Associate/Senior Associate - Private Client Dispute Resolution (6588)

Irwin Mitchell LLP; Leeds; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days' holiday plus bank holidays

Volunteering days

Pension arrangements

Well-being initiatives

Discounts and lifestyle benefits

Health and wellbeing support

Job summary

Irwin Mitchell LLP is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to join its nationally recognised Private Client Dispute Resolution team in Yorkshire. You will advise on complex contentious private client matters and contribute to the team’s continued success.

The role offers exposure to high‑quality cases and a supportive environment with potential for leadership and career progression within Irwin Mitchell LLP.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive in England & Wales with eligibility to practice.
• Experience advising clients on contentious probate, trust and estate disputes.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload proactively and efficiently while delivering high‑quality legal advice.

Responsibilities

• Advise on a broad range of contentious private client matters including probate, trust and estate disputes.
• Lead or support in complex private client disputes and related litigation.
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver high-quality client service and contribute to team growth.

Skills

Client relationship skills

Negotiation

Dispute resolution

Case management

Collaboration

Proactive knowledge development

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive in England & Wales

ACTAPS membership or equivalent

Tools

STEP knowledge

ConTra network

Job description

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.

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
• Estate administration 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.

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.

Essential requirements:

• 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.
• 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.

We want every candidate to have a positive, fair and transparent recruitment experience. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please speak to a member of our Recruitment & Onboarding team or contact [e-mail]

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.