A LEGAL team dedicated to the agricultural industry has been ranked one of the two best in the north of England in a worldwide legal listing.

Unrivalled industry insight and expertise held by the Cartmell Shepherd department saw them awarded the top-tier ranking in the Legal 500 alongside international firm Womble Bond Dickinson.

Directors Jonathan Carroll and Mark Jackson were named as leading individuals in their field while associate solicitor Katherine Pretswell-Walker was highlighted as a rising star for 2020.

The annual guide, published last week, provides in-depth analysis of the region’s law firms and solicitors.

Jonathan said the publication of the guide had sparked celebration for the team.

“We are all delighted to have our work and achievements recognised,” he added.

“We know the level of farming and agricultural expertise in this department is absolutely second to none. However, it’s great to have that confirmed externally by Legal 500.

“We draw upon a great depth of experience to work with farming families on what can often be very complex matters.”

The guide noted the agriculture team at Cartmell Shepherd is “friendly, approachable and understanding”.

It added that Jonathan has notable experience in contentious and non-contentious matters including tenancies under the Agricultural Holdings Act.

Mark, it said, specialises in the sale and acquisition of farms, estates and forestry, while Katherine deals with a range of agricultural law and tenancy matters.

Mark, who joined the board at Cartmell Shepherd earlier this year, said the department had developed a strong reputation for excellence nationally which would be further amplified with the publication of the listing. “We’re often to be found on the road visiting clients, talking to them and getting to know their farms and businesses so we can offer the very best advice possible.

“The range of cases we advise on and families and businesses we represent are vast and diverse in their nature and complexity which is why we are all obviously delighted to see Cartmell Shepherd ranked top for farming and agriculture across the North of England.”