Lester Aldridge is seeking to appoint a S enior Construction Lawyer to support the continued growth of our Real Estate Development offering.

This is a strategic lateral hire opportunity for an established Partner, Legal Director or ambitious Senior Associate seeking a platform with a strong reputation, collaborative culture and clear growth ambitions. Lester Aldridge is currently evolving its strategy around a clear belief that the firm is capable of more, creating an environment where senior lawyers can help shape what comes next.

The successful individual will play a key role in developing and expanding the firm's Construction practice, working closely with our Real Estate, Planning and Dispute Resolution teams to deliver commercially focused legal advice to developers, housebuilders, investors, contractors and public sector clients.

About Lester Aldridge

Lester Aldridge is a leading regional law firm with offices in Bournemouth, Southampton and London . We combine the quality and sophistication of larger national firms with the agility, culture and accessibility of an independent firm.

Our strategy is evolving with confidence and ambition. At the heart of that evolution is a belief that Lester Aldridge is capable of more: more impact for clients, more opportunity for our people and a stronger voice in the markets and sectors we serve.

Our purpose is clear: "Together, we empower people and anticipate change and shape what's next." This role is closely aligned to that purpose, offering the right individual the opportunity to influence growth, anticipate client needs and help build a construction capability that supports the firm's wider development ambitions.

We are particularly interested in individuals attracted by:

• A collaborative, non-political partnership.
• Strong cross-referral opportunities.
• Established real estate and development client relationships.
• Genuine influence over future strategic direction.
• Competitive remuneration and partnership structure.
• High-quality work without the demands often associated with City firms.

The Opportunity

We are interested in speaking with lawyers specialising in:

Non-Contentious Construction

• JCT and NEC contracts.
• Consultant appointments.
• Collateral warranties.
• Third-party rights.
• Development finance support.
• Infrastructure and regeneration projects.

Contentious Construction

• Adjudication.
• Arbitration.
• High Court and TCC disputes.
• Professional negligence.
• Delay and disruption claims.
• Risk management and dispute avoidance.

Candidates may have a purely contentious, purely non-contentious or mixed practice.

Key Objectives

Within the first 12-24 months the successful individual would be expected to:

Client Growth

• Build upon existing client relationships.
• Develop new opportunities across the South Coast and beyond.
• Expand instructions from developers, housebuilders and investors.
• Strengthen relationships with key intermediaries and referrers.

Team Development

• Mentor and develop junior lawyers.
• Help shape future recruitment plans.
• Support succession planning within the wider Real Estate group.

Strategic Contribution

• Contribute to departmental and firmwide growth plans as the firm evolves its strategy and builds on the belief that it is capable of more.

• Increase market profile through networking, speaking engagements and thought leadership.
• Develop cross-practice opportunities with Planning, Property Litigation, Corporate and Banking teams.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Technical Experience

We anticipate applicants will have:

• 8+ years PQE.
• Significant expertise in construction law.
• Experience leading complex transactions or disputes.
• Strong commercial awareness.
• Excellent technical reputation.

Sector Experience

Interest will be shown in candidates with connections across:

• Residential development.
• Strategic land.
• Housebuilding.
• Regeneration projects.
• Healthcare development.
• Student accommodation.
• Mixed-use development.
• Public sector infrastructure.

Business Development Capability

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong referral network.
• Track record of winning work.
• Existing client relationships.
• Commercial growth mindset.
• Credibility within the construction and development market.

What Success Looks Like

The successful hire will be:

• Recognised as a trusted adviser to clients.
• A collaborative team player.
• Commercially minded.
• Entrepreneurial in approach.
• Focused on long-term relationship building.
• Enthusiastic about contributing to the wider success of the firm.

Why This Role May Appeal

This opportunity is likely to appeal to:

Existing Partners

Seeking:

• Better cultural alignment.
• Greater strategic influence.

• Stronger cross-referral opportunities within a firm actively shaping its next phase of growth.

• A more balanced approach to partnership.

Legal Directors / Senior Legal Directors

Seeking:

• A genuine route into partnership.
• Greater autonomy.
• The opportunity to build and lead a practice.
• Recognition for business development achievements.