Law firm mfg Solicitors has bolstered its farming and rural affairs department with the appointment of a specialist lawyer.

Agricultural expert Helen Gough has joined the firm as senior assistant solicitor after seven years at Stratford-upon-Avon based Lodders Solicitors.

A respected specialist in farm tenancies, CAP reform and agricultural tenancy disputes, Ms Gough will play a key role in broadening the firm’s number of rural clients across Worcestershire and the UK.

Based at mfg’s Worcester office, she will work closely with senior partner and head of the firm’s agricultural and rural affairs division, Iain Morrison.

Mr Morrison said: “Helen is a talented agricultural specialist who has had an outstanding career. I am delighted to bring her into the team, especially at a time when farmers, landowners and rural enterprises are having to manage considerable change, legal hurdles and face up to complicated European-led subsidy reforms.

“That means we need talented people who are best-placed to advise our rural clients across the public and private sector. Like the rest of our team, Helen understands the daily challenges faced by rural communities, businesses and farmers so her skills will undoubtedly give us an added edge. She is already making a first-rate contribution.”

Ms Gough, added: “I have worked in and around the UK’s agricultural industry for over a decade and am thrilled to be joining mfg and high-calibre agricultural team which boasts a great amount of respect built over many years. I am looking forward to playing my part in developing our rural client base and adding value for our existing clients – especially for intricate contentious matters, share farming agreements and tenancy issues.”

Ms Gough, who was a legal advisor with the National Farmers Union from 2004 to 2007, is an elected council member of the Agricultural Law Association and also a member of the Property Litigators Association.