Lincolnshire lawyer takes top position in leading agriculture association

GRIMSBY, U.K. - April 19, 2013 - PRLog -- Philip Day, partner at Wilkin Chapman Grange Solicitors, has become the national chairman of the Agricultural Law Association (ALA). The ALA is now the UK's premier independent inter-professional organisation dealing on an agenda-free, non-partisan, non-political basis with all matters arising in connection with rural business. Its membership of over 1,000 includes some of the leading practitioners in rural affairs in the UK and Europe today.

The ALA is regularly consulted by Government on legislative and policy changes, and by maintaining its non-party political stance provides impartial practical comment on proposed measures.

Members of the association recently appointed Philip to lead the organisation, based on his years of experience in law and the work he has done to help shape agricultural policy.

A specialist in agricultural law, Philip has worked in the region for 40 years, based in Wilkin Chapman Grange’s Louth offices.  Annually, he helps hundreds of agricultural businesses with issues including: property, tenancy, taxation, planning law, subsidies quotas, arbitrations and general business and partnership matters.

His appointment at the ALA is the latest recognition for his work in the sector.  Previously, he was appointed as an honorary member of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) – one of only five lawyers to have gained this recognition – and was singled out in the prestigious Chambers UK 2013 publication for “decades of experience to the farming sector”.

This experience includes being a part of the major reforms affecting the agricultural landscape in the UK and across the rest of Europe, having worked on the Mid Term Review of the Common Agricultural Policy as part of the CAAV.

For Philip, this new appointment has a particular importance, as he comments:  “I have been a member of the Agricultural Law Association for many years, and have seen it time and again prove its influence on major issues. Its work with the likes of DEFRA helps to make sure that the voices of the agricultural community, and the professionals that serve them, continue to be heard.  It is also the best way for professionals to work together, beyond the confines of their offices, to share ideas and expertise for the benefit of the industry.”

The ALA also has significant reach overseas, working with the European Council for Rural Law (CEDR), to which it is affiliated. The CEDR is a body recognized on rural law by the European Commission, and provides members with a ready made contact network throughout Europe and not just in the European Union

Philip continues: “What is important about the ALA is that it is impartial, and drives clear messages on behalf of agricultural professionals everywhere right to the heart of Government.  Each year, we see more people work with us, as the association continues to go from strength to strength and gains in influence.

“It is a huge honour for me to be chosen to take up this leading role.  Lincolnshire has always had a thriving and innovative rural community – it is not only my experience that I take with me whenever I work as part of the Agricultural Law Association, but the issues I understand to be most important to the hundreds of people our law firm serves each day.”


The ALA also provides continuing education for members in the form of one-day conferences and regional meetings. It produces a quarterly magazine with an in-depth analysis of current issues as well as updates on legislative changes and important recent cases. It also runs two residential courses each year, one as an introduction to agricultural law for trainees and newly qualified professionals, and a Fellowship Course for more advanced study.

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