Contested Probate Solicitor

Henderson Scott Limited; Newbury; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in the Thames Valley is seeking a Senior Associate to join their Contested Probate team. The role involves managing complex probate cases while providing empathetic client advice, mentoring junior lawyers, and participating in business development. This position offers competitive salary, excellent career progression prospects, and a supportive team culture.

Benefits

Flexible location options within the Thames Valley

Clear progression opportunities

Investment in professional development

Competitive salary and benefits package

Qualifications

• 5-8 years' PQE with strong background in contested probate and trust disputes.
• Strong academic credentials with minimum 2:1 LLB or equivalent.
• ACTAPS or STEP membership (or working towards accreditation) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of contested probate work, including will disputes.
• Provide strategic, empathetic advice to clients navigating emotionally charged issues.
• Participate in business development and networking to enhance the team's profile.

Skills

Legal drafting

Negotiation

Advocacy

Client relationship management

Business development

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

2:1 LLB or equivalent

Job description

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Senior Associate - Contested Probate
Location: Thames Valley (Newbury preferred; other locations considered)
PQE: 5-8 years
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits

A highly regarded and progressive law firm in the Thames Valley is seeking an experienced Senior Associate to join its busy and expanding Contested Probate team within the wider Litigation department. The team is led by a Legal 500 recognised "Leading Individual" and is known for handling complex, high-value and sensitive contentious probate work across the region.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled solicitor with a solid grounding in contested probate and trusts disputes who is looking to take on more responsibility and play a key role in the continued growth of a respected team. Suitable for those ready to step up into a senior role or seasoned practitioners seeking a fresh challenge within a collaborative and client-focused environment.

The Role
The successful candidate will:

• Manage a varied caseload of contested probate work, including:
  • Will disputes
  • Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims
  • Estate administration conflicts
  • Trustee and executor disputes
• Handle matters from instruction through to resolution, including mediation, issuing proceedings, and trial preparation
• Provide strategic, empathetic advice to clients navigating emotionally charged issues
• Collaborate with private client and dispute resolution colleagues to deliver integrated legal solutions
• Participate in business development and networking to enhance the team's profile and client base
• Support junior members of the team through mentoring, supervision, and knowledge sharing

Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have:

• 5-8 years' PQE with a strong background in contested probate and trust disputes
• ACTAPS or STEP membership (or be working towards accreditation)
• Experience of High Court litigation, including hearings and trials
• Strong legal drafting, negotiation and advocacy skills
• A proactive and commercially aware approach to client service and file management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrable business development experience and the ability to build and maintain strong client relationships
• Experience supervising or mentoring more junior lawyers (preferred)
• Strong academic credentials (minimum 2:1 LLB or equivalent)

The Firm Offers

• A strong regional presence and reputation in contentious probate
• Access to high-quality, complex work and longstanding client relationships
• A supportive and forward-thinking team culture
• Hybrid working and flexible location options within the Thames Valley
• Clear progression opportunities and investment in professional development
• Competitive salary and benefits package

How to Apply
For further information or to apply in confidence, please contact .