• Agriculture & Rural Affairs (Band 1)
• Crime (Band 2)
• Employment (Band 3)

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Chambers Commentary — Agriculture & Rural Affairs

The Firm: This “absolutely excellent firm” is endorsed for its advice on the full range of rural and countryside matters. Clients say it is first rate at working with government bodies and applaud its trenchant approach to dealing with the bureaucratic and legalistic morass that frequently confronts farming clients. Furthermore, the lawyers are also appreciated for their immediate responses and superb organisational skills. With particular expertise in contentious work, the agricultural team “excels when the situation is adversarial and confrontational.” James Pavey is recognised for his “thorough, intuitive and dedicated approach.” He is engaged in high-profile litigation, involving the Bayham Estate’s opposition to a public right of way claim submitted by the Ramblers’ Association. Matthew Knight is “good when you're in a tight corner,” according to clients; “there is nobody better for compulsory purchases.” He heads the agricultural department and has a detailed knowledge of rural affairs, including issues pertaining to flood plains. He is also a member of the Agricultural Law Association and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. “Enthusiastic, knowledgeable and extremely proficient at litigation,” Michael McNally advises on a variety of equine and health and safety issues. He has been acting for the claimant farmers against suppliers of agricultural machinery and an agricultural finance company, in a matter regarding a substandard tractor that had a detrimental impact on a harvest.

Chambers Commentary — Crime

The Firm: Specialising in countryside and country sports matters, this Tunbridge Wells-based team’s recent work includes matters arising from the Hunting Act 2004, as well as a number of animal welfare and shooting cases. Jeffery Hide, Matthew Knight and Tim Ryan all receive praise for their abilities and experience.

Chambers Commentary — Employment

Other Notable Practitioners: Michael McNally at Knights in Tunbridge Wells enters the tables this year following outstanding client feedback. Clients describe him as “an extremely knowledgeable individual who produces the highest-quality work.” He is particularly expert in handling employment claims in the country sport sector.