Wright Hassall

Leamington Spa-based firm Wright Hassall LLP has expanded its agricultural team in order to assist its clients in preparations for a post-Brexit future.

Joel Woolf, Vanessa Blane and Jon Clifford have all moved to the firm, bringing with them substantial expertise in the agricultural sector. Joel, a farmer’s son from Suffolk, has joined Wright Hassell as partner after more than six and a half years with Foot Anstey in Exeter, where he headed the agriculture and rural business practice.

Vanessa has joined the practice as a senior solicitor, after working at the Canal & River Trust. She will focus on advising on HS2 and compulsory purchase and planning matters.

Jon, who joins the firm from his position of head of agriculture at Lanyon Bowdler, will now head up the rural disputes team at Wright Hassall.

Joel commented: ‘With Brexit on the horizon, there are sure to be plenty of big decisions being made which will impact on every rural business from small family farms upwards. Wright Hassall’s long history of acting for the farming industry just shows why it is such a perfect place for me to continue my career in this sector which I care passionately about.’

Senior partner and co-head of the agriculture practice Paul Rice said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Joel, Vanessa and Jon on board at Wright Hassall.’

‘Their experience in the sector will help to consolidate our agricultural offering to existing and new clients as one of the strongest in the country.’