Lester Aldridge

Lester Aldridge traces its origins to 1796 and describes itself as one of the largest law firms in the South. It works from a head office in Bournemouth and offices in Southampton and London, operating as solicitors in general practice for both individuals and businesses. Its work for private clients includes wills, family and property, while its business teams cover employment, real estate and sectors such as healthcare and marine, alongside private wealth work.

A managing partner from inside the firm

Tom Alder was elected managing partner in March 2025, succeeding Matthew Barrow. He joined the firm as a trainee in 2005 and went on to lead its real estate development team. “I am excited to lead the firm through continued sustainable growth,” Alder said when his election was announced. He is a designated member of the LLP and is named as managing partner in its latest accounts.

Fees and headcount both up

Group turnover rose 9% from £28.2m to £30.9m in the year to April 2025, according to the consolidated accounts filed at Companies House. The members’ report records “high levels of demand across each of our business lines” and “strong growth in fees compared to last year”, and says the firm has kept investing in its people, facilities and IT infrastructure. It sets out a plan to keep growing in the firm’s existing locations and key sectors.

The average number of staff, excluding members, rose from 324 to 345 over the year. Client service staff grew from 198 to 214 and administration staff from 126 to 131. Wages and salaries rose from £10.9m to £12.6m. The LLP had 37 members on average.

The firm has held the Law Society’s Lexcel accreditation since 2007. It is also certified to ISO 27001 for information security management across its three offices and to ISO 14001 for environmental management.