SE-Solicitors expands Dispute Resolution team with appointment of agricultural law specialist Derek Walsh

SE-Solicitors has appointed experienced agricultural and property disputes lawyer Derek Walsh as Director within its Dispute Resolution team.

Based at the firm’s Oxford office, Derek brings more than 20 years’ experience advising farmers, agribusinesses, landed estates, developers and other commercial clients on complex disputes involving land, property and business interests.

Derek began his legal career with the National Farmers Union’s head office legal team and has spent much of his career specialising in disputes arising within the farming and rural sector.

His appointment further strengthens SE-Solicitors’ established Agriculture team, while also adding significant experience to the firm’s wider Dispute Resolution practice.

Derek has extensive property litigation experience covering issues including boundary disputes, adverse possession, restrictive covenants, dilapidations, lease termination and exit strategies. He also advises on a broad range of agricultural and commercial matters, including agricultural tenancy disputes, contractual and commodity disputes, professional negligence and partnership disputes. 

In particular, Derek brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in public rights of way law, having represented landowners in complex cases involving objections to claimed rights of way and applications for diversion and extinguishment orders. His previous work includes the notable “Vixen Tor” access case on Dartmoor.

Derek said, “SE-Solicitors already has a highly regarded agricultural practice, which was one of the things that attracted me to the firm. Agriculture has been at the heart of my career, but the work I do increasingly crosses into wider commercial and property issues too.

“Joining SE-Solicitors gives me the opportunity to build on that specialist agricultural experience while working with clients across a broader range of disputes. I’m particularly looking forward to working alongside the existing Agriculture, Commercial Property and Dispute Resolution teams and helping clients deal with problems involving their land, businesses and commercial relationships.”

Derek’s arrival comes as farmers and landowners continue to manage an increasingly complex combination of commercial, succession and land-use considerations, while development across Oxfordshire and the wider region creates new challenges and opportunities for landowners and developers.

Alongside advising on disputes when they arise, Derek is keen to help clients identify potential problems at an earlier stage – particularly where rights affecting land could have implications for future development, sale or diversification.

Commenting on Derek’s appointment, Patrick Mulcare, Managing Director, SE-Solicitors, said: “I am delighted to welcome Derek to our Disputes Resolution teams. With his depth of expertise and knowledge, particularly within the agricultural sector, Derek is an excellent addition to SE-Solicitors and an exciting new resource for property developers and landowners across Oxfordshire.”