Solicitor for the Landed Estates Property Team

About Payne Hicks Beach

Payne Hicks Beach is a leading 43 partner firm based in offices at 10 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn.  In total the firm comprises approximately 220 staff.

Renowned for our expertise in private client, family, and contentious trusts work, we are consistently recognised in Chambers and The Legal 500 as one of the top boutique firms serving high‑net‑worth and ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals.

Our offices are located in one of the finest squares in London, a building which the firm has occupied since 1770.

More information about the departments and the work of the firm may be found on our website, the address of which is www.phb.co.uk.

The Department

Sitting as part of the firm’s property department, the Landed Estates and Agriculture team currently consists of one partner, two associates and a trainee, supported by an experienced secretary.  It acts for buyers and owners of agricultural estates across the UK and the workload is evenly balanced between transactional and management/advisory work.  The teams works in close collaboration with other fee-earners across the firm, including in particular the firm’s strong Private Client and Tax practitioners.

Recent examples of work include the sale of 1,000 acres of farmland in Hampshire, negotiating complex Deeds of Easement over land valued at over £50M, and the sale of a major sporting estate.  Other work includes the sale and purchase of country houses and small estates and first registrations. Management and advisory work is done for the owners of over 50 farmed estates and country houses, varying in size between 150 to 12,000 acres, including Settled Land and Agricultural Holdings Act and planning issues.  Guidance and advice is giving on generational change and succession planning, including the reorganisation of farming businesses, with capital taxes and reliefs forming a major driving factor. In addition, the team assists our clients in the diversification of their land investments, including tapping into the value of renewable energy and mineral leases, as well as natural capital and carbon trading.

The Individual

We are looking for a qualified solicitor, with a background in rural practice, strong academics and good interpersonal skills, willing to run transactions with a high degree of autonomy, and to review and supervise more junior team members. The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in country life, environmental policy and other aspects of rural property law (including agricultural tenancies, unregistered land and manorial rights).

In addition to strengthening the team’s relationship with clients and key referrers, the individual will need to be interested in developing the firm’s Landed Estates practice, including writing articles and planning/taking part in events. A well defined career path to Legal Directorship and Partnership is available for the right person.