Stratford-upon-Avon-based Lodders is celebrating success in the latest Chambers UK guide to the UK legal profession.

Being named at all is an accolade and two departments - agricultural & rural affairs and private client - come in for particular praise.

Competing with other national firms, the agricultural and rural affairs division was ranked in Band One of the leading West Midlands law firms.

Led by senior partner David Lodder, the team specialises in the sale and purchase of large estates and has a strong profile in the region.

It is also handling a growing number of disputes, including family rearrangements, tenancies and farming partnership issues. Recent highlights include the sale of a substantial farming estate in the Cotswolds, as well as advisory work for a major utilities company on grazing licences and farm business tenancies.

The firm has also recently opened an office in Cirencester and is attracting a number of farming clients as a result."

David Lodder, who also chairs the Country Land & Business Association's business and rural economy committee, is the driving force behind the team and has a "practical understanding and passion for the sector." He is described as efficient, informative and charismatic.

The guide's assessment of the private client department - rated Band Two - states: "This niche firm focuses on providing services to private clients. It has particular strength in tax planning, where its offering is boosted by an in-house chartered tax adviser."

And of the two leading partners, it notes: "Martin Green is intelligent, affable and proactive, with technical ability that is 'second to none'. Stephen Brignull is praised for his ability to digest and explain the most complex tax legislation."

The department has a total of 17 client-facing staff and also has particular expertise in wills, family trusts and working with elderly clients.

Mr Brignull said: "As a guide to the UK's best lawyers Chambers is well regarded because it is entirely independent. We are very honoured to have been the only firm in Warwickshire picked out."