Senior associate at Ledingham Chalmers becomes agriculture specialist

A senior associate with Ledingham Chalmers has become one of only four lawyers recognised as agricultural law specialists in the north of Scotland.

Catherine Bury, based in the firm’s Aberdeen office, received the Law Society of Scotland accreditation in November - becoming the sole woman, and the only associate north of Dundee, recognised for her significant experience and expertise in the sector.

Catherine, who joined Ledingham Chalmers as a trainee, has specialised in agricultural law since qualifying in 2004. With a particular focus on renewable energy, she advises clients on rural law issues including agricultural leases; the purchase and sale of rural properties; security work for lenders over farms and estates; and land reform issues.

As well as a presence in Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh, Ledingham Chalmers is the only practice in Scotland with offices in both the Thainstone Centre near Inverurie – one of Europe’s largest livestock markets – and United Auctions’ Agricultural Centre in Stirling.

Jennifer Young, the firm’s chair, said: “It’s fair to say we do punch above our weight in the rural sector.

“With a proven breadth and depth of skill and knowledge, we continue to be widely regarded as experts in an industry with, we believe, significant potential for growth: a sector that is central to the local economy, with its own particular opportunities and challenges.

“Alongside Catherine’s notable achievement, two of our partners, Allan Collie and Jim Drysdale, are also accredited specialists, and are both exceptionally well respected practitioners by peers and clients alike.

“In addition, Catherine will continue to work closely with Hazel Moir, another well known practitioner in the north east of Scotland, who was appointed partner earlier this year.

“Hazel has more than 25 years’ experience with the firm advising clients on all aspects of agricultural law. The Aberdeen-based team was also joined by newly-qualified solicitor Lois Craig in August 2016. ”

The 11-strong team across the Aberdeen, Stirling and Edinburgh offices, focusing on the rural sector, complements the firm’s considerable private client expertise, and is an integral part of Ledingham Chalmers’ offering to business families and family businesses.

It comprises three partners, one director, one consultant, two senior associates, one senior solicitor, two solicitors, and one trainee

With a headcount of 165 – including 30 partners – other recent appointments for the firm include solicitor Emma Somerville and senior solicitor Lesley McKnight.

Miss Somerville, a Robert Gordon University graduate, who completed her diploma in professional legal practice at the University of Dundee, joined the family law team in October.

Reflecting her involvement in criminal and civil cases since qualifying as a solicitor, Miss Somerville has vast experience in sheriff court work.

Miss McKnight joins the private client team, bringing eight years’ experience in all aspects of private client work, including will drafting; the creation and management of trusts; succession planning; asset protection; and tax mitigation.