Senior Associate Contentious Trusts & Estates, Exeter – Exeter

Wagstaff Recruitment; Exeter; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive learning and development

Flexible benefits package

Wellbeing support

Positive work-life balance

Inclusive working environment

Career progression

Job summary

Chadwick Nott is seeking a Senior Associate to join its Contentious Trusts & Estates team in Exeter. The role suits lawyers with 7+ years PQE and a track record in high-stakes private wealth litigation, will disputes, and trust disputes.

Hybrid and flexible working are offered with a competitive salary and the opportunity to mentor junior colleagues while developing client relationships and cross-office business.

Qualifications

• 7+ years PQE in contentious Private Wealth or Trusts & Estates
• Strong technical knowledge and litigation experience
• Excellent communication and client care skills
• Proven ability to manage competing demands and meet deadlines
• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking
• Enthusiasm for business development and client engagement
• A collaborative and inclusive approach to firm culture

Responsibilities

• Advising on will disputes, Inheritance Act claims, and trust litigation
• Handling professional negligence claims related to estate and trust administration
• Managing complex and sensitive matters with autonomy
• Building and maintaining long-term client relationships
• Supporting business development and networking initiatives
• Mentoring junior colleagues and contributing to team growth

Skills

Contentious Private Wealth

Trusts & Estates litigation

Client communication

Business development

Mentoring juniors

Job description

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

Location: Exeter (Hybrid & Flexible)

Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: £60,000 to £85,000 (depending on experience)

A highly respected law firm is seeking a Senior or Managing Associate to join its leading Contentious Trusts & Estates team in Exeter. This is a rare opportunity to work with one of the largest specialist teams in the region, known for its high-profile and complex work across Private Wealth litigation.

The Role

You’ll handle a varied and intellectually stimulating caseload, advising a diverse client base including high-net-worth individuals, business owners, trustees, charities, and landowners.

Key responsibilities include:

• Advising on will disputes, Inheritance Act claims, and trust litigation
• Handling professional negligence claims related to estate and trust administration
• Managing complex and sensitive matters with autonomy
• Building and maintaining long-term client relationships
• Supporting business development and networking initiatives
• Mentoring junior colleagues and contributing to team growth

Candidate Requirements

This role is suited to a qualified lawyer with:

• 7+ years PQE in contentious Private Wealth or Trusts & Estates
• Strong technical knowledge and litigation experience
• Excellent communication and client care skills
• Proven ability to manage competing demands and meet deadlines
• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking
• Enthusiasm for business development and client engagement
• A collaborative and inclusive approach to firm culture

Working Arrangements

Hybrid working is supported across all roles. Attendance at the Exeter office is expected, with flexibility to accommodate personal commitments.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, the firm offers:

• Comprehensive learning and development programmes
• Flexible benefits package
• Wellbeing support and initiatives
• Positive work-life balance
• Inclusive and respectful working environment
• Clear pathways for career progression

The firm is committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates, regardless of background. Where a level of experience is indicated, this is intended as a guideline only.

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: £60000 – £85000 per annum
Location: Exeter, Devon