LAW firm Lester Aldridge has announced that head of real estate Matthew Barrow has been elected as managing partner.

Matthew joined the firm as a trainee in 1999 and became a partner in 2009. He has been head of the real estate for the past seven years and during which time the group has delivered ten per cent growth each year.

After a 12 year term former managing partner Michael Giddins has returned to full-time fee earning as a partner in the dispute resolution team,.

Matthew said: “It is a great privilege to be appointed as managing partner at such an exciting time.

"Having spent my whole career at Lester Aldridge, I am determined that we will maintain the winning formula that makes us so special – for both our clients and our people. What Michael has achieved is very impressive and, thanks to his leadership, the firm is in an excellent position. I’m delighted to have the chance to build on this success and see us go from strength to strength.”

Lester Aldridge has offices in Bournemouth, Southampton and London.