Finbar Downing

Finbar Downing is a Solicitor in our agriculture team, based in our Sevenoaks office.

Finbar has extensive experience acting for a broad spectrum of clients, including private individuals, estates, farmers and commercial entities across the rural and development sectors. He advises on all aspects of agricultural property, including the acquisition and disposal of farmland and rural estates, the negotiation and structuring of farming tenancies, and strategic land use.

In addition, Finbar has a developing practice in the purchase and sale of fisheries, and in matters relating to riparian rights, water access and management. With a long-standing personal interest in coarse fishing, he brings a practical understanding and genuine enthusiasm to this area, enabling him to appreciate both the commercial and sporting aspects of river and stillwater fishery ownership. He assists clients in navigating the legal and practical issues associated with fishing rights and the management of water resources.

Finbar also advises on development opportunities, including the promotion and disposal of land for residential and commercial development, and has experience acting on renewable energy projects, particularly solar developments.

He is known for providing clear, commercially focused advice, helping clients achieve their objectives while managing risk in what are often technically complex and high-value transactions.

Recent work highlights

Acting for a national lender on the multimillion-pound refinance of 200+ acres of farmland.

Acting on the acquisition of a development site with a development value of £5+ million subject to a complex overage deed.

Acting for an experienced fishery owner in the acquisition of several long-term leases of historic lakes with plans to substantially improve the site and fish stock.

Experience & education

2026 Joined Birketts

2023 – 2025 Practiced at two leading UK law firms

2023 Qualified as a Solicitor

2019 – 2020 LPC, Bournemouth University

2015 – 2019 Bournemouth University

Areas of Expertise

Sectors

Accreditations

Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM)

Associate Member

Angling Trust

Member