Contentious Probate Solicitor

The Ortus Group; Guildford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Guildford is seeking a Contentious Probate Associate Solicitor to join its Regional Dispute Resolution Group. The candidate will manage a varied caseload of contentious trusts and probate cases, including Inheritance Act claims and trustee disputes. The firm emphasizes supportive culture and work-life balance, offering extensive benefits and professional development opportunities. If you have experience in contentious probate law and are looking to advance your career in a collaborative environment, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Benefits

25 days' holiday plus bank holidays

Holiday buying scheme

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Private healthcare and life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Pension scheme

Interest-free season ticket loans

Cycle to work scheme

Discounts on legal services

Responsibilities

• Manage own caseload under supervision.
• Support wider team matters as required.
• Deliver high standard of client care.

Skills

Prior experience advising on contentious trusts and probate matters

Understanding of Civil Procedure Rules

Commercial and pragmatic approach

Strong technical capability

Confidence in managing client relationships

Tools

Outlook

Word

Digital dictation

Legal case management systems (e.g. Aderant/iManage)

Job description

Ortus Group is instructed to recruit a Contentious Probate Associate Solicitor (2‑5 years' PQE) to join the firm's Regional Dispute Resolution Group. The successful candidate will handle a varied and high‑quality caseload of contentious trusts and probate matters, including:

• Inheritance Act claims
• Executor and Trustee disputes
• Breach of trust claims
• Will validity challenges
• Claims arising from breaches of Executor duties
• Other private wealth and probate‑related disputes

You will manage your own caseload under supervision, support wider team matters where required, and play an important role in delivering a consistently high standard of client care. The partners are very open minded for this role and as such the firm will give all the support they need and in addition offer training in this area so even if you only have some light experience in Contentious Probate law this role could still be for you.

Key Qualifications

• Some prior experience advising on contentious trusts and probate matters
• A sound understanding of the Civil Procedure Rules
• A commercial, pragmatic approach, alongside strong technical capability
• Experience working closely with clients as a trusted adviser
• Confidence in managing and developing client relationships

  Competent IT skills are required, including Outlook, Word, digital dictation and legal case management systems (e.g. Aderant/iManage).

  Ortus Group is working with a leading national full‑service law firm to help bolster the firm's growing Contentious Probate offering. With offices in London and across the South East, and a headcount of approximately 380 people, the firm has built an excellent reputation for high‑quality work, strong client relationships and a genuinely supportive culture.

  Benefits

  • 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays, birthday leave and a Christmas closure)
  • Holiday buying scheme
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
  • Private healthcare and life assurance
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Pension scheme
  • Interest‑free season ticket loans
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Discounts on legal services and additional benefits

  If you are a contentious probate solicitor looking to develop your career within a collaborative, high‑performing dispute resolution team and within a firm that genuinely prioritises culture and work‑life balance, Ortus Group would be delighted to speak with you. Confidential conversations welcomed.