An experienced specialist team of agricultural and landed estates lawyers has been boosted with the appointment of a new partner at the firm.

Law firm Lodders, which has an office in Cheltenham, has appointed John Rouse as partner in its private client practice.

As a recognised leading advisor to farmers on matters including estate, tax and succession planning, he represents additional sector-specific expertise and support for the firm's agricultural and landed estates teams and its client portfolio of landowners, farmers and rural businesses.

An experienced wills, tax and trusts lawyer, John Rouse joins Lodders after 17 years at Wright Hassall LLP of Leamington Spa, where he had been a partner since 2004.

Mr Rouse is a former chairman of Warwickshire Farmers Ball, Kenilworth & District Agricultural Society and Coventry & Warwickshire First.

He is well known as an advisor to farmers and landowners on land development matters, estate planning and next generation succession planning. He also works with entrepreneurs, business owners, and high net worth individuals.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Rouse said: "Lodders is an excellent firm with a superb reputation for its first-rate legal advice. Its private client practice is one of the largest in the Midlands, whilst its agricultural team is one of the most experienced in the region. Both have consistently received recognition from the law profession's directories the Legal 500 and Chambers UK.

"The firm has worked with individuals and businesses living and working in the countryside throughout its 230 years, and this specialism and expertise, combined with a shared ethos to deliver the very best client service and legal advice, make Lodders the perfect fit and professional opportunity for me."

Mr Rouse was recently awarded the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) Worldwide Excellence Award and Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation achieving the highest mark in the UK for 2016.

He has extensive experience and knowledge of business and succession planning, administration of estates and trusts, tax-efficient and living wills, capital tax planning issues, Court of Protection matters, powers of attorney, and also regularly advises charity trustees.

Lodders now has 25 partners and employs more than 130 staff across its four offices in Stratford upon Avon, Birmingham, Henley in Arden, and Cheltenham. Its agriculture & estates team is headed by James Spreckley.

Picture: John Rouse (right) has joined law firm Lodders as a partner, bringing additional sector-specific expertise to the firm's agricultural & landed estates team headed by James Spreckley (left).

For more information, visit: www.lodders.co.uk  and follow the firm on twitter @LoddersLawyers

Picture: John Rouse (right) has joined law firm Lodders as a partner, bringing additional sector-specific expertise to the firm's agricultural & landed estates team headed by James Spreckley (left).