NQ - 4 Contentious Trusts & Probate Lawyer

Chadwick Nott; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working available following-pro

Full-time and part-time applications.

Competitive salary and benefits, incl.

Job summary

Chadwick Nott is assisting a Bristol-based Legal 500-ranked team in recruiting a junior Contentious Trusts & Probate lawyer (NQ–4 PQE). You will join a busy, highly-regarded practice and work with experienced specialists to develop your own caseload in trust and estate disputes.

The role covers will validity disputes, Inheritance Act claims, constructive trusts and administration disputes, with strong client communication and business development opportunities within a collaborative South West

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor, FCILEx or equivalent with 0–4 years' PQE.
• Experience in litigation and/or private client work.
• Strong communication, drafting and client-relations skills.
• Ambitious, proactive and able to develop own caseload.

Responsibilities

• Assist on and progressively manage a caseload across contentious trusts and probate matters.
• Handle will validity disputes, Inheritance Act claims and related issues.
• Support professionals and contribute to business development within the team.
• Maintain high standards of client service and concise reporting.

Skills

Litigation experience

Private client experience

Excellent communication

Drafting skills

Client relationship-building

Business development affinity

Independent and team working

Education

Qualified Solicitor or FCILEx

0-4 years PQE

Job description

NQ - 4 Contentious Trusts & Probate Lawyer

Location: Bristol

Are you looking to develop your career in a highly regarded Contentious Trusts & Probate team with a strong reputation in the South West market?

This is an excellent opportunity for a Solicitor or FCILEx (0-4 years' PQE) to join a Legal 500-ranked team specialising in complex and often high-value trust and estate disputes. Working alongside experienced specialists, you'll gain exposure to a varied caseload while being supported to develop your own practice and expertise.

The team is recognised for advising executors, trustees, beneficiaries, charities, attorneys and deputies on a wide range of contentious probate and trust matters. You will also work closely with Private Client, Family and Court of Protection colleagues, benefitting from a strong internal referral network and exposure to high-quality work.

The Role

You will assist on and progressively manage your own caseload across a broad range of contentious trusts and probate matters, including:

• Will validity disputes involving lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud and forgery, and knowledge and approval issues.
• Inheritance Act 1975 claims and other disappointed beneficiary disputes.
• Proprietary estoppel and constructive trust claims.
• Trust and estate administration disputes, including claims against executors, trustees and personal representatives.
• Grant disputes, caveats, warnings and intestacy matters.
• Challenges arising from lifetime transactions and deathbed gifts.
• Professional negligence claims relating to wills, trusts and estate planning.
• Supporting business development and networking initiatives within the team.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, FCILEx or equivalent lawyer with 0-4 years' PQE.
• Experience in litigation and/or private client work.
• Confident handling file work and keen to develop your own caseload.
• Strong communication and drafting skills.
• Ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and sensitively.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Empathetic approach and ability to build strong client relationships.
• Enthusiastic about networking, marketing and business development activities.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Why Join?

• Join a Legal 500-recognised Contentious Trusts & Probate team with an excellent reputation in the South West.
• Work on a varied caseload of complex and high-value disputes.
• Benefit from close supervision, mentoring and genuine long-term career development opportunities.
• Be part of an award-winning firm known for its supportive, collaborative and people-focused culture.
• Hybrid working available following probation.
• Full-time and part-time applications considered.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including generous annual leave, pension and wellbeing support initiatives.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a junior lawyer seeking high-quality contentious probate work, excellent training and the chance to build a long-term career within a respected regional practice.

*At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.*