Home-grown talent joins legal firm’s top-ranked agriculture team

A Cumbrian legal firm has welcomed one of its newly qualified solicitors to its nationally recognised agriculture team.

Sam Fawcett began his legal career with Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors two years ago and has joined the firm’s agriculture department after qualifying as a solicitor earlier this month.

Raised on his family’s dairy farm at Blencow, near Penrith, Sam brings first-hand agricultural experience to the legal firm, which operates across Cumbria and Northumberland. Sam will be based at Cartmell Shepherd’s Rosehill office in Carlisle.

Sam said: “Qualifying as a solicitor and joining the agriculture team feels like the next chapter for me and brings with it opportunities to further my career at Cartmell Shepherd.

“Growing up on a farm, I always had an ambition to specialise in agriculture law, and I’m delighted to be working with a team that understands and supports farmers and the rural community.

“With changes to Inheritance Tax rules on the horizon and an industry that’s constantly evolving, farmers and landowners are facing more uncertainty than ever. I’m proud to be part of a firm which supports clients with expert guidance and trusted advice whenever they need it.”

Sam, 25, has a Masters in Law from Northumbria University, and completed his Legal Practice Course in 2023. He previously worked as a paralegal in the rural property team at Hay & Kilner in Newcastle alongside his studies.

Sam joined Cartmell Shepherd in 2023 on a two-year training contract, gaining experience across different departments including dispute resolution and private client, as well as agriculture.

Outside of work, Sam is a keen equestrian and rides for Nicky Richards Racing at Greystoke in his spare time. He inherited a love of carriage driving from his grandfather, Tommy, who was a two-time national champion, and has competed in both regional national carriage driving and eventing competitions.

Sam is also chairman of Carlisle Futures, a networking group which brings together young professionals from across the city.

Director Mark Jackson said: “Sam made a strong impression during his time as a trainee, and his agricultural background and enthusiasm for the sector make him a perfect fit for our team.

“As we continue to expand to meet growing client demand for our services, we’re delighted to welcome him as a fully qualified solicitor and look forward to supporting his continued success.”

Cartmell Shepherd’s agriculture team was ranked among the best in the UK for the fifth consecutive year in the Chambers UK Legal Guide 2025 and retained its Band 1 rating in The Legal 500.