Senior Associate-Contentious Trusts & Estates-7+ PQE-Exeter – Exeter

Wagstaff Recruitment; Exeter; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wagstaff Recruitment seeks a Senior Associate to join its Contentious Trusts & Estates team in Exeter. You will handle high value disputes, advise on will and trustee matters, and manage your own caseload with autonomy within a supportive team.

The role requires 7+ years' PQE in contentious trusts and estates, strong client relationship skills, and the ability to work on complex, multi party disputes. Exeter based with a regional client base.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with 7+ years’ PQE in contentious trusts and estates.
• Strong technical knowledge and experience in contentious private wealth work.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build long term client relationships.
• Confident handling complex and sensitive matters.

Responsibilities

• Advise on a wide range of contentious matters including will disputes and executor disputes.
• Handle inheritance Act claims, trustee disputes and professional negligence linked to estate work.
• Manage own caseload with autonomy and contribute to team development and business growth.
• Work with high net worth clients, executors, trustees, charities, farmers and landowners.

Job description

Senior Associate – Contentious Trusts & Estates – 7+ PQE – Exeter
Location: Exeter
Department: Trusts & Estates – Contentious
Type of Role: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £70,000 – £90,000 (depending on experience)

A leading regional practice is seeking an experienced Senior Associate (7+ PQE) to join its highly regarded Contentious Trusts & Estates team in Exeter. The team is known for its high profile work, complex disputes and strong regional reputation, offering an excellent opportunity for a senior lawyer looking to take on responsibility within a supportive and well established group.

The Role

You will advise on a wide range of contentious matters, including:

• Will disputes
• Inheritance Act claims
• Executor and trustee disputes
• Professional negligence claims linked to estate and trust administration
• High value and multi party disputes
• Managing your own caseload with autonomy and support
• Contributing to team development and business growth

You will work with a varied client base including high net worth individuals, business owners, executors, trustees, charities, farmers and landowners.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor with 7+ years’ PQE in contentious trusts and estates
• Strong technical knowledge and experience in contentious private wealth work
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build long term client relationships
• Confident handling complex and sensitive matters
• Strong organisational skills and resilience under pressure
• Genuine enthusiasm for client contact, networking and business development

Why Join?

• High quality, varied and challenging work
• Supportive, collaborative team culture
• Opportunities for progression and long term career development
• Strong focus on wellbeing, work life balance and community involvement
• Ongoing training and development

*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.*

Job Tenure: Permanent and Full-Time
Salary: £70000 – £90000 per annum
Location: Exeter, Devon