A top real estate specialist has joined a London and south coast law firm to act for clients on property issues.

Miles Lester has made Ellis Jones Solicitors’ Fleet Street office his latest base in a 20-year career since qualification. His appointment as Consultant Solicitor, tasked with leading both commercial and residential property specialisms, follows a series of property industry roles. He was a partner at central London law firms for 18 years, advising on the legal aspects of property sales, leases, landlord and tenant matters and land development.

Among his most recent instructions, Miles acted for an investor on the acquisition and lease back of around 40 convenience stores. He has been regularly involved in the letting of commercial units for office, restaurant and nightclub use and has acted on both the acquisition and disposal of student accommodation including forward funding and development schemes.

Miles joins Ellis Jones’ London team along with long-standing secretary Sarah Lodhi who has worked with him for more than 15 years. Miles said:

“In my client instructions, I have worked ‘on the other side’ from Ellis Jones on property transactions for ten years or so. I knew of its success as a multi-department firm offering services of benefit to all kinds of clients."

“It was Ellis Jones Partner and Solicitor Matt Clake who told me the firm was developing its London office and since I was looking for a new role, it has all been very good timing. The property market continues to be very active despite a challenging and turbulent few years and Sarah and I are both excited to play our parts in fulfilling a need for property law advice and experience."

“Ellis Jones has a young, vibrant team and a great City location and we expect to be extremely busy given the rate of property transactions we see.”

After a history degree from the University of Leeds and a Masters in War Studies from Kings College London, Miles completed a Legal Practice Course with the College of Law London and gained his solicitors’ qualification in January 2006.

For her part, fellow Londoner Sarah expects in time to provide secretarial support for the whole London team alongside property instructions.

Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones Managing Partner, said:

“Miles is a senior lawyer with substantial knowledge and experience from across the property spectrum. Equally, we welcome Sarah as a key member of our London team too. Their arrivals support the continued growth and expansion of the London office and our portfolio of client services. I wish them both every success in their new roles.”

Miles and Sarah’s appointments are the latest moves in a strategic expansion of Ellis Jones’ London office since early 2025. Ahead of the pair’s arrival, ten colleagues including Partners, Senior Associate Solicitors and others were working full-time from London following relocations and promotions.

A number of other team members operate between London and Ellis Jones’ Dorset and Hampshire offices. As well as the property law specialisms, departments serving the Capital include Family, Employment, Banking & Finance Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Business Services.

Miles and Sarah were introduced to many of Ellis Jones’ 187-strong team at the firm’s recent annual general meeting held at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.

Photo: New arrivals Sarah Lodhi and Miles Lester, left and second left, at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth with Ellis Jones Managing Partner Nigel Smith and Lauren Day, Partner, Solicitor and Head of Dispute Resolution. Property expert Miles is the latest lawyer to join Ellis Jones’ London-based team and Sarah is his long-standing PA.