A solicitor based in Truro has been asked to sit on the council of the Agricultural Law Association (ALA), which promotes the understanding and development of law and professional services in agricultural and rural issues.

Kate Theophilus - approved web size

Kate Theophilus is a partner at Stephens Scown LLP who specialises in advising farmers and landowners on a wide range of issues including sales and purchases, partnerships, tenancies and renewable energy projects. In a career now spanning nearly 30 years, Kate has always been based in the South West.

The ALA is a UK-wide forum for not only the legal profession but also accountants, land agents, surveyors and others to share best practice and experience in relation to rural matters. The ALA hosts a number of conferences to share knowledge, publishes guidance and lobbies on behalf of the agricultural community. The 16-strong ALA council meets quarterly to discuss and review agricultural developments and policy.

Kate has also been invited to give a lecture at the ALA’s Fellowship course later this year at Warwick University.

Kate said: “It is a great honour to be invited to sit on the ALA council. I am passionate about agricultural issues and the rural community – especially here in the South West. As the only Council member based in Cornwall, I will be making sure that the voice of our region is heard.”

Robert Camp, managing partner at Stephens Scown, commented: “We congratulate Kate on being asked to sit on this influential council. Agriculture is part of the lifeblood of our regional economy, so I am delighted that Kate will be able to represent the interests of the South West rural community in this national forum.”

Further information about the ALA is available at www.ala.org.uk