Lex 100 - Lester Aldridge LLP

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Lester Aldridge LLP

Russell House Oxford Road Bournemouth BH8 8EX

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The trainee verdict

The lowdown (in their own words...)

Why did you choose this firm over any others? 'Location'; 'it has an excellent reputation for London-quality work from a regional base'; 'wide range of practice areas'; 'quality of the training'; 'the quality of life that LA offers'; 'best firm in the location'; 'offers a range of experience throughout different departments and office locations'

How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'Much better work/life balance'; 'much more client contact'; 'the quality of work is the same'; 'other firms pay more'; 'hours of work are better'; 'is much more supportive'; 'trainees here are given their own caseload from an early stage'; 'excellent exposure to a diverse range of work'; 'great support network here'

Best thing about the firm? 'The diversity and quality of work'; 'the friendly atmosphere'; 'recognition of hard work'; 'good social life'; 'the monthly breakfasts'

Worst thing about the firm? 'Lack of parking'; 'the occasional lack of communication, certainly between offices'; 'not a competitive salary'

Best moment? 'Getting actively involved in a recent intervention'; 'seeing my own first file through from beginning to end'; 'winning my first small claims track trial'; 'going to the Court of Appeal'; 'successful trial'; 'being involved in marketing/client events'

Worst moment? 'Page-turning exercises... boring (albeit necessary)'; 'realising that the document which had been notarised was incorrect'; 'feeling snowed under with the amount of work'; 'thinking I had sent a fax out to the other side, but realising three days later I had not'

The Lex 100 verdict

The firm

Lester Aldridge is a Bournemouth-based practice with further offices in Southampton, London and Milton Keynes. The firm has good asset/consumer finance, debt recovery, commercial property and shipping teams, and acts for several marine sector and motor financier clients. It is also strong in private client, regularly advising on cross-border issues, and family, where it has a specialism in fertility law. Clients say the firm has a 'very commercial approach' and that it provides 'excellent service'.

The star performers

Charities; Commercial litigation; Commercial property; Corporate and commercial; Debt recovery; Employment; Family; Health and safety; Personal tax, trusts and probate; Shipping.

The deals

Advised on complex HSE prosecutions; advised on Herb UK's acquisition of new haircare brands from Vivali; representing insurers in an IT software design claim; advised a bank on a £1m subrogation claim; represented a finance company regarding the recovery of a £1m secured guarantee liability.

The clients

British Heart Foundation; McCarthy & Stone; Rockstone Securities; Santander; Southern Cross Healthcare; the Health and Safety Executive; the National Care Association.

The Verdict

With an 'excellent reputation for London-quality work from a regional base', Lester Aldridge continues to be one of the most popular firms on the South coast with its 'wide range of practice areas, quality training and good client contact' being the main reasons. A Lex 100 Winner for quality of work ('fantastic, we get exposure to such a diverse range of work') and work/life balance ('LA offers a great quality of life'), the firm also scores highly for client contact with current trainees noting that they get much more than their peers elsewhere. You will be given plenty of responsibility here, running your own cases from start to finish, going to trial and getting involved in all aspects of client matters. Trainees praise the 'great' support network available, with one pointing out that 'if you have any problems, not only is there someone to listen to you, but someone who is willing to sort that problem out'. With everyone from 'PAs through to partners' being approachable at this friendly firm you should be able to get on with enjoying both the work and the social life. The lack of parking and occasional poor communication between the Bournemouth, Southampton and London offices cause mild complaints, and the salary could be more competitive according to current trainees. However, if you are looking to put down roots in the south and want to work at a welcoming firm with a high quality of work plus recognition for your efforts, then we suggest taking a closer look at Lester Aldridge.