Associate/Senior Associate - Private Client Dispute Resolution

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

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Annual bonus review

Health and wellbeing support

Pension scheme

Volunteering days

Discounts & lifestyle benefits

Job summary

Irwin Mitchell LLP in Leeds is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to join our nationally recognised Private Client Dispute Resolution team. You will advise on a broad range of contentious private client matters, with opportunities to work on high-value cases across the UK.

Working alongside experienced specialists, you will develop your expertise while supporting colleagues locally and nationally, with prospects for leadership and client relationship growth in a supportive, inclusive

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive in England & Wales and eligible to practise.
• Experience advising on contentious probate, trust and estate disputes.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload proactively and deliver high-quality legal advice.
• Strong client relationship skills with clear, practical communication.
• Excellent negotiation, dispute resolution and case management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a team.
• Proactive in developing technical knowledge and client service.

Responsibilities

• Advise on a broad range of contentious private client matters.
• Handle inheritance Act claims, will challenges, trust disputes and Court of Protection matters.
• Work with experienced specialists and develop expertise while contributing to the team.
• Support the continued success and growth of the team locally and nationally.

Skills

Contentious probate

Trust disputes

Estate disputes

Client relationships

Negotiation

Dispute resolution

Case management

Collaboration

Business development

Mentoring juniors

Education

Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (England & Wales)

Job description

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 aretrusted 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.

Your Role and What You'll Be Doing

Our Chambers and Tier 1 Legal 500 ranked Private Client Dispute Resolution team in Yorkshire 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 making a key contribution to the continued success and growth of the team both locally and nationally.

Furthermore, you will have a real opportunity to develop your career by working alongside nationally recognised experts in their fields across Irwin Mitchell LLP and the chance to grow your reputation as a leading professional in this exciting arena.

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 and to help lead and support others within the local and national 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 proactively and efficiently 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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common part of modern working life. If you choose to use AI tools as part of your application or interview preparation, please review our AI in Recruitment Candidate Guidance AI Candidate Guidance

As part of joining the Irwin Mitchell Group, all successful applicants are required to complete our employment screening process. We carry out pre employment screening to establish your eligibility to work in the UK, and understand any criminal records or adverse financial history.

Our onboarding processes are designed to help us maintain the high standards of trust, integrity and professionalism expected by our colleagues, to protect the interests of the Group, clients, partners and other stakeholders.

Checks are conducted by trusted 3rd parties and the employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws.

Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.