Agricultural Property Senior Associate/Partner – Head of Department

About the role

Our client is launching a specialist Agriculture & Rural Land team in Poundbury, Dorset and is looking for a senior solicitor or partner to lead and grow the practice. The role will involve advising farmers, landed estates, rural businesses and developers on a broad range of agricultural property matters.

Key responsibilities

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

Required profile

• Qualified solicitor with substantial experience in agricultural/rural property law (approximately 7+ years PQE, senior solicitor/partner level).
• Proven track record of handling farm/estate transactions, tenancy issues and rural diversification projects.
• Demonstrable business‑development skills and existing contacts across landed estates, farming and rural sectors.
• Leadership experience managing or mentoring fee‑earners and building a team.
• Commercial, client‑focused approach with strong technical and drafting abilities.

Required skills

• Agricultural property law
• Farm Business Tenancies
• Legal drafting
• Land development
• Renewable energy regulation

What we offer

• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Opportunity to build and shape a new practice with firm support and autonomy.
• Excellent links across Dorset and the South West.