National law firm Shakespeare Martineau has strengthened its agricultural team with the appointment of senior associate Caroline Hastings in Birmingham.
Caroline advises farmers, landowners, rural businesses and estates on a broad range of agricultural and rural property matters, including farm and land transactions, agricultural tenancies, development agreements, renewable energy projects and partnership agreements.
She joins from Harrisons Solicitors where she served as head of agriculture. She has previously held an in-house legal role with Countryside Partnerships – now part of Vistry Group and was a senior associate at Gowling WLG.
Her experience spans private practice and in-house roles, giving her a commercial perspective on the challenges facing rural businesses and the importance of advice that takes account of wider business objectives.
Caroline’s work also covers agricultural refinancing, easements, overage arrangements and succession-related property matters, alongside renewable energy schemes including wind farm option agreements and hydroelectric projects.
Caroline said: “I was drawn to Shakespeare Martineau by the depth of expertise within the team and the opportunity to work alongside colleagues across different areas of law. Agricultural property matters can involve a range of interconnected legal and commercial considerations, and being able to draw on that breadth of knowledge is valuable in helping clients make informed decisions.
“I’m looking forward to building strong relationships and contributing to the continued development of the firm’s agricultural and rural property work. I particularly enjoy the problem-solving involved in this area of law and helping clients navigate decisions about land that may have been in their families for generations.”
Amy Cowdell, partner and head of agriculture at Shakespeare Martineau, said: Caroline brings valuable experience across agricultural and rural property matters, alongside an understanding of the commercial considerations that influence decisions for farmers, landowners and rural businesses. Her background in both private practice and in-house legal work gives her a strong understanding of the practical needs of clients.
“Her expertise will further support the team’s work with clients across the agricultural sector, helping them navigate a range of property matters, from transactions and development projects to longer-term planning and succession considerations.”
