Private Client Legal Director/Partner

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Altrincham; Hybrid; GBP 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Hybrid working

Pension contributions

Healthcare

Gym membership

Death-in-service scheme

Bike-to-work scheme

Staff socials

CSR activities

Training and development

Modern working environment

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is seeking a Private Client Legal Director / Junior Partner for a specialist contentious trusts and probate practice in Altrincham. You will lead on high-value disputes for business owners and high net worth individuals, with a strong focus on client care and strategic growth.

This senior hire offers mentoring responsibilities, a collaborative culture, and a clear path to shaping the team’s development within a modern, supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Senior contentious trusts and probate experience at Legal Director / Junior Partner level.
• STEP qualification is essential.
• ACTAPS qualification is essential.
• Strong technical ability across wills, trusts and estates.
• Proven ability to lead matters and supervise juniors.
• Excellent client relationship skills with sensitive clients.
• Commercial awareness and growth focus through networking and referrals.

Responsibilities

• Lead on a varied caseload of contentious trusts and probate matters.
• Advise on Inheritance Act claims and validity of wills challenges.
• Handle executor and trustee disputes.
• Provide practical client-focused advice.
• Mentor junior team members and develop the department.
• Support business development and firm profile.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship skills

Networking & business development

Team mentoring

Education

STEP qualified

ACTAPS qualified

Job description

Private Client Legal Director / Junior Partner (Contentious Trusts & Probate)

Location: Altrincham

Salary: £95,000 to £130,000 (plus bonus and benefits)

Experience: Legal Director / Junior Partner level

If you are a senior contentious trusts and probate lawyer looking for a platform where you can lead on complex, high-value work and help shape the next stage of a growing team, this is an outstanding opportunity.

Our client is looking to appoint a Private Client Legal Director or Junior Partner to join a specialist contentious trusts and probate practice in Altrincham. You will work on sophisticated disputes for business owners and high net worth individuals, often involving sensitive family dynamics, significant assets and complex legal issues.

This is a senior hire with genuine scope to lead matters, supervise and develop junior lawyers, and play a visible role in the continued growth of the department. You will be supported by a people-first culture, a modern working environment designed for collaboration and wellbeing, and a firm that takes development seriously.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading on a varied caseload of contentious trusts and probate matters, including high-value and complex disputes
• Advising on Inheritance Act claims
• Advising on challenges to the validity of wills
• Handling executor and trustee disputes
• Advising on construction and rectification proceedings
• Advising on proprietary estoppel claims
• Delivering clear, practical advice with a strong focus on client care and outcomes
• Supervising, mentoring and developing junior members of the team
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, introducers and referrers
• Supporting business development and profile-raising activity for the department and wider firm

What We're Looking For

• Senior contentious trusts and probate experience, operating at Legal Director / Junior Partner / Partner level
• STEP qualified (essential)
• ACTAPS qualified (essential)
• Strong technical ability across contentious wills, trusts and estates
• Confident leading matters and supervising others, with a collaborative working style
• Strong client relationship skills, with the ability to build trust quickly in sensitive situations
• Commercial awareness and appetite to contribute to growth through networking and referrals

What's On Offer

• Salary of £95,000 to £130,000 (plus bonus and benefits)
• Generous annual leave, plus an additional half day holiday for your birthday
• Hybrid and flexible working (where the role allows)
• Higher-level pension contributions
• Healthcare support
• Gym membership
• Death-in-service scheme
• Bike-to-work scheme
• Staff socials and regular team events
• CSR activities and firmwide fundraising initiatives
• Strong commitment to training and development, including structured plans and soft-skill training
• Modern working environment designed to support collaboration and wellbeing

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role based in Altrincham, with hybrid working available.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.