Offering all aspects of commercial law services to farmers and other rural businesses, Senior Partner Michael Smithson says the law firm specialises in helping businesses identify and deliver new opportunities and to be alert to the latest developments in the sector such as environmental issues and the growing numbers of immigrant workers coming to Berwick.

A well-known figure in the district, Mr Smithson has over 30 years legal experience in north Northumberland and is the driving force behind Smithson Law Firm, a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) based in Newcastle but which services client's needs outside the city.

Mr Smithson said: "Business in the rural sector fully appreciate that they are a commercial business and must continue to look at their business in pure commercial terms. This includes searching out opportunities to diversify."

The firm's niche rural business services include straight talking legal advice and solutions on joint ventures and collaboration, business partnerships, tenancies and employment issues.

Environmental and immigrant workers rights are just two examples of areas which feature in enquiries from clients. Mr Smithson has again been invited to lecture at Newcastle University's School of Agriculture on environmental protection matters.

He said: "We're a no-nonsense, client-focussed firm that does not make mountains out of molehills when it comes to legal matters. We provide clear, accurate advice and solutions with, wherever possible, fixed fees giving a completely transparent legal service to our clients who are at the heart of the practice."

The firm, which handles farming, building and estate management and SME accounts throughout the District, prides itself on the quality of its service and high standards of personal care which it delivers to clients.

"We're more flexible and therefore more responsive than many larger firms. We are completely client focussed and always operate with our clients' best interest in mind," said Mr Smithson.

"Our clients are assured of close partner contact at Smithson Law Firm, which may be more difficult to achieve within larger operations. Our approach is hands on and our partners are involved at a nuts and bolts level in cases and are always accessible to clients."

He added: "This is a very exciting time for Smithson Law Firm. The feedback we are receiving from clients is excellent and a testament to our commitment in delivering high standards of client care which will remain our top priority as the practice grows."