Senior Associate - Agriculture / Rural & Estates - Exeter

Senior Associate - Agriculture / Rural & Estates - Exeter
Location: Exeter
Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time (flexible working available)
Salary: £70,000 - £85,000 (depending on experience)

A leading national law firm is seeking a Senior Associate to join its expanding Agriculture, Rural & Estates team in Exeter. This is an exceptional opportunity to work with a highly respected group of rural property specialists, advising estates, farmers, landowners, and agricultural businesses on a wide range of complex and high value matters. You'll work alongside Legal 500 and Chambers recognised lawyers and take on a senior role within a growing and ambitious team.

The Role
You'll be responsible for managing and developing a broad caseload of rural and agricultural matters, including:

• Agricultural tenancies (AHA and FBT)
• Rural land sales and acquisitions
• Estate management and succession planning
• Sporting rights and rural diversification projects
• Environmental stewardship schemes
• Renewable energy projects on rural land
• Development disposals via options, promotion agreements and overage
• Supervising junior lawyers, trainees and apprentices
• Leading on complex transactions and supporting senior colleagues on major projects
• Delivering clear, concise and commercially focused advice to clients

You will also play a key role in the team's growth by:

• Speaking at sector events, seminars and agricultural forums
• Attending agricultural shows and networking opportunities
• Supporting business development initiatives and raising the team's profile

Candidate Requirements
This role is suited to a solicitor with:

• Strong experience in rural property, agriculture and estates work
• Excellent drafting skills and the ability to advise confidently on complex matters
• A genuine interest in the rural sector and countryside
• Strong communication, negotiation and client relationship skills
• A proactive, ambitious and commercially minded approach
• The ability to supervise junior colleagues and contribute to a positive team culture
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities

Benefits
The firm offers:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Private medical insurance
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced parental leave
• A range of wellbeing initiatives
• Supportive, inclusive culture with clear progression opportunities

The firm welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made to support individual needs.

How to Apply

If this opportunity sounds of interest or you'd like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:

Email: oliviareed@chadwicknott.co.uk
Phone: 0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761

*At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.*