Contentious Probate Solicitor

Clear Legal & Financial Recruitment; Preston; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Clear Legal & Financial Recruitment is seeking a Contentious Probate Solicitor to join an established Private Client team in Preston. The role focuses on contentious probate and inheritance disputes, offering high quality work and clear career progression in a supportive, collaborative environment.

You will manage a varied caseload involving Wills, trusts and estates, work with experienced Private Client specialists, and deliver practical, commercially focused advice while maintaining excellent

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with experience in contentious probate and inheritance disputes.
• 2–7 years PQE preferred; relevant experience considered.
• Experience handling Inheritance Act 1975 claims advantageous.
• Excellent drafting and client-care skills.
• Ability to work independently or with supervision.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of contentious probate and inheritance disputes.
• Advise clients on disputes involving Wills, trusts, estates and inheritance claims.
• Develop strategies, including negotiation and litigation where appropriate.
• Maintain client updates and cost/time risks; ensure timely file progress.
• Collaborate with Private Client colleagues and support business development.

Skills

Legal drafting

Client care

Dispute resolution

Commercial awareness

Job description

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Contentious Probate Solicitor to join an established and growing Private Client team.

This role would suit a solicitor with experience in contentious probate and inheritance disputes who is looking to develop their expertise within a supportive, collaborative environment offering high-quality work and genuine career progression opportunities.

You will manage a varied caseload of disputes involving Wills, trusts, estates and inheritance claims, working alongside experienced Private Client specialists to deliver practical, commercially focused advice.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical ability with excellent client-care skills, empathy and the professionalism required to support clients through often sensitive and challenging circumstances.

Applications are welcomed from solicitors with different levels of experience, although 2–7 years’ PQE is the preferred range.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a varied caseload of contentious probate and inheritance disputes.
• Advising clients on disputes involving Wills, trusts, estates and inheritance claims.
• Handling claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
• Developing practical strategies to resolve disputes, including negotiation and litigation where appropriate.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, referrers and professional contacts.
• Providing clear advice on costs, timescales, risks and the progress of matters.
• Ensuring files are managed efficiently and clients receive regular updates.
• Maintaining high standards of client care, professional conduct and file management.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider Private Client team.
• Participating in networking, marketing and business-development activities.
• Contributing to the continued growth and success of the department.

About You

The successful candidate will be a qualified Solicitor with relevant experience in contentious probate and inheritance disputes.

• Ideally 2–7 years’ post-qualification experience, although relevant experience is the key consideration.
• Experience managing contentious probate matters independently or with appropriate supervision.
• A sound understanding of disputes involving Wills, trusts, estates and inheritance claims.
• Experience of claims under the Inheritance Act 1975 would be advantageous.
• Excellent technical knowledge and strong legal drafting skills.
• Outstanding client-care and relationship-building abilities.
• Empathy, discretion and professionalism when dealing with sensitive family matters.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to resolving disputes.
• The ability to manage competing deadlines and maintain an effective caseload.
• Confidence working independently and collaboratively within a team.
• An interest in networking, business development and developing professional relationships.