Who We Are

My approach to the practice of law is that it should be accessible and practical.

One of my favourite things to hear at the end of a client meeting is “that was easier than I thought!” Whether it is estate planning or buying a new home, the idea of meeting with a lawyer can seem intimidating. We work really hard at Lester and Associates to ensure that clients feel comfortable, welcomed, and supported. We walk our clients through each step of the process, and are always happy to answer questions or provide more information.

We pride ourselves on being approachable and friendly and we work hard to keep our fees affordable and transparent.

As a lawyer, I also feel that I have a responsibility to my community to volunteer my time and expertise. I bring my practical sensibility to a number of community organizations and consider this volunteer work to be a component of my legal practice.

When working with clients and organizations, even if the matter is complex, my approach is simple and straightforward. To me, the most successful lawyers are those who use common sense. I focus on the details that are important to my client, without wasting time and energy on things that are not. It has been a pleasure working in my hometown for over a decade and I look forward to continuing my practice in the years to come.

Alison graduated with high honours from the University of Toronto in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and a Minor in French. She graduated in 2005 from McGill University law school with an LL.B and a Bachelor of Civil Law.

Alison was called to the Ontario Bar in 2006 and worked at Gilbert’s LLP, an intellectual property litigation firm in Toronto for six years.

Alison has represented clients before the Ontario Court of Justice, the Ontario Superior Court, the Ontario Divisional Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Federal Court of Canada, and the Federal Court of Appeal. Alison has also advocated on behalf of clients at the Ontario Municipal Board (now the Ontario Land Tribunal), the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, and the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board. Alison is a registered trade-mark agent.

In 2011, Alison returned to her home town of Cobourg. In 2012 she acquired the practice of Brad Halls, who had worked in the area for over thirty years. In 2014, she joined with Irvine & Irvine, forming Irvine & Lester, and practising in association with Richard Irvine, and later Irvine Lester & Low, with Carrie Low. Alison founded Lester and Associates in 2022.

Alison now practices primarily as a solicitor, with a focus on real estate, estate planning and will preparation, general corporate work, and trade-mark prosecution. Alison does some barrister work, appearing from time to time in the Ontario Superior Court and the Ontario Court of Justice.

Alison currently sits on the Board of Directors of SONG (Sounds of the Next Generation), The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce, and the Northumberland Peterborough South Provincial Liberal Riding Association. She is a member of the Northumberland Hills Hospital’s Planned Giving Committee, and the Ontario Estates Bench-Bar Liaison Committee. Alison is a Past President of the Northumberland County Law Association.