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Spotlight on Corporate Firm
Solicitor Qualifies at Lester Aldridge via New SQE Route
Lester Aldridge is delighted to announce that Isabel De La Haye has qualified as a solicitor in the firm’s Healthcare team. Isabel’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as she is the first individual at Lester Aldridge to qualify through the newly introduced Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route.
Isabel qualified after successfully passing both stages of the SQE and completing the qualifying work experience. The SQE route to qualification is a relatively new pathway for aspiring solicitors in England and Wales, designed to ensure that individuals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to practice law effectively.
Having joined Lester Aldridge as a legal assistant in February 2021, Isabel began to study for the SQE at the same time. Before commencing her legal training, Isabel was the managing director of a successful regulated care company for 10 years. She passed the challenging SQE1 and SQE2 exams in 2021 and 2022 with outstanding results. Notably, only 53% of candidates in the first round of SQE1 exams passed, making Isabel’s accomplishment truly commendable. In January 2024, she completed her qualifying work experience and was admitted to the roll, qualifying as a solicitor.
Isabel said: “The SQE process has been a test of my legal knowledge and skills as well as my resilience, self-belief and determination. The SQE exams are appropriately challenging but were made easier to navigate after completing a preparation course, having an excellent mentor and the support of an incredible
study group. I would like to thank Laura Guntrip and the rest of the Healthcare team, Grant Esterhuizen, and the wider Corporate & Commercial Group for their support and encouragement during my studies. I look forward to furthering my career within the firm.”
Laura Guntrip, Partner & Head of the Healthcare team, said: “We are delighted that Isabel has qualified as a solicitor. She has a strong work ethic and all the skills and attributes needed to excel in her new role. I would like to wish Isabel continued success in her role as a newly qualified solicitor as she continues her legal career with us.”
Lester Aldridge advises on investment in Mar-Key Group by Private Equity House Alcuin Capital Partners
Leading South Coast law firm Lester Aldridge has advised the founders of Mar-key Group on an investment by Alcuin Capital Partners to support the group’s UK growth plans and international expansion led by CEO Ben Scroggie.
The Mar-key Group offers design and manufacturing and provides temporary structures for major sporting events, including Royal Ascot and The Open, as well as for customers such as Tesco and the National Grid.
The LA team was led by corporate partners Grant Esterhuizen and Dean Drew, with support from colleagues Danielle Slater, Gerard Chalkly-Maber, Edward O’Brien, Philippa Broughton, and Adam Corcoran.
Corporate finance and financial modelling support was provided by RSM, led by Clodagh Tunney. The company has also benefitted from pre-sale preparation and ongoing transaction support from Adam Godden of 2525 Limited.
Ben Scroggie said, “This transaction was a new experience for the Mar-key team. We were delighted to have the experienced and professional LA team advising and guiding us through the process to a smooth and successful completion.”
Grant Esterhuizen said, “Congratulations to Ben and his team and to all those involved in this transaction. We look forward to the exciting prospect of the Mar-key Group growing and developing its business in the years ahead.”
Lester Aldridge Earns Double Nomination at HealthInvestor Awards 2024
Lester Aldridge, a leading law firm renowned for its excellence in the healthcare sector, is proud to announce its nomination in two esteemed categories at the highly anticipated HealthInvestor Awards 2024.
The HealthInvestor Awards are an annual celebration of excellence, innovation, and achievement in the healthcare sector, recognising the outstanding contributions made by organisations and individuals in driving progress and delivering exceptional services.
With over 30 years of experience in the sector, the Lester Aldridge Healthcare team is nationally recognised for their expertise and unique wealth of health and social care knowledge. The firm has been nominated for two prestigious categories:
Legal Advisor of the Year (Private Sector): This category acknowledges the firm’s unparalleled expertise and commitment to providing top-tier legal advice and support within the healthcare industry. Lester Aldridge’s dedication to understanding the unique challenges facing healthcare providers and its ability to deliver tailored legal solutions have positioned it as a trusted partner for clients seeking expert guidance in this complex field.
Transactional Services Provider of the Year: This nomination underscores Lester Aldridge’s excellence in delivering transactional services that drive success and innovation within the healthcare sector. The firm’s comprehensive approach and industry knowledge have facilitated transformative transactions that propel the industry forward, from mergers and acquisitions to strategic partnerships and investments.
“We are honoured to be recognised as finalists in two categories at the prestigious HealthInvestor Awards 2024,” said Laura Guntrip, Partner & Head of Healthcare at Lester Aldridge. “These nominations are a testament to our team’s hard work, dedication, and expertise in delivering exceptional service and value to our clients in the healthcare sector. We remain committed to driving positive change and innovation in the industry, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be considered among the industry’s best.”
The winners of the HealthInvestor Awards 2024 will be announced at a prestigious ceremony on 5th June at Grosvenor House Hotel, London, where leading organisations and individuals from across the healthcare sector will come together to celebrate excellence and achievement.
Training contracts at Lester Aldridge – Apply now!
At Lester Aldridge, we see our trainee solicitors as future leaders of the business. Many of our current partners and lawyers qualified with LA through our training contract programme. Our two-year training contract is designed to support you on your journey to qualification as a solicitor and help you gain the experience you need to become a trusted business adviser and a technically proficient lawyer.
Applications for training contracts starting in 2026 at Lester Aldridge are open until 17th May 2024. Training consists of four six-month seats in various contentious and non-contentious teams. You’ll be
able to work with high-profile commercial clients, high-net-worth private clients and exceptional lawyers.
Lester Aldridge is a full-service law firm advising commercial organisations and private individuals on a regional, national and international scale, from offices in London, Southampton and Bournemouth. The firm’s core practice areas are real estate, dispute resolution, private client, commercial services, and banking & finance.
