Brachers quits NFU to concentrate on development plans

A specialist agricultural law firm has pulled out of the National Union of Farmers' legal panel, it has emerged.

Maidstone-based Brachers quit the nine-firm panel citing its 'development plans' and 'on-going service requirements of the NFU' as reasons.

It will be replaced by Thring Townsend in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and Cripps Harries Hall in Surrey, Sussex and Kent.Managing partner Geoffrey Dearing said: 'Brachers' association with the agricultural industry generally, and the NFU in particular, goes back over many years and so we are sad to be leaving the NFU panel.'Brachers will continue to act for its farmer clients and support the aims of the NFU, Mr Dearing added.Shaun Leavey, the NFU's regional director, was sad to see Brachers leave, but grateful for the work it had done over the years.

'I am delighted that [Mr Horner] and Brachers will continue to give support to the NFU, albeit outside the legal panel,' he said.

Paula Rohan