Agricultural Solicitor (Retrain possible)

Themis Recruit are pleased to share an exciting opportunity for a junior lawyer to join our clients specialist agriculture and landed estates department. Our client is a top 50 UK firm, with a heritage spanning over 100 years.

The department:

Recognised as Tier 1 by the Legal 500, Our clients agriculture and estates team is one of the largest specialist teams in the UK. The team advises both UK and international clients on all aspects of UK legislation affecting rural real estate investment.

Our client:

Our client is committed to making a positive impact on the communities they serve, reflected in their adherence to the goals outlined in their ESG strategy. Diversity is the cornerstone of our clients operations, with women comprising 40% of our partnership.

Job Description:

As a valued member of our clients highly successful Agriculture and Estates team, you’ll contribute to their ambitious growth plans for the future. Working under the leadership of highly respectable lawyers, you’ll engage in a diverse range of rural legal matters, including but not limited to:

• Sales and acquisitions of agricultural property and land (including options, coverages, and pre-emption agreements)
• Agricultural tenancies
• Sporting and fishing rights
• Banking and refinancing of agricultural properties
• Residential conveyancing and tenancy advice for farming and estate clients
• Business structures and joint venture/collaborative agreements
• Diversification issues
• Succession planning
• Collaborating with the wider Private Client and tax teams on matters such as wills, trust planning, probate, and tax advice
• Handling renewable energy and natural capital schemes
• Addressing issues related to the basic payment scheme, agri-environment, and Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS)

Your responsibilities will include:

• Drafting, negotiating, and finalising documentation for property transactions, deeds of easement, and other property-related documents
• Managing smaller transactions independently and collaborating with team members on larger transactions
• Participating in client meetings and liaising with other law firms
• Attending business development events

Requirements:

We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking NQ-3 years PQE, who possesses a genuine passion for rural matters and a keen interest in agricultural law. Strong attention to detail is essential to consistently produce high-quality work/documentation. Flexibility in approach is required to meet client deadlines and maintain consistent communication with clients. An aptitude for and interest in business development is desirable.

While prior experience in agricultural law is advantageous, it is not mandatory. Candidates with a solid background in Private Client or Property law, coupled with a desire to specialise in Agriculture and Estates, are encouraged to apply.

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays, with increases based on service/promotion
• Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years’ continuous service
• Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after passing probation)
• Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
• Staff Profit Share / performance bonus
• Life Assurance (4 x salary) / Permanent Health Insurance
• Paid Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) day
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Subsidized gym membership
• Electric car scheme
• Eye Care Voucher
• Agile Working Policy
• Dress for your Day Policy