The Launch of Bangor University and Gamlins Law Farmers’ Legal Advice Clinic

We are excited to launch Bangor University and Gamlins Law Farmers’ Legal Advice Clinic

This clinic will work differently to our general legal clinic on Bangor High Street. This clinic will operate on Microsoft Teams. A qualified solicitor from Gamlins Law will interview clients and provide advice at the end of the interview, as opposed to advising in a post-appointment letter. Our students will join the meeting and shadow the solicitors so will not actually provide the advice.

Which areas of law does the service cover?

Whilst there is specific agricultural and environmental law, the general law may also impact on the farming community differently to the way it would affect the general population. Below are some areas of law that are included in our service although it is not an exhaustive list:

Estate Planning

It is vital for farmers to consider estate planning You might consider creating a trust perhaps for younger members of the family to ensure that the farm is passed accordingly, or to seek advice upon your spouse’s position in terms of agricultural property relief after your death. These matters are sensitive and we can advise you about the appropriate next steps. In addition to this, if you are currently experiencing difficulties after the death of a family member, we may be able to offer advice around this.

Property and Land Law

The recent changes to inheritance tax and agricultural property relief are areas that we can advise upon. We are also alert to the recent natural issues such as wildfires that have affected agricultural land in some areas and can provide advice as to the best way for you to recover any financial or proprietary losses resulting from these unprecedented situations. There may also be complex tenancy documents to review which we can also advise on.

Contract Law

To operate effectively, it is vital that farmers have access to support on what happens if contracts have been frustrated due to changing circumstances that affect the transportation of goods and essentials to your farm such as feed, medication for the livestock, and agricultural machinery/equipment. We can advise upon matters relating to frustrated contracts, voidable contracts and any contractual obligations that you need advice on.

Family Law

When a farm is a part of your home life, a breakdown in a relationship can be devastating and what happens to the farm can be complicated.  We offer advice on matrimonial and other family law areas to ensure that you are able to navigate difficult situations such as divorce, with a clearer understanding of your position and how the law will affect you and your farm.

Occupiers’ Liability

It can be difficult to comprehend a situation where a member of the public has experienced an injury on your land, which can lead to legal proceedings relating to occupiers’ liability. This is an area that we can advise on to ensure that you are aware of your rights and obligations in terms of keeping others safe whilst they cross your land by right of way or by walking along a pathway for example.

Employment Law

If you are employing individuals to work on the farm or have contractors carrying out work on your property, you may need advice on employment law. We can help with this.

Why does this matter to us?

As we are located in North Wales, we appreciate the difficulties that rural communities may face trying to access legal advice. We appreciate that there are many areas of agricultural life that are governed by complex legislation and believe that it is important to provide legal advice to guide you through the legal matters that you would like to seek advice on.

How can you book an appointment?

Feel free to phone us on 01248 388 411 or email us at BULAC@bangor.ac.uk. We look forward to assisting you as soon as possible.