Contentious Trusts and Probate Senior Associate or Managing Associate – East Midlands

Freeths; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Freeths’ Private Client Dispute Resolution team in the East Midlands is seeking a Senior Associate or Managing Associate for Leicester or Nottingham. You will handle varied contentious trusts and probate matters and supervise junior colleagues.

The role requires 2-7 years PQE, strong commercial acumen, and solid case management. ACTAPS qualification is desirable. You will contribute to business development and maintain ongoing technical expertise.

Qualifications

• 2-7 years PQE in contentious trusts and probate
• ACTAPS qualification desirable but not essential
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of client business
• Proven track record of competent financial management and sound case management
• Good IT skills with case management systems and MS Office
• Self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills and alignment with firm values

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level client service and care.
• Manage financials, including time recording, billing, and WIP.
• Contribute to business development to retain and expand clients.
• Maintain up-to-date technical expertise and professional development.
• Demonstrate the firm’s values and maintain SRA competence.
• Undertake other reasonable duties as required.

Skills

PQE 2-7 years

Client service

Financial management

Business development

Interpersonal skills

SRA competence standards

Education

ACTAPS qualification (desirable)

Job description

The team

The Freeths Private Client Dispute Resolution Team (PCDR) team are a specialist team handling varied and complex contentious trusts and probate, and contentious Court of Protection cases. Mark Keeley, Partner oversees the national PCDR team and has over 25 years of experience in this area.

The team has been listed consistently for the last 8 years as being top tier for their work in the East Midlands region. Mark is not only listed as a Leading Individual in Chambers and Partners (2026 Edition) but also recognised in the Hall of Fame in the Legal 500 (2026 Edition) for contentious trusts and probate.

Also based in Nottingham, Partner Rachel Gaffney is a highly-regarded member of the team, with a history of managing complex trusts disputes, contentious probate and contentious Court of Protection matters. Rachel is listed as a Recommended Lawyer and a Next Generation Partner in the Legal 500 (2026 Edition) in contentious trusts and probate, and also as a Leading Individual in Chambers & Partners (2026 Edition).

The entire team acts in a variety of high-value and complex disputes and is well-placed to handle cases with an international element.

The wider Private Client Services team is 50 strong and spread nationally across our offices. For 15 consecutive years Freeths’ Trusts, Estate and Tax lawyers have secured a Tier 1 ranking in the UK’s leading legal directory, Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide.

About the role

The team are looking for a Senior Associate or Managing Associate to join our Leicester or Nottingham office, ideally with at least 2 years PQE in contentious trusts and probate. This role will require a high level of responsibility, managing other team members and at times, working unaided. An interest and willingness to be involved in business development would be encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

• To work to a consistently high level and to provide an exemplary level of client service and care.
• Competent financial management and commercial awareness, including accurate time recording, billing, achievement of firm delivered targets and management of WIP.
• To contribute actively toward business development opportunities to ensure the retention of existing clients and expansion of business.
• To ensure at all times that you maintain up to date technical expertise.
• To be accountable for your own personal development and to continuously develop interpersonal and soft skills.
• To be competent at all times in accordance with the SRA competence standards
• To carry out any other such reasonable tasks that may be required from time to time.

Your skills and qualifications

• Have directly relevant previous experience and have the correct level of post qualified experience (PQE) for the role in question. We are open to candidates between 2 - 7 years PQE for this role.
• To have or be working towards the ACTAPS qualification would be desirable but not essential for the right candidate.
• To have a strong commercial acumen and understanding of the industry and business of the client.
• A proven track record of competent financial management, ability to meet client expectations and sound case management skills.
• Good IT skills, experience, and confidence with using case management systems, electronic time recording and general Microsoft packages.
• To be a self-starting, friendly individual with excellent interpersonal skills.
• To be able to consistently demonstrate and embody the firm’s values.

Smart. Bold. Together. We Are Freeths.

Become part of the team at Freeths.

View some of our recent highlights on our website here .

Do we sound like a match? If you’re someone who cares deeply, communicates openly and collaborates effectively, then we’d love to have you join our diverse, inclusive team.