Contentious Probate Solicitor (B68A7D8)

Referment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Referment is working with a London law firm seeking a Contentious Probate Solicitor to join a specialist disputes practice. The team advises individuals and organisations on contested wills, estates and trusts, including matters involving vulnerable clients and difficult family dynamics.

This role offers substantive responsibility across medium- and high-value disputes. You will work on matters from the first assessment of merits and risk through pre-action correspondence, mediation, proceedings

Qualifications

• Approximately two to five years’ post-qualification experience in contentious probate or closely related litigation.
• Sound knowledge of wills, probate, trusts and inheritance disputes.
• Confident legal drafting, negotiation and advocacy skills.
• The ability to run matters independently, organise competing deadlines and identify when collaboration is needed.
• A sensitive, measured approach to clients dealing with bereavement, conflict and complex family relationships.

Responsibilities

• Advise claimants and defendants in will-validity challenges and inheritance disputes.
• Assess merits, litigation risk and settlement options with clients.
• Draft statements of case, witness statements and settlement agreements.
• Manage your own caseload through pre-action work, negotiations, mediation, court proceedings and settlement.
• Attend hearings, mediations and client meetings with litigation and private-client teams.
• Maintain accurate files and regulatory obligations.

Skills

Contentious probate

Legal drafting

Negotiation

Advocacy

Case management

Independent working

Job description

Referment is working with a London law firm seeking a Contentious Probate Solicitor to join a specialist disputes practice. The team advises individuals and organisations on contested wills, estates and trusts, including matters involving vulnerable clients and difficult family dynamics.

This role offers substantive responsibility across medium- and high-value disputes. You will work on matters from the first assessment of merits and risk through pre-action correspondence, mediation, proceedings and settlement. It should appeal to a solicitor who enjoys combining rigorous legal analysis with thoughtful client care and practical dispute strategy.

The Role

• Advise claimants and defendants in will-validity challenges, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, and disputes involving executors, trustees and beneficiaries.
• Assess merits, litigation risk and settlement options, giving clients clear and commercially grounded advice.
• Draft statements of case, witness statements, settlement agreements and other documents required as matters progress.
• Manage your own caseload through pre-action work, negotiations, mediation, court proceedings and settlement.
• Attend hearings, mediations and client meetings, working closely with colleagues in litigation and private-client teams.
• Maintain accurate files, meet regulatory obligations and share relevant legal developments with the wider team.

What We're Looking For

• Approximately two to five years’ post-qualification experience in contentious probate or closely related litigation.
• Sound knowledge of wills, probate, trusts and inheritance disputes, supported by strong analytical judgment.
• Confident legal drafting, negotiation and advocacy skills.
• The ability to run matters independently, organise competing deadlines and identify when collaboration is needed.
• A sensitive, measured approach to clients dealing with bereavement, conflict and complex family relationships.

Desirable Experience

Experience of mediation, complex or high-value estate disputes, and professional networking would be useful. Existing ACTAPS membership is welcome, but the firm is also interested in candidates willing to work towards accreditation.