Freeths strengthens agricultural and strategic land offering with new Real Estate Partner

Leading law firm Freeths has continued to build its national Real Estate offering with the appointment of Partner Christopher Stephens, enhancing the firm’s agricultural and strategic land capabilities. He joins from international firm Womble Bond Dickinson.

Christopher is a development lawyer with more than 20 years’ experience advising landowners and rural enterprises on agricultural and rural property matters, with a particular focus on strategic land and residential development.

His core work centres on helping landowners unlock value through land use change, diversification and development. Christopher regularly advises on option agreements, conditional contracts, promotion agreements and collaboration agreements, alongside broader agricultural land management issues.

As a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association (ALA), Christopher combines deep agricultural property expertise with prior experience working with housebuilders, promoters and on large-scale regeneration projects.

Commenting on Christopher’s arrival, Partner and Head of Freeths’ Built and Natural Environment Division Darren Williamson said: “Christopher brings a rare combination of deep agricultural law expertise and hands on development experience. His understanding of strategic land, alongside his collaborative approach and strong relationships with land agents, makes him a valuable addition to our team.”

Christopher Stephens added: “I’m so pleased to be joining Freeths at such an exciting stage of the firm’s growth journey. Working at the intersection of strategic land, residential development and rural business, I’m looking forward to helping clients realise opportunities from their land while protecting what matters most to them, and contributing to the firm’s ongoing success.”