Developers, contractors and consultants working across Dorset and the South Coast will now have access to a dedicated construction law team at Steele Raymond, following the acquisition of specialist practice Reeves James.
Founded in 2020 by Chris Reeves, Reeves James has built a powerful reputation advising developers, contractors, sub-contractors, consultants, and individuals on both contentious and non-contentious construction matters. With this acquisition, Steele Raymond establishes a dedicated construction law team, further strengthening its comprehensive legal service offering.
The new construction team will be headed by Chris Reeves, who joins Steele Raymond as a Partner. Dual-qualified as a solicitor and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building, Chris is also a member of the Technology and Construction Solicitor’s Association. He brings expertise in construction dispute resolution, with a focus on contractor claims, professional negligence, and complex technical disputes.
Chris will be joined by two apprentice solicitors; Lola Wilkinson and Ella Lakins, a legal secretary; Natasha Welch, and two further lawyers joining later this year (pictured above – Amy Lewis and Jordan Davison).
Jennifer Rogerson, Managing Partner at Steele Raymond, said: “Construction businesses need advisers who understand both the technical and commercial pressures on a project. Chris and his team bring exactly that mix of experience and will strengthen the support we provide to developers, contractors and other stakeholders across the region.”
Chris added: “Steele Raymond’s reputation is second to none and I am excited to join this forward thinking and dynamic firm. I am very much looking forward to collaborating with the team and contributing to the firm’s continued growth.”
This strategic expansion follows the recent opening of our new office in Ocean Village, Southampton, on 1st of April, further signalling the firm’s continued growth and regional presence.
Over the last five years, the firm has almost doubled in size, increasing the partnership to 26 and developing niche, highly specialist teams within Residential Development, Property Disputes and Estate Planning and Tax, alongside expanding its already well-regarded commercial and private client teams.
Shared language gives our teams real momentum. From Associates Day to firm-wide book clubs, people learn together, talk openly about pressure and burnout, and turn ideas into practical changes that make daily work more sustainable.
Serious work, human rhythm. From Bournemouth and Southampton to Poundbury, our teams handle heavyweight matters, then step into sea air, green space and short commutes that keep heads clear and careers moving. If you want City level work with South Coast balance, this is where both can happen.
This transaction brings together long‑standing British distribution expertise and the scale of a European market leader.
Ranked Top Tier in The Legal 500 for the 21st year running, Steele Raymond gives businesses, developers and families across the South City calibre judgement with local commitment – helping deals complete, sites progress and families move forward while we protect value and keep momentum.
People often think about houses, savings and heirlooms but don’t have a plan for the photos that hold a thousand moments, the messages they want to keep, and the accounts that pay for daily life.
For landowners, farmers, parish councillors, and anyone who cares about keeping rural communities alive.
Steele Raymond’s new brand marks a clear moment of growth and ambition.
This growth comes from a deliberate focus on people, client relationships and selective expansion.
Protecting what matters most.
Your Estate. Your Family.
Your Peace of Mind
Shared language gives our teams real momentum. From Associates Day to firm-wide book clubs, people learn together, talk openly about pressure and burnout, and turn ideas into practical changes that make daily work more sustainable.
Serious work, human rhythm. From Bournemouth and Southampton to Poundbury, our teams handle heavyweight matters, then step into sea air, green space and short commutes that keep heads clear and careers moving. If you want City level work with South Coast balance, this is where both can happen.
This transaction brings together long‑standing British distribution expertise and the scale of a European market leader.
Ranked Top Tier in The Legal 500 for the 21st year running, Steele Raymond gives businesses, developers and families across the South City calibre judgement with local commitment – helping deals complete, sites progress and families move forward while we protect value and keep momentum.
People often think about houses, savings and heirlooms but don’t have a plan for the photos that hold a thousand moments, the messages they want to keep, and the accounts that pay for daily life.
For landowners, farmers, parish councillors, and anyone who cares about keeping rural communities alive.
Steele Raymond’s new brand marks a clear moment of growth and ambition.
This growth comes from a deliberate focus on people, client relationships and selective expansion.
Protecting what matters most.
Your Estate. Your Family.
Your Peace of Mind
