Contentious Probate Solicitor

William James Recruitment; Gerrards Cross; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working opportunities

Private medical cover

Life assurance

Job summary

William James Recruitment is assisting a regional law firm in Gerrards Cross to recruit a Contested Probate Solicitor (NQ-2 PQE). You will join a busy Dispute Resolution team handling wills, trusts, estates and personal representatives in often sensitive disputes.

The role offers hybrid working, a competitive up-to-£55k salary, benefits and bonus, plus mentoring from senior contentious probate specialists and clear career progression.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with up to 2 years' PQE.
• Experience in contentious probate or related litigation.
• Strong interest in contentious trusts and probate work.
• Sound knowledge of civil litigation procedure.
• Excellent drafting and client relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of contentious probate matters.
• Advise on claims under the Inheritance Act 1975.
• Handle challenges to the validity of wills.
• Advise on disputes involving executors and personal representatives.
• Manage trust and estate administration disputes.
• Support mediation and settlement discussions; prepare litigation materials.
• Collaborate with Private Client, Property and Dispute Resolution teams.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.

Skills

Contentious probate experience

Civil litigation knowledge

Excellent drafting and communication

Client care and relationship mgmt

Collaborative team player

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

Contested Probate Solicitor (NQ-2 PQE) - Gerrards Cross - Up to 55k + Benefits + Bonus

A leading regional law firm is seeking a Contested Probate Solicitor to join its highly regarded Dispute Resolution team in Gerrards Cross. This is an excellent opportunity for a junior solicitor to join a well-established practice, handling technically challenging and sensitive disputes involving wills, trusts, estates and personal representatives.

The firm is recognised as a regional heavyweight, with numerous Legal 500-ranked practice areas and a reputation for delivering high-quality legal advice to private clients, businesses and high-net-worth individuals. Joining a collaborative and supportive team, you will work alongside experienced contentious probate specialists on a broad range of complex matters.

This role offers an excellent platform for a solicitor looking to develop their expertise in contentious trusts and probate work. You will gain exposure to negotiation, mediation and litigation whilst working closely with clients through often complex and emotionally sensitive disputes, helping to achieve practical and commercially focused outcomes.

The Role:

• Managing a varied caseload of contentious probate matters


• Advising on claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975


• Handling challenges to the validity of wills


• Advising on disputes involving executors and personal representatives


• Managing trust and estate administration disputes


• Supporting matters involving mutual wills and property-related estate issues


• Preparing correspondence, court documents and litigation strategies


• Instructing counsel and supporting mediation and settlement discussions


• Working closely with colleagues across Private Client, Property and Dispute Resolution teams


• Building and maintaining strong client relationships

The Candidate:

• Qualified Solicitor with up to 2 years' PQE


• Experience in contentious probate, private client litigation or general civil litigation


• Strong interest in contentious trusts and probate work


• Sound knowledge of civil litigation procedure


• Excellent drafting and communication skills


• Strong client care and relationship management abilities


• Commercially aware with a practical approach to dispute resolution


• Well organised with strong file management skills


• A collaborative team player with a positive and professional attitude

• Competitive salary (depending on experience)


• Hybrid working opportunities


• Private medical cover


• Life assurance


• Excellent quality work from an established client base


• Strong mentoring and development opportunities


• Structured career progression


• Supportive and collaborative working culture


• Modern systems and strong administrative support