Top legal advice for farmers | Rural

Out of every two calls into 0800 FARMING, one call will be from a member seeking either employment or legal advice. Access to free legal advice is a major benefit of being a Federated Farmers member.

In 2010, Federated Farmers took an average of 100 calls every week on just employment issues alone. This not only reflects the need to get employment relationships right but the need to have the information when farm employers need it.

A team of four lawyers provides Federated Farmers members with this advice. Every time a member calls into 0800 FARMING seeking advice, a 'case is raised' with our customer services team before it is handed over to our legal advisors. This tracks member inquiries and ensures they are not lost. At this stage one of our legal advisors will then answer the inquiry, elevating it or closing it off. Federated Farmers does not look to replace any member's lawyer but to complement them. Should the need arise, the Federation offers members a full litigation and dispute resolution service as well.

The Federation's legal advisors know Federated Farmers contracts and agreements inside out as they increasingly become industry standard. Being designed for farmers by farmers, but legally approved, means they meet the rather unique issues farm employers face. The range of contracts and agreements are being added to all the time, with an Occupational Health and Safety policy soon to be released. Yet these services go well beyond employment law into almost any legal need farmers may have - from banking and finance, to RMA and even taxation law.

As farming becomes more international, with cross border ownership, Federated Farmers legal advisors are able to support members around the world. There is a formal connection with global law firm DLA Piper, which means strong connections in Australia, Latin America, Europe as well as the United States extending to more than 4,100 lawyers in some 29 countries.

Other benefits of membership easily pay for membership many times over:

* Local and national policy support
* Discounted contracts and agreements
* Free on-farm risk management with FMG
* Substantial discounts through our sponsors, including health insurance
* Education and training and even rebates via the Agricultural ITO
* Farmers Fighting Fund to assist farmers

Sean O'Sullivan

Sean leads the Wellington employment law team and is team leader of the Wellington commercial dispute resolution team. His practice involves all aspects of employment law and he is a qualified Mediator and a member of Lawyers Engaged in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Jason Woolley

Jason is a partner in the corporate team advising on all aspects of commercial law extending to public law, regulated markets and regulatory issues. With expertise in the primary sector, telecommunications and insurance, he is qualified in New Zealand, England and Wales.

Peter Fuller

Peter advises on a wide range of resource management, building and public law matters and holds qualifications in law, horticulture, planning and environmental management. Peter provides a broad range of policy and litigation advice and is a trained Hearings Commissioner.

Ronni Cabraal

Ronni is a Senior Associate in the employment team advising on employment, Privacy, Official Information and Human Rights Act issues. She has acted for small companies, large corporates and large government departments. She  has also worked in Human Resources bringing operational experience to her legal advice.

John Fowler

John is in the employment team drafting employment agreements, as well as representing clients in mediation and conducting research. He has also had exposure to commercial litigation having worked for  corporates, councils and Crown entities.

Joseph Lill

Joseph is a member of the Insurance and Commercial Disputes Resolution team with expertise in employment disputes. He advises on all aspects of employment law, debt recovery and general commercial disputes.