Contentious Probate Solicitor

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Altrincham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare package

Company pension

Death in service cover

PureGym membership

Counselling service

Pet insurance

Annual eye tests

Annual hearing tests

Annual flu jab

5 days sick leave

In-office massages

Birthday off work

Netflix

Spotify

Amazon Prime

Apple News+

Free conveyancing

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is seeking a Contentious Probate Solicitor in Manchester. The role involves handling a broad range of contentious probate and trust disputes, with end-to-end responsibility and client-focused advice.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years PQE in contentious probate or private client disputes, strong drafting skills, and a collaborative, commercially aware approach. The firm offers a supportive culture, progression opportunities, and a hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with 2+ years' PQE in contentious probate or private client disputes.
• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent client care and communication.

Responsibilities

• Managing a caseload of contentious probate and trust matters from instruction to resolution
• Advising on will disputes and challenges, including validity issues
• Handling Inheritance Act claims and related negotiations
• Advising on estate and trust disputes, including beneficiary and executor issues
• Drafting pleadings and correspondence, and preparing matters for mediation or court
• Attending hearings where appropriate and supporting counsel on more complex litigation
• Building strong client relationships through clear, empathetic advice
• Contributing to business development activity and referral relationships

Skills

2+ PQE

Contentious probate

Private client disputes

Excellent client care

Drafting skills

Collaborative approach

Education

Solicitor qualification

Job description

Contentious Probate Solicitor

Location: Manchester

Salary: £45,000 to £65,000 (depending on experience)

Experience: 2+ PQE

If you're a Contentious Probate Solicitor who enjoys complex disputes, thoughtful client work, and the satisfaction of getting to the bottom of difficult situations, this is a strong opportunity to join a specialist team with a supportive culture.

This role offers a varied caseload, real responsibility, and the chance to build your profile in contentious trusts and estates work, with the backing of a firm that invests in its people.

You'll work on a broad range of contentious probate and trust disputes, advising clients with sensitivity and clarity. The work is intellectually interesting and often high-stakes, so you'll need to be confident managing matters end-to-end while keeping clients informed and supported.

What You'll Be Doing

• Managing a caseload of contentious probate and trust matters from instruction to resolution
• Advising on will disputes and challenges, including validity issues
• Handling Inheritance Act claims and related negotiations
• Advising on estate and trust disputes, including beneficiary and executor issues
• Supporting on claims involving undue influence, lack of capacity and fraud allegations
• Drafting pleadings and correspondence, and preparing matters for mediation or court
• Attending hearings where appropriate and supporting counsel on more complex litigation
• Building strong client relationships through clear, empathetic advice
• Contributing to business development activity and referral relationships

What We're Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor with 2+ years' PQE in contentious probate or private client disputes
• Comfortable running matters with appropriate supervision and escalating risks early
• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail
• Confident communicator with excellent client care
• Commercially aware and solutions-focused
• Collaborative approach and interest in developing a long-term specialism

What's On Offer

• Employee bonus scheme providing up to an additional 10% of your salary annually (T&Cs apply)
• A healthcare package
• Company pension
• Death in service cover (4x salary)
• PureGym membership
• Counselling service
• Pet insurance for cats and dogs (subject to conditions)
• Annual eye tests
• Annual hearing tests
• Annual flu jab
• 5 days sick leave (maximum 2 occasions per year)
• Massages in the office once a month (15 minutes per person)
• Birthday off work
• Netflix
• Spotify
• Amazon Prime
• Apple News+
• Free conveyancing

Working Arrangements

• Full-time, permanent
• Hybrid working model (where applicable)

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will not share any details with our client without your express permission.