Contentious Probate Solicitor - 5+ PQE

Douglas Scott Global Recruitment; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Attractive bonus structure

Job summary

Douglas Scott is seeking a Contentious Private Client Lawyer in London on a hybrid basis. The role offers a salary of £70,000-£90,000 for 5 PQE, with £100,000+ for more senior candidates and a generous bonus.

You will join a growing Legacy team handling high-net-worth inheritance disputes, shaping strategy, and influencing future growth. Flexible hybrid working and a clear path to senior leadership are available.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with 5+ years' PQE in contentious private client work.
• Strong technical expertise in contentious probate, estate disputes and Inheritance Act claims.
• Commercial awareness and ability to contribute to business development.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of contentious private client matters from instruction to resolution.
• Advise on Inheritance Act claims, contentious probate, estate disputes and trust disputes.
• Lead negotiations, mediations and litigation strategy.
• Work with high-net-worth clients and provide strategic guidance.
• Help develop and expand the firm's contentious private client offering.
• Build relationships with professional referrers, chambers and intermediaries.
• Support and mentor junior lawyers as the team grows.
• Work from home set up fully provided by the firm.

Skills

Contentious private client

Commercial awareness

Business development

Team mentoring

Senior responsibility

Education

Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

Contentious Private Client Lawyer

Location:London (Hybrid)

Salary: £70,000-£90,000 at 5 PQE | £100,000+ for more senior candidates + generous bonus

If you're a contentious private client specialist looking for more than just another fee-earning role, this is an opportunity to help shape and grow a developing practice with genuine influence over its future direction.

You'll join a growing Legacy team acting for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients on complex inheritance and estate disputes. With increasing demand for contentious work, the firm is investing heavily in this area and is looking for a senior lawyer who can combine strong technical expertise with a commercial mindset.

Working closely with the Head of Legacy, you'll handle a varied caseload of high-value disputes while contributing to the strategic development of the department. Whether you're a Senior Associate ready for greater responsibility or an established senior lawyer looking for autonomy and progression, you'll have the opportunity to influence team structure, business development strategy and future growth.

The role also offers flexible hybrid working, an attractive bonus structure and a clear route towards senior leadership for the right individual.

What you'll do

• Manage a caseload of contentious private client matters from instruction to resolution
• Advise on Inheritance Act claims, contentious probate, estate disputes and trust disputes
• Lead negotiations, mediations and litigation strategy
• Work with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients
• Help develop and expand the firm's contentious private client offering
• Build relationships with professional referrers, chambers and intermediaries
• Support and mentor junior lawyers as the team grows
• Work from home set up fully provided by the firm, including laptop, screens, mouse, and keyboard.

What you'll need

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
• At least 5 years' PQE, with more senior applicants encouraged
• Strong experience in contentious private client matters
• Proven expertise in contentious probate, estate disputes and Inheritance Act claims
• Commercial awareness and an interest in business development
• A following is not essential but is welcomed

About the company

A well-established private client practice with ambitious growth plans, offering high-quality work, strong leadership support and the opportunity to play a meaningful role in building a specialist contentious offering.

For a confidential discussion or further information, please contact: Cara Hickey
[e-mail]
07451 274 809