Contested Wills & Estates Lead – Brisbane

Armstrong Legal Co.; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Paralegal support

Specialist accreditation support

Administrative/marketing/HR support

Job summary

Armstrong Legal is seeking an experienced Managing Associate to lead the Contested Wills & Estates team in Brisbane. This role combines high-level casework with team management, mentoring junior lawyers and growing a national practice.

The successful candidate will have 5+ years post-admission in Wills & Estates, strong litigation experience, and excellent communication. Flexible work options and supportive environment are offered within a national firm.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of post-admission experience in Wills & Estates, with a focus on litigation and complex matters.
• Strong knowledge of wills and estates procedures and court representation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice and representation in Contested Wills & Estates matters, including complex cases.
• Manage a diverse, high-volume caseload from start to finish.
• Draft high-quality legal documents and court submissions.
• Represent clients in court hearings, trials, and mediations.
• Mentor and supervise junior lawyers to develop a high-performing team.
• Develop precedents and support firm strategy with the National Practice Director.

Skills

Litigation

Wills & Estates

Management

Client relations

Legal drafting

Education

Specialist Accreditation

Job description

Location: Brisbane

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, based on experience

Team Environment: Supportive, dynamic, and professional

About Armstrong Legal

Armstrong Legal is a highly regarded national law firm with over 30 years of experience. We offer exceptional legal services from our offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. Our expertise spans across Contested Wills & Estates, Criminal Law, Corporate Crime and Traffic Law. Our team includes a number of lawyers who have been recognised in Doyle’s Guide, reflecting the depth of expertise and quality of service we provide to our clients.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Managing Associate to lead our Contested Wills & Estates team in Brisbane. This is an excellent opportunity for a legal professional with a proven track record in Contested Wills & Estates to manage a diverse caseload, mentor junior team members, develop and grow a practice, and collaborate with a dynamic interstate team.

The role will involve both casework as well as management of the Brisbane Contested Wills & Estates team long term. This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer to step into a management role, supported by the National Practice Director and other senior staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expert legal advice and representation to clients in Contested Wills & Estates matters, including complex cases.
• Manage a diverse and high-volume caseload from start to finish, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
• Draft high-quality legal documents, including charges, defences, and court submissions.
• Represent clients in court hearings, trials, and mediations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, opposing counsel, and other stakeholders.
• Assist in the development of the firm’s wills and estates practice in QLD and NT, including business development and growth initiatives.
• Mentor and supervise other team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Develop precedents, policies and support the National Practice Director in implementation of these.
• Participate in strategy and business meetings with the National executive.
• Managing financial targets of the team.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• At least 5 years of post-admission experience in Wills & Estates, with a strong focus on litigation and complex matters. Specialist Accreditation would be considered favourably.
• Excellent knowledge of wills and estates law procedures and strong experience in court representation.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and a busy caseload effectively.
• A proactive, client-focused approach with a dedication to delivering exceptional legal service.
• Strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.
• Experience supervising and mentoring solicitors and a desire to work in a management role.
• Strong intrapreneurial mindset, including the ability to identify opportunities, drive growth and build a high-performing practice and team.
• Comfortable operating independently as the state lead, while leveraging the expertise, resources and support of a well-established national practice.
• A well-established referral network and a demonstrated ability to generate work through business development and relationship management will be highly regarded.

What We Offer:

• A competitive salary, based on experience and qualifications.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment with ample opportunities for career growth and development.
• Exposure to challenging and varied Contested Wills & Estate matters.
• A healthy work-life balance including flexible work arrangements within a highly regarded national firm.
• Administrate support, including an accounts team, marketing, HR, dedicated tech staff and paralegal support.
• Support in obtaining Specialist Accreditation.

If you're an experienced estates practitioner looking to further your career in a well-established and dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.