Contentious Trusts and Probate Associate – Oxford

Freeths; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Freeths is seeking an associate-level solicitor with 0-3 PQE, specializing in contentious trusts and probate, based in Oxford. This role offers professional development, high-quality instructions, and encourages business development involvement across all offices.

The position demands strong interpersonal and commercial skills, alongside relevant legal experience, to maintain high client service and actively contribute to business development.

Qualifications

• 0-3 PQE with specialist contentious trusts and probate experience is essential.
• Strong commercial awareness and finance management abilities are necessary.
• Ability to manage client relationships and expectations effectively.

Responsibilities

• Maintain consistently high client service and care.
• Competently manage finances and commercial awareness.
• Contribute actively to business development opportunities.

Skills

Strong commercial acumen

Good IT skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Education

Relevant prior experience (0–4 years PQE)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Case management systems

Job description

The Freeths Contentious Trusts and Probate (PCDR) team are a specialist group handling varied and complex cases. Mark Keely, Partner and Joint Head of Private Client Services, oversees the team, alongside Sarah Foster, and has over two decades of experience in contentious trusts and probate disputes including will disputes and contested court of protection proceedings.

Based in Oxford, Sarah Foster’s work has a strong emphasis on inheritance and trusts disputes. She deals with complex matters surrounding the validity of wills, claims against estates for financial provision, trust disputes, and the removal of executors and trustees. Sally Goodger, also based in Oxford, is a high‑net‑worth guide in Private Wealth Disputes, and has over 15 years of experience managing complex, high‑value private client disputes. The group handles a variety of high‑value and complex disputes, often advising on substantial claims under the Inheritance Act and removal applications, with an international element.

The wider Private Client Services team is 50 strong, spread nationally. Freeths’ Trusts, Estate and Tax lawyers have secured a Tier 1 ranking in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide for 15 consecutive years.

About the Role

The team is looking for an associate‑level solicitor with 0–3 PQE and specialist contentious trusts and probate experience. The role is based in Oxford but involves work across all offices. It offers professional development, high‑quality instructions, and encourages business development involvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain consistently high client service and care.
• Competently manage finances and commercial awareness, including accurate time recording, billing, achievement of firm‑delivered targets and WIP management.
• Contribute actively to business development opportunities, retaining existing clients and expanding business.
• Maintain up‑to‑date technical expertise.
• Accountable for personal development, continuously improving interpersonal and soft skills.
• Operate within SRA competence standards.
• Carry out any other reasonable tasks as required from time to time.

Your Skills and Qualifications

• Directly relevant prior experience with appropriate PQE (0–4 years).
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of client industry and business.
• Proven record of competent financial management, meeting client expectations and sound case management.
• Good IT skills, experience using case management systems, electronic time recording and general Microsoft packages.
• Self‑starting, friendly individual with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Consistently demonstrate and embody the firm’s values.