be part of a team shaping the future of rural practice.

What you will be doing: 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: Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• 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.

Benefits, Agile Working and Additional information

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, after all, we value what you do, not where you do it. We have hubs in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leicester, London, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Solihull, Southampton, Stratford-upon-Avon, Lincoln and Sheffield.

Additional information: Please be aware, for some vacancies, where we receive high numbers of applications we may need to bring the close date forward. Due to the nature of the work undertaken, confirmation of employment will be subject to a variety of checks which will be carried out once an offer of employment is accepted. Details of the checks can be found.

Equal opportunities

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. We value and respect individuality and encourage a culture within our business where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths and experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.