David Lodder in celebration of 50 years

“Is David here?”

This is a question asked by many visitors to the Lodders stands at Moreton and Kenilworth shows, with people keen to catch up with David and enjoy a few minutes in his company.

David is synonymous with Lodders and it can often feel like he knows everyone, perhaps not a surprise given his 50 years with Lodders, and his many connections in the Warwickshire community.

“I started life as a property lawyer, acting for a number of clients including a retailer that was acquiring shops at retail parks across the country. I also acted for developers in acquisitions of properties in and around London. One particular property we developed was in Blackfriars – it was a multi-purpose office building that we eventually let out to Network Rail. Having had hands-on involvement in the family farm from a young age, I’ve always had a strong agricultural interest, and when I joined Lodders as a lawyer, I also took on the farm. During calving season, I would often be called away to calve a cow on my lunch break before going back to work at the office in Henley!”

Over the years, Lodders has grown significantly, with offices in Stratford, Cheltenham, Birmingham, and Henley. When David and his fellow partners were developing the business, their aim was to maintain the caring and trustworthy approach the firm’s lawyers were known for. David explains: “The ethos we wanted to foster was very much based around a ‘private client’ approach to client relations, rather than a corporate one. The firm has grown hugely since I stepped down as a partner, but this original ethos is still at its heart. It can often be difficult for organisations to maintain their core values as they grow, but in my view, Lodders has succeeded at this.”

“Lodders is a firm that looks after its staff, puts its clients first, and gives back to the community, and I’m very proud to have played a part in its development.”

“For me, Lodders has been, and continues to be, a way of life with humour being high on the list. The ability to laugh and take tension away is hugely important and helps to build a rapport with your clients and colleagues.”

Speaking about his biggest role model, David says: “It has to be my father. He was hugely respected both in the legal world and in the community. He was a pillar of society, and very much looked up to. Perhaps a bit remote as a dad by today’s standards, but a good example of how to live a life. He was also a great believer in everyone doing their bit.”

David has given so much to Lodders over the past 50 years, not least his endless appetite for progression and change, alongside preserving the firm’s culture and values. David was also the driving force behind the creation of the Lodders Charitable Foundation in 2016 and continues as its Chair.

The Foundation has raised significant funds over the past seven years and supports regional charities where a real difference can be made, reflecting both Lodders’ and David’s longstanding commitment to our local communities.

David is a Deputy Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Treasurer of the rural charity the Farming Community Network (FCN), and a trustee of a number of other local charities. He is president of the Kenilworth and District Agricultural Society, and an active member of the Country Landowners’ Association.

Together with his wife Kirstie, David has always provided a warm welcome to his beautiful farm in Henley in Arden, whether for a fundraising event for the Lodders Charitable Foundation or hosting the firm’s summer party – dodgem cars and all!

Click here to read Lodders Life Issue 9 in full.