Freeths has appointed Christopher Stephens as a partner, continuing the expansion of its real estate offering and enhancing its agricultural and strategic land capabilities. He joins from Womble Bond Dickinson with more than 20 years’ experience advising landowners and rural enterprises.
Stephens is a development lawyer specialising in agricultural and rural property matters, with a strong focus on strategic land and residential development. His work includes advising on option agreements, conditional contracts, promotion and collaboration agreements, as well as broader land management issues aimed at unlocking value through development and diversification.
Darren Williamson, partner and head of built and natural environment division, said Stephens ‘brings a rare combination of deep agricultural law expertise and hands on development experience’, adding that his ‘understanding of strategic land… makes him a valuable addition to our team’.
Stephens said he is ‘so pleased to be joining Freeths at such an exciting stage of the firm’s growth journey’, adding that he looks forward to ‘helping clients realise opportunities from their land while protecting what matters most to them’.




