Contentious Probate Solicitor

William James Recruitment; Colchester; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave entitlement

Company pension scheme

Death in service cover

Group income protection

Enhanced sick pay provisions

Free onsite parking

Ongoing professional development and培训

Clear progression prospects

Job summary

William James Recruitment is seeking a Contentious Probate Senior Associate/Legal Director in Colchester for a senior role within a leading Private Client practice. The position involves handling a broad range of high-value contentious probate matters and advising on complex inheritance and trust disputes.

The successful candidate will work with experienced partners to deliver strategic, commercially-minded guidance to high-net-worth clients and to support business development within the

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years' PQE in Contentious Probate.
• Experience in inheritance, trust and estate disputes.
• Understanding of Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of contentious probate and trust disputes.
• Advise clients on claims brought under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act.
• Handle disputes relating to the validity of wills, including challenges based on capacity, undue influence and lack of knowledge and approval.
• Advise executors, trustees and beneficiaries in relation to estate and trust disputes.
• Manage claims involving the administration of estates and breaches of fiduciary duty.
• Provide strategic and commercially focused advice to individuals, families and high-net-worth clients.
• Conduct negotiations, mediations and settlement discussions where appropriate.
• Work closely with partners on complex and high-value matters.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, professional referrers and intermediaries.
• Support business development initiatives and contribute to the continued growth of the department

Skills

Contentious Probate

Inheritance, Trust and Estate Disputes

Communication & Negotiation

Job description

Contentious Probate Senior Associate / Legal Director - Colchester - Up to £82,000 + Benefits

A highly regarded Legal 500 law firm is seeking an experienced Contentious Probate Solicitor to join its award-winning Private Client team.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a specialist Contentious Probate lawyer to join a well-established practice with an excellent reputation for advising individuals, families and high-net-worth clients on complex inheritance, trust and estate disputes. The firm has built a strong presence across the region and is recognised for both the quality of its legal work and its commitment to client service.

The successful candidate will work closely with experienced partners and senior practitioners, handling a broad range of high-value and technically complex contentious private client matters while helping to further develop a flourishing disputes practice.

The Role:

• Manage a varied caseload of contentious probate and trust disputes
• Advise clients on claims brought under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act
• Handle disputes relating to the validity of wills, including challenges based on capacity, undue influence and lack of knowledge and approval
• Advise executors, trustees and beneficiaries in relation to estate and trust disputes
• Manage claims involving the administration of estates and breaches of fiduciary duty
• Provide strategic and commercially focused advice to individuals, families and high-net-worth clients
• Conduct negotiations, mediations and settlement discussions where appropriate
• Work closely with partners on complex and high-value matters
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, professional referrers and intermediaries
• Support business development initiatives and contribute to the continued growth of the department

About You:

• Qualified Solicitor status with 5+ years' PQE in Contentious Probate matters
• Strong experience managing inheritance, trust and estate disputes
• A solid understanding of the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act and related contentious private client legislation
• Experience advising executors, trustees, beneficiaries and high-net-worth individuals
• Membership of ACTAPS would be advantageous but is not essential
• Excellent technical legal knowledge and analytical skills
• Strong communication, negotiation and relationship-building abilities
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• The ability to manage matters independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment
• A proactive and commercially minded approach to client service

The Benefits:

• Salary of up to £82,000 depending on experience
• Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Death in service cover
• Group income protection
• Enhanced sick pay provisions
• Free onsite parking
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• Clear progression prospects within a highly regarded Private Client practice