London law firm, Payne Hicks Beach, has expanded its landed estates and agriculture team with the appointment of Simon Blackburn as a partner, effective immediately.

Mr Blackburn joins the firm from Macfarlanes where he was a senior solicitor since July 2014. He has also held roles at Birketts and Mills & Reeve.

He will work closely with the property and private client departments to provide a seamless service to landowners and their families, the firm stated.

Mr Blackburn has experience in transactional and land management matters, including advising UK and overseas buyers on the sale and purchase of farm...