Solicitor – Agriculture & Estates (1-3 PQE)

Our Client is a leading UK Top 50 law firm with over 700 lawyers and legal professionals across multiple locations, including Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich, and Sevenoaks. Established for over 160 years, they offer a full range of legal services to businesses, government bodies, public sector organizations, and individuals both in the UK and internationally. Their primary focus areas include property, corporate services, litigation, and private client advisory. Recently ranked as the 5th best law firm to work for, our client prides themselves on fostering a collegiate, inclusive culture where everyone is empowered to reach their next full potential.

The Team
Our clients Agriculture & Estates team is one of the largest and most renowned legal units in the UK specialising in this niche area. They advise clients from the UK and abroad on a wide range of matters affecting rural real estate investments, such as farm acquisitions and disposals, renewable energy projects, planning issues, natural capital, equestrian estates, rights of way, and environmental liabilities.

Their team has earned Tier 1 rankings in Legal 500 (2024) and Band 1 rankings in Chambers (2024).

Role Overview
Themis Recruit are looking for a motivated and ambitious Solicitor (1-3 PQE) to join our clients expanding Agriculture & Estates team. You will play a key role in supporting the team’s growth while gaining exposure to a diverse range of rural legal matters.

You will be mentored by experienced leaders, as well as other senior team members who will guide you throughout your career. The role involves advising on various rural legal issues, including:

• Agricultural property sales and acquisitions (options, overages, pre-emption agreements)
• Agricultural tenancies
• Sporting and fishing rights
• Banking and refinancing of agricultural properties
• Residential conveyancing and tenancy advice for farming estates
• Business structures, joint ventures, and collaborations
• Diversification of agricultural enterprises
• Succession planning
• Collaboration with the Private Client and Tax teams on wills, trust planning, probate, and tax advice (IHT, SDLT, BADR, CGT, VAT)
• Renewable energy and natural capital schemes
• Agricultural policy matters (e.g., Basic Payment Scheme, Agri-environment schemes, ELMS)

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing documentation related to property transactions (sales, purchases, easements, etc.)
• Managing smaller transactions independently and supporting larger transactions with the team
• Regular client interaction, including meetings and correspondence
• Contributing to business development efforts, including attending networking events and building client relationships

The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for an enthusiastic, detail-oriented Solicitor with 1-3 years PQE and a strong interest in rural affairs and agricultural law. Although prior experience in Agricultural law is not essential, a genuine desire to specialise in this area is crucial. Candidates with a background in Private Client or Property law are also encouraged to apply, provided they are keen to develop expertise in Agriculture & Estates.

You should demonstrate:

• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work
• A flexible, client-focused approach to meeting deadlines
• Strong communication skills and a proactive attitude toward client relations and business development

Equal Opportunities
Our client is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. They offer a range of benefits designed to support your well-being and professional growth, including:

• Starting at 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays (increasing with service up to 30 days)
• Long Service holiday award (1 extra week after 10 years)
• Private Healthcare (BUPA) after probation
• Pension Scheme (5% employer contribution)
• Staff Profit Share and Performance Bonus Scheme
• Salary sacrifice options (Pensions, Profit Share)
• Life Assurance (4 x salary) and Permanent Health Insurance
• Paid CSR Day
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Subsidised Gym Membership
• Electric Car Scheme
• Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
• Dress for Your Day Policy