Associate Alex Wensor joins the firm in Lincoln following almost four years at HCR Hewitsons and three years at Roythornes Solicitors. In his new role, he will be advising rural businesses on all types of agricultural property transactions, including sales, purchases, agricultural tenancies and bank security lending. Alex has a particular interest in the carbon and biodiversity space and how this might present opportunities to landowners and conservation charities.

Alex said: "Lincolnshire is renowned for farming so it is a great place to be an agricultural solicitor. I was attracted to Shakespeare Martineau's drive to continue the growth of its farming expertise and its ability to offer a wide variety of services to farmers and landowners."

Also newly appointed to the team is Tegan Grainger, who has taken the role of paralegal in the firm's Stratford-upon-Avon hub, supporting the agricultural team.

Tegan said: "Growing up locally, I understand how important farmers are to smaller, more rural communities – they are the backbone. I feel fortunate to be in a position where I can provide support to those in the agriculture sector in a community that has always been close to my heart."

As a full-service law firm, the agricultural team is able to draw on wider expertise from other Shakespeare Martineau departments, including inheritance tax and wills; development land; planning; farm disputes; renewable energy installations, such as solar farms; and telecommunications.

Amy Cowdell, agriculture partner at Shakespeare Martineau, said: "We understand farming and the pressures our clients have to contend with, so we're thrilled to welcome Alex and Tegan to our team. Their appointments are as a result of growing demand for our services, and are testament to our investment in the agriculture sector.

"The legal requirements of the sector can be complex and we recognise the importance of having access to an expert team of lawyers who understand and have experience in the multitude of challenges that can affect a farming business. Farmers and land managers deal with ever growing and more diverse businesses. These issues require specialist legal support and advice they can rely on."

Shakespeare Martineau is proactively seeking talented people to join the firm on its growth journey, including mergers, team recruitment and lateral hires nationally.