Senior Contentious Probate Solicitor

JMC Legal Recruitment; Dorking; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

JMC Legal Recruitment is seeking a Senior Contentious Trusts & Estates Solicitor for a Surrey-based role. You will lead a specialist practice handling high‑value disputes for HNW clients, advising executors, trustees and beneficiaries, and developing the team's reputation.

You will own complex matters from instruction to resolution, work closely with Private Client colleagues, and play a pivotal role in managing and growing the practice, with opportunities for client development and leadership.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in contentious trusts and probate disputes.
• Proven expertise in Inheritance Act claims and complex probate matters.
• Excellent litigation, drafting and advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive disputes with commercial awareness and client care.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of contentious trusts and probate matters.
• Handle Inheritance Act claims, executor and trustee disputes, and rectification issues.
• Lead negotiations, mediation and court proceedings.
• Collaborate with Private Client team to deliver joined-up advice.
• Mentor junior colleagues and contribute to business development.

Skills

Contentious trusts

Probate disputes

Litigation & advocacy

Client relationship management

Job description

Senior Contentious Trusts & Estates Solicitor | Surrey

Looking to take the lead in a specialist contentious probate practice, handle complex disputes and play a key role in growing a team?

An established and highly regarded law firm in Surrey is looking for a Senior Contentious Trusts & Estates Solicitor to help lead and develop its practice in this area. You'll advise high-net-worth individuals, families, executors and trustees on sensitive, high-value disputes involving wills, trusts and estates, working with clients locally and nationally.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of quality work, develop strong client relationships and help shape the future of a growing specialist practice.

The Role

You’ll manage a varied caseload of complex contentious trusts and probate matters, including:

• Will challenges, testamentary capacity disputes and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
• Executor and trustee disputes, breach of trust claims and estate administration issues.
• Proprietary estoppel, undue influence and rectification claims.
• Managing litigation from initial instruction through to settlement, trial or appeal.
• Representing clients in negotiations, mediation and court proceedings.
• Working closely with the Private Client team to deliver joined-up advice.
• Supporting junior colleagues and contributing to the development of the team.
• Driving business development through networking, client relationships, seminars and marketing initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• An experienced Solicitor with a strong background in contentious trusts, probate and estate disputes.
• Proven expertise in Inheritance Act claims and complex contentious probate matters.
• Excellent litigation, drafting, negotiation and advocacy skills.
• The ability to manage sensitive disputes with commercial awareness and a strong focus on client care.
• Experience developing client relationships and contributing to business growth.Confidence supporting colleagues and helping develop a specialist team.
• Membership of ACTAPS would be advantageous but is not essential. Experience in Court of Protection work would also be beneficial.

What's on Offer?

• Salary and benefits reflecting your experience.
• High-quality, complex disputes involving high-net-worth clients.
• The opportunity to help lead and grow a specialist practice.
• A collaborative environment working alongside experienced Private Client lawyers.
• Ongoing professional development and opportunities to build your profile in this specialist area.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you're an experienced Contentious Trusts & Estates Solicitor looking for greater responsibility, quality work and the opportunity to help shape a growing practice, get in touch for a confidential discussion.