Associate/Senior Associate-Private Client Dispute Resolution

Irwin Mitchell LLP; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Bonus review

Health and wellbeing support

Pension

Volunteering days

Discounts & lifestyle benefits

Job summary

Irwin Mitchell LLP in Birmingham is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to join our Chambers and Tier 1 Private Client Dispute Resolution team on high‑value, complex cases.

You will advise on contentious probate, trust and estate disputes, including Inheritance Act claims and challenges to wills, while developing your expertise in a nationally recognised practice.

Qualifications

• Experience advising on contentious probate, trust and estate disputes.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and deliver high-quality legal advice across a range of contentious private client matters.
• Strong client relationship skills with clear, practical communication in complex situations.

Responsibilities

• Advise on a broad range of contentious private client matters, including probate and trust disputes.
• Work alongside experienced specialists to develop expertise within a nationally recognised team.
• Contribute to ongoing growth and success of the Private Client Dispute Resolution group.

Skills

Contentious private client experience

Solicitor in England & Wales

Case management

Negotiation

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Solicitor qualification England & Wales

Job description

Associate/Senior Associate-Private Client Dispute Resolution (6524)

Who We Are

As one of the UK’s leading law firms, we’re here for the people and businesses who rely on us at life’s important moments - made possible by our colleagues who bring the expertise, judgement and care that makes the difference.

Our colleagues bring Irwin Mitchell to life every day, so it matters that you feel valued from the very first day and are trusted with the responsibility, in the right culture, to do the best work of your careers. Everyone’s path here is different, but we share a desire to help our business make a real impact.

Where possible we will support our colleagues to work in a way that works for them, for us and most importantly our clients. Please speak to a member of our Recruitment and Onboarding team for more information.

Your Role and What You'll Be Doing

Our Chambers and Tier 1 Legal 500 ranked Private Client Dispute Resolution team in Birmingham is recognised for its depth of expertise, specialist knowledge and strong reputation in the market. The team handles a broad range of complex and high-value contentious private client matters for clients across the UK.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Associate or Senior Associate to join a nationally recognised team and work on high-quality, meaningful cases that make a genuine difference to our clients.

You will advise on a broad range of contentious private client matters, including:

• Inheritance Act claims
• Challenges to the validity of wills
• Trust disputes
• Court of Protection-related matters
• Other complex private client disputes

Working alongside experienced specialists, you'll have the opportunity to further develop your expertise while contributing to the continued success and growth of the team.

About You

We're looking for a solicitor with experience in contentious private client work who is keen to further develop their expertise within a collaborative and nationally recognised team.

• Qualification as a Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive in England & Wales.
• Experience advising clients on contentious probate, trust and estate disputes.
• The ability to manage a varied caseload and deliver high-quality legal advice across a range of contentious private client matters.
• Strong client relationship skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and provide clear, practical advice in complex and sensitive situations.
• Effective negotiation, dispute resolution and case management skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute positively to a team environment.
• A proactive approach to developing technical knowledge and delivering excellent client service.

It would be beneficial if you also have:

• Experience advising high-net-worth individuals, executors, trustees, beneficiaries or other private clients on complex disputes.
• Experience of working on matters involving trusts, business assets and/or international elements.
• An interest in business development and building professional relationships with referrers and intermediaries.
• Experience supporting, mentoring or developing junior colleagues.
• ACTAPS membership or qualification.
• Knowledge of STEP, ConTra or other relevant contentious private client professional networks.

Our Approach to Reward and Wellbeing

• 25 days' holiday as standard, rising to 28 days depending on role level, plus bank holidays and the option to purchase additional leave.
• Opportunities to share in our success through annual pay and bonus review processes for eligible colleagues.
• Health and wellbeing support, including Westfield Health and Digital GP access.
• Competitive pension arrangements to help you plan for the future.
• Two paid volunteering days every year to support causes that matter to you.
• Access to a range of colleague discounts and lifestyle benefits to support you both inside and outside of work.

We also offer a wide range of well-being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace and to make sure you’re fully supported.

In 2026, Irwin Mitchell was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work guide and was the only law firm included in the 'Very Big' organisation category

Our responsible business programmes are fundamental to who we are and our purpose. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish, and we have established a number of inclusion network groups across our business to support this aim.

Our commitment to Social Responsibility, community investment activity and tackling climate change is a fundamental part of who we are. It’s made up of four strands: Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Pro Bono.

Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.