Contentious Probate Lawyer

CRA Legal; Barnsley; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-regarded law firm in Barnsley seeks a Junior Qualified Solicitor to manage disputes related to wills and estates within a supportive team. The role involves drafting documents and conducting legal research while ensuring a professional approach in client communications. Offering a competitive salary, additional benefits such as 23 days of holiday, a performance-related bonus, and a hybrid working model, this is an excellent opportunity for career development in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

23 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

Performance-related bonus scheme

Pension scheme

Free or discounted parking

Qualifications

• Manage a varied caseload of disputes relating to wills, estates, and trusts.
• Draft legal documents including correspondence, pleadings, and witness statements.
• Conduct legal research and review relevant case law.

Responsibilities

• Assist with file management and prepare court bundles.
• Conduct client meetings and provide updates on case progress.
• Contribute to litigation strategy with appropriate supervision.

Skills

Legal research

Client communication

Drafting legal documents

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

Job Title: Contentious Probate Solicitor / Chartered Legal Executive
Location: Central Barnsley
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £35,000 to £50,000

Overview:

Our client is a long‑established and well‑regarded law firm with deep roots in the local community and a strong presence across South and West Yorkshire. With multiple offices across the region, the firm has built a strong reputation for delivering practical, high‑quality legal advice while maintaining a genuinely supportive and inclusive working environment. The firm is particularly known for its approachable culture, where collaboration is encouraged, egos are left at the door and people are supported at every stage of their careers. Their Contentious Probate & Inheritance Disputes team forms an important part of the firm’s wider civil litigation practice.

Position:

As a Junior Qualified Solicitor within the Contentious Probate & Inheritance Disputes team, you will manage and support a varied caseload of disputes relating to wills, estates and trusts. Working closely with experienced colleagues, you will be involved in matters from initial instruction through to resolution, gaining exposure to the full lifecycle of civil litigation. The role will involve drafting a range of legal documents including correspondence, pleadings, witness statements and court applications, as well as conducting legal research and reviewing relevant case law. You will assist with file management, preparation of court bundles and ensuring procedural deadlines are met. You will have regular and direct contact with clients, requiring a sensitive and professional approach, alongside interaction with counsel, experts and the courts. The role also includes attending client meetings, providing clear and timely updates on case progress, and contributing to wider litigation strategy, with appropriate supervision and support.

Key Details:

The successful candidate will join a friendly, supportive and collaborative firm offering a genuinely positive working environment. This role is based in the firm’s Barnsley office, with the support of a wider regional team across South and West Yorkshire. The firm offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including 23 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, additional holiday over the Christmas period and a performance‑related bonus scheme (10% on billings above three times salary). A hybrid working model, pension scheme and free or discounted parking are also provided. The firm places strong emphasis on training, employee wellbeing and long‑term career development.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in this Junior Qualified Solicitor opportunity, please submit your application using the link provided. For a confidential discussion about the role, you are welcome to contact Rhys Spencer on 0114 241 8030, who is managing this recruitment process.