Contentious Probate Solicitor - 5+ PQE

Douglas Scott Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Bonus structure

Home office setup provided

Job summary

Douglas Scott Ltd in London is seeking a Contentious Private Client Lawyer to join a growing Legacy team handling high-value inheritance and estate disputes. You will influence strategy, supervise junior lawyers and develop the private client offering.

The role offers hybrid working, a clear path toward senior leadership, and a generous bonus structure for senior candidates with a strong market reputation. Applicants with 5+ PQE and a proven track record are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 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 setup fully provided by the firm, including laptop, screens, mouse, and keyboard.

Skills

Contentious private client

Inheritance Act claims

Estate disputes

Commercial awareness

Business development

Following welcomed

Hybrid working

Education

Solicitor qualification 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.