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

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

Benefits offered by this job

Progression opportunities

Wellbeing focus

Training & development

Supportive team culture

Job summary

Chadwick Nott is seeking a Senior Associate to join its Contentious Trusts & Estates team in Exeter. The role focuses on high-value disputes, will and estate litigation, and complex advisory work for high net worth clients.

The successful candidate will hold 7+ years' PQE in contentious trusts and estates, demonstrate excellent client relationship skills, and enjoy a supportive, collegiate culture with clear progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• 7+ years' PQE in contentious trusts and estates.
• Strong technical knowledge in contentious private wealth work.
• Excellent communication and client relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise on a wide range of contentious matters including will disputes and executor/trustee disputes.
• Manage your own caseload with autonomy and support.
• Contribute to team development and business growth.

Skills

PQE 7+

Contentious trusts

Client relationships

High net worth

Will disputes

Education

Qualified Solicitor

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