National law firm Clarke Willmott LLP has won a prestigious award from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) for its outstanding work supporting members in the South West.

The firm which provides legal advice as part of the NFU’s range of member services, has been awarded the organisation’s Tim Sell Legal Panel Excellence Award.

Esther Woolford, partner and head of Clarke Willmott’s agriculture sector team said: “We are thrilled to have received the NFU’s award for our service to the farming community.

“It is recognition of the strength of our specialist legal offering and highlights our status as one of the largest agricultural teams in the country.

“We’re one of only two law firms in the South West hand-picked by the NFU to provide legal advice to its members as part of the organisation’s range of services.” 

NFU legal assistance scheme manager, Regina Owusu, said Clarke Willmott stood out due to its “outstanding work”.

“The high level of expert legal advice and support offered has been greatly appreciated by staff and members alike,” she said. 

Tim Carson, the NFU’s Legal Assistance Scheme rep for the South West said: “The Clarke Willmott team are always willing to help, including being called upon at weekends and outside office hours; the feedback from NFU members who have dealt with them has been excellent.” 

NFU South West regional director Mel Squires added: “We are absolutely delighted that Clarke Willmott’s work has been recognised with this prestigious national award.

“As one of two panel firm solicitors in the South West who deal with complex legal cases for our members, they provide a vital service. 

“The team has represented our farmers with huge skill, professionalism and determination and we are thrilled their ongoing efforts have been recognised at a national level.”

Last month the NFU, working alongside Clarke Willmott and Maitland Chambers, helped farmers receive hundreds of thousands of pounds in settlements following a High Court action over mis-sold finance deals.

The 17 claimants, who were supported by the NFU’s Legal Assistance Scheme, brought a class action against four financial institutions claiming to be victims of misrepresentation, negligence and breaches of consumer credit law.

Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton, and Taunton. For legal support call: 0800 652 8025.

For more details about seeking legal advice via the NFU, contact NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458 or go to www.nfuonline.org.uk