Senior Associate Contentious Probate & Trusts / Private Wealth Litigator

Vincere; Reigate; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical cover

Pension scheme

ACTAPS membership

Job summary

Vincere, Surrey-based law firm, seeks a Senior Associate Contentious Probate & Trusts / Private Wealth Litigator to lead a dedicated sub-team within the private wealth disputes practice.

You will manage high-value, complex contentious probate, estate and trust matters for a national client base, mentor junior fee-earners, and drive business development to grow the department.

Excellent technical ability, ACTAPS is preferred, and a clear leadership track towards partnership is offered.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or CILEx Fellow with 6+ PQE in contentious probate, trusts and estate litigation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage high-value, complex contentious probate, estate and trust disputes.
• Mentor and supervise junior fee-earners; drive business development and cross-department referrals.
• Oversee caseload across inception to trial/ADR with strong court and ADR advocacy.

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Fellow of CILEx

Job description

Senior Associate Contentious Probate & Trusts / Private Wealth Litigator

Location: Surrey

Salary: c.£70,000 – £90,000+ DOE/PQE

Are you an experienced Private Wealth Litigator seeking the autonomy to build and lead a dedicated Contentious Trusts & Estates sub-team within a premier regional practice? Our client is an established, highly regarded law firm in Surrey with a stellar reputation across Private Client and Dispute Resolution. Experiencing significant demand across their private wealth litigation division, they are seeking an ambitious Senior Associate (6+ PQE) to manage high-net-worth, complex disputes, lead sub-team growth, and step into a high-visibility leadership track.

The Opportunity

In this key senior position, you will take lead responsibility for managing high-profile contentious probate, estate, and trust matters for a diverse, national client base of high-net-worth individuals, trustees, and beneficiaries. Working closely with the firm's wider Private Client department, you will oversee all phases of litigation from inception through to trial or alternative dispute resolution (ADR), whilst mentoring junior fee earners and spearheading departmental business development. Designed for a technically exceptional litigator with commercial ambition, this role offers direct scope to shape and scale the firm’s contentious trusts offering.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Fellow of CILEx with a minimum of 6+ years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) specializing in contentious probate, trusts, and estate litigation within a reputable UK private practice.
• Technical Mastery & Caseload Leadership: Proven track record independently managing complex, high-value disputes—including validity challenges, testamentary capacity claims, Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 applications, breach of trust/trustee removal claims, proprietary estoppel, undue influence, and estate administration issues.
• Court & ADR Expertise: Exceptional advocacy and strategic negotiation skills with extensive experience representing clients in court hearings, mediations, and joint settlement conferences.
• Specialist Accreditations: ACTAPS membership (or working towards) is strongly preferred. Experience or working knowledge of Court of Protection disputes is highly advantageous.
• Sub-Team Leadership & BD: Ability to supervise, mentor, and delegate work to junior solicitors, combined with a track record of driving business development, networking, and cross-departmental referrals.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £70,000 – £90,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with PQE and technical background) plus a performance-related bonus scheme.
• Agile Working: Modern hybrid working arrangements (flexible office/home split) supported alongside core office hours.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays, private medical cover, workplace pension scheme, paid professional memberships (e.g., ACTAPS, STEP), and continuous CPD funding.
• Career Trajectory: Structured development pathway into Partner and Equity Partner positions within a supportive, expanding practice.
• Culture & Support: Collaborative, inclusive firm culture offering full administrative and secretarial support alongside steady internal referrals from a thriving non-contentious Private Client team.