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A new seat, a new perspective
I’m writing this blog one month into my Agriculture seat, having recently transitioned from my first seat in Corporate. Seat changes are always a period of adjustment: you’re quickly thrown into a new area of law, often with limited prior experience.
The shift from Corporate to Agriculture has been both challenging and invigorating. The two seats differ significantly in terms of subject matter and day-to-day work. Agriculture spans a broad spectrum, from real estate and land management to litigation and succession planning, which has exposed me to a variety of new legal issues and practical considerations. This diversity is already shaping my thinking around future seat choices, and my eventual qualification choices.
One of the most noticeable differences is the nature of client relationships. Agriculture, as a private client team, involves working more directly with individuals rather than corporate entities. I’ve found that I really value these personal interactions; there is something deeply rewarding about helping someone navigate a legal issue that directly affects their life, family, or livelihood.
I’m under no illusion that this seat will be easy. Agricultural law is highly specialised and often intersects with many other areas of law. The team is one of the leading Agriculture teams in the country, so there is always interesting work to do, and everyone in the team is kept busy. But even in these early weeks, I can already tell it’s going to be a seat I thoroughly enjoy.
Engaging with the wider agricultural sector
Attending the annual CAAV National Tutorial hosted by Michelmores and the ACES National Presidential Conference has been the highlights of my Agriculture seat so far.
At the CAAV National Tutorial during my first week, I gained insight into a range of work that the team deals with, including succession, biodiversity net gain, compulsory purchase, and dilapidation and repairs.
The ACES Conference was equally interesting. It brought together professionals from across the rural sector (including local councils) to discuss policy developments, market trends, and the future of agricultural practice. It was particularly interesting to see examples of successful landscape recovery projects and the delivery of biodiversity net gain.
These events have helped me develop my understanding of agricultural law and the work that the Agriculture team does, as well as giving me the opportunity to do some networking (they do say networking is half the job after all!).
How my Corporate skills have translated to Agriculture
While the subject matter has changed, I’ve found that many of the skills I developed in my Corporate seat are surprisingly transferable. Understanding business structures has been incredibly helpful when working with farms, many of which operate as partnerships, companies, or trusts.
Drafting skills have come into play when reviewing tenancy agreements or drafting letters. The commercial awareness I built up through my corporate seat has also been helpful in understanding the financial and legal pressures the agricultural sector is facing at the moment, for example, the potential impact of BPR and APR changes on farming businesses.
What I’m excited to learn next
As I continue in this seat, I’m particularly keen to deepen my understanding of land law, agricultural tenancies, and the environmental regulations shaping rural land use. I’m also interested in engaging more with the litigation work that the team does and understanding the procedures and strategies involved.
Final thoughts
An Agriculture seat is a fantastic way to explore a wide range of legal areas in an important and evolving sector. The variety of the work is endless, and with it comes continuous learning; no two days are the same. From corporate to countryside, the transition has already broadened my perspective, and I’m excited to see where it leads next.