Contentious Trust and Probate - Disputes Associate

Harbottle & Lewis; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Harbottle & Lewis seeks a bright Disputes Associate with 4–5 years’ PQE to join our Contentious Trusts and Probate team in Greater London. This role involves handling complex disputes for ultra-high-net-worth clients and requires excellent drafting skills and commercial awareness.

Responsibilities include managing a varied caseload, preparing for court hearings, and supporting business development activities. Ideal candidates will have experience in contentious trusts, strong interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• 4–5 years of PQE with experience in contentious trusts and probate work.
• Sound understanding of legal issues in high-value disputes.
• Excellent technical ability and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Act on a range of disputes including will validity and breach of trust.
• Manage own caseload and assist partners on high-profile cases.
• Prepare and attend mediations and court hearings.

Skills

Contentious trusts and probate expertise

Strong interpersonal skills

Excellent drafting skills

Commercial awareness

Education

4–5 years’ PQE

STEP or ACTAPS qualification

Job description

Disputes Associate

We are seeking a bright and ambitious Disputes Associate (4–5 years’ PQE) to join our growing Contentious Trusts and Probate team. This is an exciting opportunity to work with leading experts in the field and handle complex, high‑value and often cross‑border disputes for an exceptional client base, including ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals, trustees, fiduciaries and family members.

Key Responsibilities

• Act on a broad range of disputes including challenges to the validity of wills, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, breach of trust and fiduciary duty claims, removal and replacement of executors and trustees, and complex cross‑border succession disputes and offshore trust litigation.
• Manage your own caseload under supervision and assist partners on large, high‑profile cases.
• Draft clear and persuasive pleadings, witness statements and correspondence.
• Liaise directly with clients and intermediaries, maintaining the highest standards of client care and discretion.
• Prepare for and attend mediations and court hearings.
• Support the team’s business development activities, including attending events and contributing to thought leadership.

Candidate Profile

• 4–5 years’ PQE with experience in contentious trusts and probate work gained at a respected firm.
• A sound understanding of the legal and practical issues in high‑value trust and estate disputes.
• Excellent technical ability, drafting skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain relationships with a sophisticated client base.
• Commercial awareness and an interest in the wider private wealth sector.
• STEP or ACTAPS qualification or progress towards it is desirable but not essential.