Agriculture & Rural Affairs
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7419 8000Chambers Review
New Square Chambers is a "very highly regarded set" for its track record of handling agricultural and rural affairs matters, with "a very good offering, able to advice on all aspects". The New Square Chambers' team are frequently instructed in cases involving public access matters, including town and village green cases and highways disputes. The set's barristers also have experience advising on rights of way issues, common land matters and countryside easements. Recent instructions have included representing the Ramblers' Association in a judicial review against the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs concerning a refused modification order to amend the Nottinghamshire Definitive Map and Statement.
Michelle Greene is the senior clerk.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are quick to help and progress matters. They are also courteous and polite."
"The barristers are well supported by the clerks, who are receptive and personable."
"The clerks are quick to help and progress matters. They are also courteous and polite."
"The barristers are well supported by the clerks, who are receptive and personable."
Notable Practitioners
George Laurence KC is a public law and real property silk with a sterling reputation. His caseload includes issues of contested access, often over unusual types of land, such as railway lines and riverbanks. Sources recognise his long-standing experience handling very complex rights of way issues.
"He is a commanding presence on his feet, but will put his wellies on to understand the intricacies of a problem by getting out into the field, which gives him a lot of credibility with clients."
"His knowledge on rights of way is phenomenal."
Ross Crail is an excellent junior specialising in real property, noted by peers for her intellectual prowess. Her practice covers both private and public law claims around rights of way, and she sits as a town and village green inspector. She regularly acts for public bodies, landowners and private individuals in both the Chancery Division and the Administrative Court.
"She has amazing knowledge and the way she can weave an argument into written form is just very impressive indeed. Her analytical skills are second to none."
"Ross is a go-to on public rights of way and common land. She has deep expertise in these matters and can really get to the heart of these issues."
Aidan Briggs has a varied agricultural practice, with experience as a mediator as well as representing parties in estoppel claims and other disputes affecting farms. He has expertise handling Farm Business Tenancy disputes and frequently appears before the High Court.
"Aidan's expertise and manner in court are second to none. Although he's very erudite, he never fails to connect with clients, communicating complicated legal concepts in user-friendly language."
"His written work is very insightful, detailed and always on the money."
"Aidan is technically excellent and excellent with clients. He gives clear and concise solutions to even the most complex disputes."
Paul Wilmshurst is a respected junior focusing on public law claims relating to property. He regularly handles rights of way disputes, including village green applications and common land designations. His instructions often emanate from local authorities and he also sits as a village green inspector at public inquiries.
"Paul is extremely knowledgeable on planning law, extremely relaxed and an approachable, hard-working junior."
Simon Adamyk has a significant amount of experience acting in high-profile agricultural and rural affairs matters. He has extensive expertise in judicial reviews related to rights of way issues, land restrictions and registrations.
"Simon is very strong in the area."
Ranked Barristers at
New Square Chambers
Silks (KC)
London (Bar)
Juniors
London (Bar)