Contentious Probate Senior Associate

Douglas Scott Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Professional development

Mentoring juniors

Job summary

Douglas Scott Ltd in London seeks a Contentious Private Client Senior Solicitor to manage a demanding, high-value caseload of contentious private client matters, including will disputes and estate litigation. You will lead matters from instruction through to resolution, while mentoring junior lawyers and supporting business development initiatives.

The role offers genuine progression within a growing private client team, with hybrid working and a collaborative culture that values ownership,

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with 5+ years' PQE.
• Significant contentious private client experience.
• Experience handling complex, high-value matters.
• Strong technical and litigation skills.
• Interest in business development and team growth.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of complex contentious private client matters.
• Advise on will validity disputes, executor and trustee removal claims, Inheritance Act claims, and trust and estate litigation.
• Lead matters from instruction through to resolution, including negotiation and mediation.
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers.
• Support business development and strengthen referral relationships.

Skills

5+ years PQE

Contentious private client

High-value matters

Leadership / mentoring

Business development interest

Education

Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

Contentious Private Senior Solicitor

Location: Central London (Hybrid)

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

If you're a Contentious Private Client Solicitor looking for a role that offers genuine progression, complex high-value work and the opportunity to shape a growing team, this is a position worth exploring.

You'll join a highly regarded London practice with a strong reputation in private client law, where you'll handle a broad range of contentious matters for high-net-worth individuals. The work includes will disputes, Inheritance Act claims, trust litigation and estate disputes, giving you exposure to the kind of technically challenging caseload that helps develop your expertise and profile.

This opportunity is about more than managing quality work. You'll play an important role in mentoring junior lawyers, supporting trainees and newly qualified solicitors, and helping to develop the next generation of talent. For someone with leadership ambitions, there is a clear pathway towards a more senior position within the team.

The firm offers hybrid working, a collaborative environment and a culture that values ownership, fresh ideas and exceptional client care. You'll work closely with senior leadership on business development initiatives, team growth and strategic projects, giving you the chance to influence the direction of the department while continuing to build your own practice.

What you'll do

• Manage a caseload of complex contentious private client matters.
• Advise on will validity disputes, executor and trustee removal claims, Inheritance Act claims, and trust and estate litigation.
• Lead matters from instruction through to resolution, including negotiation and mediation.
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers.
• Support business development and strengthen referral relationships.

What you'll need

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with 5+ years' PQE.
• Significant contentious private client experience.
• Experience handling complex, high-value matters.
• Strong technical and litigation skills.
• Interest in business development and team growth

About the company

This is an opportunity to join a growing, highly ranked specialist practice with an established reputation for private client work, offering excellent scope for progression, leadership responsibility and long-term career development.