Lester Aldridge is celebrating one of its longest-standing partners, Roger Woolley, being at the South Coast law firm for 40 years.

Roger joined Mooring Aldridge & Haydon, one of the firms which later merged to become LA, in January 1981, as a trainee solicitor. He progressed quickly at the firm, becoming partner only 2.5 years after qualifying, enabling him to have a key role at the firm, helping to shape its future and culture. Having headed the Real Estate practice, in 2000 Roger was elected as Managing Partner, where he stayed in the role until 2006. During his time as Managing Partner, Roger modernised and grew the firm, overseeing the opening of offices in Southampton and London and a merger with Park Nelson. Roger was elected Chair of Lester Aldridge in 2011 and remains in that role today.

Roger has practised in Real Estate for most of his career, dealing latterly with substantial and complex property transactions and development projects on behalf of a range of clients across the UK. He has been ranked by independent legal directory Chambers & Partners for Real Estate for many years and is recognised as an Eminent Practitioner in his field. The Legal 500 2021 said: “Roger Woolley’s outside the box thinking is like no other. His thinking is strategic not just on the deal or problem we are working on but for the company as a whole.”

Matthew Barrow, the Managing Partner at Lester Aldridge, has worked with Roger since he joined the firm as a trainee. He commented: “I have been privileged to work with Roger; he is among the most able lawyers I have met, with a phenomenal work ethic. Roger is generous with his knowledge and experience, always striving to help others and the firm to succeed.”

Read more about Roger’s journey at LA in our interview with him.