Solicitor - Wills & Estates (Litigation and Planning)

Collaw; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Mentoring by director

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Dormer Stanhope Lawyers, a boutique Sydney firm, is seeking an experienced solicitor in a senior capacity to lead own files across estate litigation and planning, working closely with the director on complex matters.

The role demands independence in advising clients, running contested probate applications, and family provision claims, with flexible working arrangements discussed with the successful candidate.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years post-admission experience in wills and estates.
• Current admission to practise in NSW and a valid practising certificate.
• Proven experience managing contentious estate matters in NSW Supreme Court (Equity Division).
• Solid estate planning experience, including drafting wills, powers of attorney, testamentary trusts, and advance care directives.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload across estate litigation and estate planning, including family provision claims and contested probate applications.
• Appear in and manage complex estate disputes in the Equity Division of the NSW Supreme Court.
• Draft and settle pleadings, affidavits, submissions, and correspondence to a high standard.
• Provide strategic advice to executors, administrators, and beneficiaries on estate administration and succession planning.
• Brief and instruct counsel, maintaining strong relationships with barristers specializing in succession law.
• Guide clients through complex estate matters with care and professionalism.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to knowledge sharing within the firm.
• Participate in business development and contribute to the firm's profile in the succession law community.

Skills

Estate litigation

Estate planning

Wills & estates

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Postgraduate qualification in succession law or wills and estates

Job description

About Dormer Stanhope

Dormer Stanhope Lawyers is a boutique Sydney firm with a focused practice in succession law. We act in complex estate disputes in the Equity Division of the NSW Supreme Court and advise clients on all aspects of estate planning and administration. Our director, Justeen Dormer, has over 27 years of legal experience, including as Senior Associate at Ashurst.

We are a small team that works on substantive matters. Experienced practitioners run their own files, work closely with the director, and take genuine ownership of client outcomes. If you want depth in one of law's most technically demanding practice areas rather than breadth across a generalist caseload, this practice is worth your attention.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced solicitor to join the team in a senior capacity. You will manage your own files across estate litigation and estate planning from day one, working closely with Justeen Dormer on complex matters.

This is not a support role. We are looking for a practitioner who is ready to run contested probate applications and family provision claims in the Supreme Court, advise clients independently, and contribute to the firm's ongoing development in the succession law community.

Flexible working arrangements are available and will be discussed with the successful candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload across estate litigation and estate planning, including family provision claims, contested probate applications, will disputes, and the preparation of wills, powers of attorney, and advance care directives
• Appear in and manage complex estate disputes in the Equity Division of the NSW Supreme Court
• Draft and settle pleadings, affidavits, submissions, and correspondence to a high standard
• Provide strategic advice to clients, executors, administrators, and beneficiaries on all aspects of estate administration and succession planning
• Brief and instruct counsel, and maintain strong working relationships with barristers specialising in succession law
• Guide clients through complex and emotionally sensitive estate matters with care and professionalism
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to a culture of knowledge sharing
• Participate in business development and contribute to the firm's profile in the succession law community

The Candidate

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A minimum of two years post-admission experience in wills and estates, with demonstrated competence across both estate litigation and estate planning
• Current admission to practise in NSW and a valid practising certificate
• Proven experience managing contentious estate matters in the NSW Supreme Court (Equity Division), including family provision claims and contested probate applications
• Solid estate planning experience, including drafting wills, powers of attorney, testamentary trusts, and advance care directives
• The ability to independently manage a busy file load with minimal supervision
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal matters clearly to clients navigating difficult personal circumstances
• High emotional intelligence and sensitivity when working with bereaved families
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organisational skills

Postgraduate qualifications in succession law or wills and estates will be highly regarded.

What We Offer

• Highly competitive remuneration equivalent to mid to top-tier firms
• Direct involvement in complex, high-value succession matters from day one
• Close mentoring and professional development from a director with deep expertise in succession law
• Support to attend relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences
• Flexible working arrangements
• A small, collegial team where your contribution is visible and valued