Wedlake Bell recognised in Spear’s Landed Estate Lawyers Index 2026

The Spear’s Landed Estate Lawyers Index is an annual guide to leading advisers and lawyers who support agribusinesses, farmers, landed families and family offices with complex property, succession and private wealth matters. Compiled independently by the Spear’s Research Unit, inclusion is based solely on merit, expertise and reputation within the market.

Simon, who has been ranked as Recommended by the guide, advises UK and overseas clients including on a broad range of matters including ownership, management and succession of assets.

This latest recognition further strengthens Wedlake Bell’s presence across the prestigious Spear’s rankings. In addition to Simon’s inclusion in the Landed Estate Lawyers Index 2026, the firm is also recognised in the Spear’s Family Lawyers Index and Spear’s Art Lawyers Index, highlighting the breadth and strength of the firm’s private client offering.

Commenting on the recognition, Simon said:

“I am delighted to be recognized in Spear’s Landed Estate Lawyers Index. This recommendation is an endorsement of the effort that we invest in being one of the few London firms that doesn’t just ‘keep’ a rural practice, but is investing in growing it. Spears’ decision to include us is also a reflection of the trust that our clients place in us and the collaborative approach that we take to helping landowners, estate owners and rural businesses navigate an increasingly complex fiscal and subsidy landscape (pun only slightly intended). It is a privilege to work alongside such a diverse range of clients, supporting them in preserving and enhancing their estates for future generations.”

The Spear’s indices form part of the renowned Spear’s 500, a guide to leading advisers serving high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals around the world.

Congratulations to Simon on this well-deserved recognition.

About our landed estates and heritage property team

Wedlake Bell’s landed estates team brings together specialists across tax and trusts, real estate and business law to provide coordinated advice to estate owners, farming families and rural businesses. We understand that landed estates are navigating a period of unprecedented change, from evolving tax rules, subsidy regimes and environmental opportunities to increasing diversification and entrepreneurship. Our team advises on succession planning and generational change, trust and estate restructuring, inheritance tax and capital gains tax planning, property transactions and agricultural tenancies, as well as the diversification of estates. We also provide specialist advice on art, heritage and luxury assets, helping clients preserve and enhance wealth across generations, while delivering a full-service offering that addresses the complex legal, tax and commercial issues associated with modern estate ownership.

Meet the team:

1. 

   • Simon Blackburn

   • Partner
   • Residential Property

   Visit Simon's profile