The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial: Dorset and South Wiltshire, Lester Aldridge LLP is a first tier firm,

‘Absolutely first class’, Lester Aldridge LLP’s team advised on Herb UK’s acquisition of new hair care brands from Vivalis, and continues to advise ESET UK and sister company ASPECT Systems. David Ashplant heads the ‘thorough’ team, which is ‘able to listen to and interpret client’s requirements’. Grant Esterhuizen is ‘superb’.

Within Commercial litigation: Dorset and South Wiltshire, Lester Aldridge LLP is a first tier firm,

Recent work for Michael Giddins at Lester Aldridge LLP includes representing insurers in an IT software design claim, and a FTSE-listed company in an international supply product claim. Michael Veal has expertise with applications for injunctive relief.

Within Debt recovery, Lester Aldridge LLP is a second tier firm,

Karen Savage leads the group at Lester Aldridge LLP, which represents high-profile clients in several sectors, notably waste, motor finance and online spread betting.

Within Banking and finance, tier 4

Lester Aldridge LLP’s work is of ‘unquestionable quality’. It advised a bank on a £1m subrogation claim, and represented a finance company regarding the recovery of a £1m secured guarantee liability. Jon Kelly provides ‘sound and pragmatic advice’, and Paula Mason adopts a ‘common-sense approach’.

Within Employment: Dorset and South Wiltshire, Lester Aldridge LLP is a second tier firm,

Lester Aldridge LLP’s team, which ‘provides very commercial advice at all times’ and has notable expertise in TUPE issues. Susan Evans is recommended.

Within Health and safety, Lester Aldridge LLP is a second tier firm,

Lester Aldridge LLP’s ‘outstanding’ team primarily acts for the Health and Safety Executive. Practice head Michael Veal has ‘excellent judgement’ and is ‘an asset, particularly in complex contested matters’.

Within Regional review, tier 4

Other heavyweight presences in the region include West Country firms Foot Anstey; Lester Aldridge LLP, which remains a market leader in Dorset; Michelmores LLP; and Stephens Scown LLP.

Within Charities, Lester Aldridge LLP is a third tier firm,

Lester Aldridge LLP’s ‘efficient and courteous’ team establishes good rapport and a ‘very rewarding relationship’ with its clients. It assisted British Heart Foundation on an Inheritance Act claim, and acted for the Bridget Espinosa Memorial Trust on the proposed merger of the charity’s London Studio Centre with the University of the Arts, London. Clients value practice head Geoff Trobridge’s ‘thorough, measured approach’.

Within Family, Lester Aldridge LLP is a second tier firm,

Lester Aldridge LLP’s team provides advice that is ‘always reliable, considered and reassuring’. It has expertise in fertility matters, and cases with an international element. John Randle is ‘always extremely courteous and provides greatly trusted advice’, and team head Jane Porter is ‘first rate’.

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate, Lester Aldridge LLP is a first tier firm,

Lester Aldridge LLP’s ‘first-class’ group is led by the ‘exemplary’ Geoff Thomas, a contentious trust and probate expert. Richard Fairbairn is noted for his ‘business acumen and good client care’ and leads the tax and trusts team, and John Maddocks heads the international probate services practice.

Within Health, Lester Aldridge LLP is a second tier firm,

Lester Aldridge LLP acts for independent health and social care services providers, and advises on partnership agreements among medical practices. Clients include Southern Cross Healthcare, Jewish Care and the National Care Association. Peter Grose and Jeremy Allin are recommended.

Within Commercial property: Dorset and South Wiltshire, Lester Aldridge LLP is a first tier firm,

Ports and marinas and property development are particular areas of expertise for Lester Aldridge LLP. The team ‘makes things go smoothly’, with ‘good communicator’ Mark Benham, Rachel Lapworth and the ‘very diligent’ Bob Robertson recommended.

Within Construction, tier 4

Contentious construction specialist David Herbert heads the team at Lester Aldridge LLP.

Within Property litigation, tier 4

Lester Aldridge LLP displays a ‘City-firm level of skill at less than half City rates’. The team acted for a foreign government in securing possession of real estate in London, and Rockstone Securities is a new client. The ‘efficient and effective’ Jenny Hermer is ‘unwilling to let go of a problem until it is resolved’.