Peter Dodd has been named as one of the North West’s top rural and agricultural lawyers in a UK legal guide.

In the recently-published Chambers and Partners UK Legal Guide 2024, Mr Dodd, a member of Temple Heelis' Rural and Agricultural Department, obtained the coveted Band 1 ranking.

Leading the firm's Rural Land and Property Department, Mr Dodd acts for clients on various rural land and property matters, making him a go-to specialist.

His extensive mandate includes dealing with agricultural tenancies, private water supplies, common land, and unregistered land issues, among others.

Temple Heelis’ Managing Partner Jamie Hamilton said: “This is a real acknowledgement of the firm’s expertise in rural land and property issues and Peter’s leadership of this specialism.

"Chambers and Partners apply a rigorous process to their research into each firm and team, which makes Peter’s ranking even more of an achievement.”

He further applauded Chambers and Partners for their rigorous method of assessment.

He added: "Chambers assess our capability over many months, beginning with a review of our detailed written submissions summarising our work and team members, followed by in-depth team interviews, and culminating in confidential feedback from a cross-section of clients."

This distinct honour places Mr Dodd in elite company as the only South Lakeland lawyer given such ranking.

Last year, Mr Dodd demonstrated his expertise handling large landed estate sales and purchases, transactional concerns with private water systems, and advising on re-wilding schemes.

Temple Heelis is a long-established leading law firm, famous as the solicitors to Beatrix Potter. The firm celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2022.