We’re pleased to share that Phoebe Chandler and Edward O’Brien have been promoted from Senior Associate to Partner. These promotions reflect our continued investment in our people and our commitment to delivering excellent service to our clients.

Phoebe Chandler, in our Real Estate group and based in Bournemouth, specialises in property finance transactions including long and short-term secured lending, bridging finance, portfolio refinancing and auction transactions. She works with a broad client base of borrowers and both regulated and unregulated lenders, supporting them through finance transactions with a practical and responsive approach.

Phoebe qualified as a solicitor in 2018 and has been instrumental in launching our Borrower Property Finance team in 2024, playing a key role in its growth. She has developed a strong practice advising on a wide range of real estate matters and is known for her collaborative style and focus on achieving commercially driven outcomes for her clients.

Phoebe said:
“I am delighted to have been promoted to Partner at Lester Aldridge. The firm has given me fantastic opportunities to develop my career, and I am proud of what I have achieved so far. I am looking forward to building on this momentum, continuing to strengthen my client and referrer relationships and playing a key role in the ongoing success of the Real Estate team.”

Edward O’Brien, in our Employment, HR & Business Immigration team, based in our Bournemouth and Southampton offices, advises businesses on a wide range of employment and business immigration matters, both contentious and non-contentious. He works with clients ranging from large national and international organisations to SMEs, trade unions and individuals.

Edward has particular experience supporting employers through complex workplace issues, including redundancy programmes, TUPE transfers, workplace disputes and sponsorship issues, as well as providing clear, practical advice on day-to-day employment and business immigration matters.

Edward joined us in 2020 and has built a strong reputation for his straightforward and pragmatic approach. He has also played an important role in developing our business immigration offering, advising employers on their responsibilities regarding immigration licences, sponsorship, employment contracts and right-to-work requirements for overseas staff. He is recognised in The Legal 500 UK 2026 as a Leading Associate and is valued by clients for his clear, concise and commercially focused advice.

Edward said:
“It’s an exciting moment in my journey with the firm to be joining the partnership at Lester Aldridge. LA is a fantastic place to work, with a strong culture and a real focus on supporting both its clients and its people. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to support our clients in navigating the challenges and opportunities they face.”

Tom Alder, Managing Partner, said:
“Phoebe and Edward’s promotions are thoroughly deserved. They are both excellent lawyers who are committed to delivering a consistently high standard of service to their clients. They reflect the collaborative and supportive culture we value at Lester Aldridge and have each made a significant contribution to the firm. I am delighted to welcome them to the partnership and look forward to their continued impact and role in driving their clients and the firm’s growth.”