Graduate Lawyer: Wills & Estates | Contentious Succession

Collaw; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Dormer Stanhope Lawyers is seeking a motivated Graduate Lawyer to join the Wills & Estates team in Sydney. The role offers direct client contact and hands-on experience in contentious estate matters from day one.

You will work on family provision claims, probate disputes, and related litigation under direct supervision, developing practical skills while specialising in succession law at a boutique firm.

Qualifications

• Law degree with strong academic results in Succession/Estates Law subjects (essential)
• Admission to practise in NSW (or eligibility for immediate admission)
• Keen interest in equity and succession law and a genuine desire to specialise in this area
• Superior analytical thinking and legal research capabilities
• Exceptional written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence when dealing with bereaved clients
• Meticulous attention to detail and organisational abilities
• Initiative and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Responsibilities

• Develop expertise in family provision claims, contested probate applications, and will disputes
• Draft high-quality legal documents and correspondence
• Conduct insightful legal research on succession law
• Interview witnesses and draft comprehensive affidavits
• Brief and liaise with counsel
• Support clients through emotionally challenging estate disputes
• Provide strategic advice to executors, administrators and beneficiaries on deceased estate administration
• Collaborate within our team of experienced legal professionals

Skills

Legal research

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Law degree

Job description

Dormer Stanhope Lawyers is seeking a motivated Graduate Lawyer to join the Wills & Estates team in Sydney. The role offers direct client contact and hands-on experience in contentious estate matters from day one.

You will work on family provision claims, probate disputes, and related litigation under direct supervision, developing practical skills while specialising in succession law at a boutique firm.