Head of Agriculture and Estates shortlisted for Agricultural Advisor of the Year

Partner and Head of Agriculture and Estates, Denise Wilkinson, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Agricultural Advisor of the Year award at this year’s National Women in Agriculture Awards.

The accolade is given to someone who has spent their life and career in agriculture, inspiring others and making a difference to both the sector and the people they work with. Recognised as a Band 1 Lawyer in Chambers and Partners 2025 and as a Leading Lawyer and Hall of Fame member in the Legal 500, Denise’s journey in agriculture started at a young age, growing up in rural Cumbria, and training as a lawyer in Hertfordshire.

Leading HCR’s Agriculture and Estates team across England and Wales, Denise has offers clients a deep-rooted understanding of the bigger picture in agriculture. She works alongside the specialist team to provide strategic, commercial advice on everything from agricultural tenancies and contracts to agricultural support schemes.

Denise’s work in the sector has placed her ahead of the curve with forward-thinking initiatives like natural capital and conservation projects; she created the specimen documentation to deliver habitat and conservation schemes. This expertise put the team at the cutting edge of green management schemes.

Denise’s nomination for the award comes as the Agriculture and Estates team release the fourth episode of “Talk Farm” – a podcast dedicated to helping farmers, landowners and rural businesses navigate the challenges and opportunities in the industry. Episodes are available on RSS, Spotify and Apple podcasts.

The awards ceremony takes place on 6 May at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London.