Former Allens senior associate launches standalone practice

The firm is set to advise business owners, founders, and private lenders, offering expertise in private lending, share and business or asset sales, commercial and residential property, and commercial structuring.

Drawing on his extensive experience in prominent legal and corporate roles, Aldahr shared that he launched his firm to bridge the gap between traditional legal services and the real-world needs of businesses.

“Having worked in private practice at Allens and Clayton Utz, as well as in-house at Macquarie Bank, I have seen firsthand the gap between how legal services are traditionally delivered and what businesses need,” he said.

“I’ve built a practice that is aligned with the way businesses actually operate. So, speed, reliability, simplicity, accuracy [have] become the hallmark of Elton. That’s how I’ve always operated, and that is the way my firm will run.”

Aldahr explained that he has built a practice where lawyers work closely alongside clients, fully understanding the broader business context and providing practical, real-time guidance that can be acted on as challenges emerge.

“I’ve built a model where the legal adviser works closely alongside the client and understands the broader business context in which decisions are made,” he said.

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“The benefit of our model is that advice is not delivered in isolation. Clients can seek guidance as issues arise, in a cost-effective way, and then implement practical and realistic advice.”

By striking out on his own, Aldahr shared the excitement of creating a firm that forges genuine commercial partnerships, serves as a trusted adviser, and operates differently from traditional law practices.

“If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard lawyers criticised for ‘not being commercial’, or (a personal favourite) ‘over-lawyering’, I would probably set up shop as a private lender myself,” he said.

“Now, I have the opportunity to genuinely build something that reflects my own approach to legal practice.

“That means striving to establish real commercial partnerships, acting as a trusted adviser rather than simply the lawyer on the call, and delivering outcomes for clients on time, and within budget.”

While the firm is currently principal-led, with support staff managing day-to-day operations, Aldahr explained there is scope for future growth, though the current focus remains on building a strong client base.

“The intention is not necessarily to remain a solo practice indefinitely. The focus at this stage is on building a strong client base and establishing the firm’s systems, processes, and reputation,” he said.

“Over time, as the practice grows, the expectation is that the firm will bring on additional lawyers and support staff where it makes sense to do so.”