At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a leading Agricultural Property team and advise on exciting rural and development matters.
- Company: Freeths, a top-tier law firm with a collaborative and supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on client service and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the agricultural sector while working with industry experts.
- Qualifications: PQE experience in agricultural law and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 € per year.
About the Freeths Agricultural Property Team - Oxford
Our specialist Agricultural Property team advises clients with interests in rural, agricultural and development matters. The team acts for some of the largest estates in the UK and are ranked in the top tier of both The Legal 500 and Chambers as nationally recognised experts. The Agricultural Property team is largely based in our Oxford office and is widely recognised as the leading and largest standalone team in the region. Comprising 2 partners, 2 directors, 1 managing associate, 4 senior associates, and 2 legal assistants, the team is a key part of the Freeths Real Estate team which is the largest department in Freeths. The national Agricultural team is headed by Iain Davis who is based in our Oxford office. Iain is ranked as a Leading Individual (Chambers & Partners, 2025) and recognised as a Recommended Lawyer and Leading Individual in The Legal 500 (2025 edition) for Agriculture and Estates. The wider Agricultural Group consists of specialist tax, trusts, agricultural litigation, environmental, planning, commercial and partnership lawyers.
About the Role
The team is in expansion mode due to client demand and are looking for a further lawyer to join them. We have two roles – one role would suit a lawyer with NQ to 2 years PQE and the second would suit a lawyer with 2 to 4 years’ experience gained within a strong regional or City firm. Your experience will have synergies with the current team who act for landed estates, Oxford Colleges, farmers and landowners, advising on the whole gamut of agricultural and development work.
Examples of the team’s recent work:
- Sale of a large block of agricultural land adjoining Milton Keynes for £189m, having advised on the grant of the Option which underlay the sale Promotion Agreement and Collaboration Agreement for 320 acres of land to form one of the 14 Promotion Agreements covering 460 acres forming the Oxfordshire Cotswolds Garden Village – one of the first of the 14 new Garden Villages.
- Acquisition of a landed estate including 200+ acres, listed farmhouse and buildings, riparian and railway frontages and entitlements. The case involved dealing with various title and agricultural issues and was settled at a value of over £3 million.
- A £12.6 million refinance of a farm, dairy unit and farm cottages to include redemption of existing charges over 1,850 acres and four new charges over 650 acres.
Key Responsibilities
- To work to a consistently high level and provide an exemplary level of client service and care.
- Competent financial management and commercial awareness, including accurate time recording, billing, achievement of firm-delivered targets and management of WIP.
- Contribute actively toward business development opportunities to ensure the retention of existing clients and expansion of business.
- Maintain up-to-date technical expertise at all times.
- Be accountable for personal development and continuously develop interpersonal and soft skills.
- Be competent at all times in accordance with the SRA competence standards.
- Carry out any other reasonable tasks that may be required from time to time.
Your skills and qualifications
- Have directly relevant previous experience and the correct level of post-qualified experience (PQE) for the role in question.
- Strong commercial acumen and understanding of the industry and business of the client.
- A proven track record of competent financial management, ability to meet client expectations and sound case management skills.
- Good IT skills, experience, and confidence with using case management systems, electronic time recording and general Microsoft packages.
- A self-starting, friendly individual with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Consistently demonstrate and embody the firm’s values.
Agricultural Property Associate or Senior Associate - Oxford employer: AgHires
Freeths is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Oxford where you can thrive as part of the leading Agricultural Property team. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from working alongside nationally recognised experts and have access to a wealth of resources and opportunities for growth within a supportive and collaborative culture. The firm’s commitment to excellence and client service ensures that every team member plays a vital role in impactful projects, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Agricultural Property Associate or Senior Associate - Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the agricultural property sector. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Freeths. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or during interviews, share your knowledge about recent trends in agricultural law or notable cases. This not only demonstrates your passion but also shows that you’re up-to-date with the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research Freeths and their Agricultural Property team thoroughly. Understand their recent projects and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their work. Tailoring your answers to reflect their values and needs can really make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Freeths team. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Agricultural Property Associate or Senior Associate - Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role you're applying for. Highlight your relevant experience in agricultural property and any specific projects that align with what we do at Freeths. We want to see how your background fits into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about agricultural law and how your skills can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it’s a successful case or a project you led, we want to know how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles. Numbers and specifics can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at AgHires
✨Know Your Agricultural Law
Brush up on the latest developments in agricultural law and property management. Familiarise yourself with key cases and legislation that are relevant to the role, especially those involving landed estates and development work. This will show your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Client Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Highlight your ability to provide exemplary service and care, as this is crucial for the role. Think about specific instances where you exceeded client expectations or contributed to business development.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with financial management and billing processes. Share examples of how you've effectively managed WIP and met financial targets in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commercial awareness and understanding of the business side of legal practice.
✨Emphasise Continuous Development
Talk about your commitment to personal and professional growth. Mention any recent training, courses, or skills you've developed that are relevant to the role. This shows that you're proactive and dedicated to maintaining up-to-date technical expertise, which is essential in a fast-evolving field like agricultural property.
