Leading agricultural law team moves to Wilsons
Today, leading agricultural lawyer Peter Williams, editor of Scammell and Denshams law of Agricultural Holdings, will join Wilsons, the specialist Private Client law firm with offices in London and Salisbury.
Peter Williams commented: After 30 years at Burges Salmon, I am very excited about moving with my team from Ebery Williams to Wilsons, a firm dedicated to the sector and private client work, where we fully intend to establish the best agricultural law practice in the country. Wilsons is a natural fit for us, because of its culture and style which appeals to clients and their reputation for excellent lawyers.
In acquiring Peter and his team, Wilsons, already well regarded for its agricultural practice, may assume pole position as the leading national firm, bolstered by the arrival in March this year of Ben Sharples from Burges Salmon. Ben joined Wilsons as a partner.
Jonathan Stephens, Managing Partner of Wilsons Solicitors LLP said: This is a significant day in our history and we are delighted that Peter and his team have chosen Wilsons. This move is very much part of our expansion plans. Wilsons is now a national practice, delivering excellent service in our specialist areas.
At a time when many firms have been paring back, the last 3 years has seen Wilsons invest heavily, with a new head office opening May 2012, the opening of their London office in 2009 which brought senior private client and charity appointments and more on the way; and now a new office in central Bristol.
Jonathan Stephens said of his ambitions for Bristol Our strategy is a simple one: to continue the growth of our business with the appointment of exceptional lawyers. The core of our business remains our work with wealthy individuals, families and businesses, providing all of their legal needs from tax planning and family to property and commercial. Peters arrival is part of that strategy. I am always interested to talk to people who would like to be part of our future growth.
The arrival of partners Peter Williams and Miles Farren brings Wilsons partner count to 34. Joining with them are solicitor and deputy district judge Dinah Close and paralegal Emma Nigogosian. Peter, Miles and Dinah are all ranked as leading individuals in the agricultural sector by the independent legal directories.
Since the early nineties when legal directories came into being, the agriculture team at Burges Salmon had been the undisputed national leader. This was built on the national reputations achieved by Andrew Densham (retired) and Peter Williams and critically, the authorship of Scammell & Densham, the leading textbook for Agricultural Holdings.
Peter Williams added, I have now completed the Supplement to the 9th edition of Scammell and Densham, which will be available later this year.
More information can be found on our website www.wilsonslaw.com
Key facts and figures about Wilsons:
- Founded in Salisbury 1731.
- Recognised as one of the top private client and charity law firms in the UK.
- Staff of approx 190 32 partners (15 individually named in Chambers directory as leaders in their fields) and approx 60 lawyers.
Clients include:
- families with landed and inherited wealth
- wealthy businessmen, entrepreneurs and other high net worth individuals
- onshore and offshore trustees and executors
- charities, independent schools and City Academies
- companies
We have a growing international client base, now accounting for over 10% of our turnover, with existing client based in 45 jurisdictions ranging from the Channel Islands to Hong Kong.
Chambers 2011 quotes:
Nothing is ever an obstacle and they think outside the box.
It is a sympathetic firm, which offers a timely and effective service and is financially competitive.
It is like a top London firm for half the price.
Straightforward, calm and reassuring
They are approachable, customer-focused and come across as real people.
Clarity of communication, compassion and swift replies.”Legal 500 2010 quotes:
approachable and knowledgeable
heavyweight team
unquestionably at the top
brilliant
charming and conscientious