Senior Contentious Probate Solicitor

JMC Legal Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious law firm in Reading is seeking a Senior Associate - Contentious Probate Solicitor with 5+ years of PQE. The successful candidate will manage a diverse caseload, represent clients in court, and mentor junior solicitors. This role offers competitive compensation, career development opportunities and the chance to contribute to the firm's growth in contentious probate law.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Supportive and progressive environment

Opportunities for career development

Qualifications

• 5+ years post-qualification experience in contentious probate law.
• Experience managing contentious trust and probate cases.
• Strong advocacy skills for court representation.

Responsibilities

• Manage varied caseload of contentious trust and probate matters.
• Represent clients in court and alternative dispute resolution.
• Mentor junior solicitors to ensure team development.

Skills

Contentious probate law

Advocacy skills

Leadership

Business development

Education

Qualified solicitor (5+ years PQE)

Job description

Senior Contentious Probate Solicitor

Senior Associate - Contentious Probate Solicitor (5+ years PQE)

The Firm

A highly commended law firm, consistently ranked in The Legal 500 and Chambers UK, is seeking a Contentious Probate Senior Associate to join its prestigious Commercial Disputes team in Reading. Known for its exceptional client service and market‑leading expertise, the firm continues to grow and expand its well‑regarded Contentious Probate team due to increasing demand. This is a unique opportunity for a Senior Associate with significant experience in contentious probate law to join a dynamic, award‑winning practice.

The Role

As a Senior Associate in the Contentious Probate team, you will take a lead role in managing a diverse and complex caseload of contentious probate matters, including will disputes, inheritance claims, and contested estates. You will represent clients in court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and negotiation. With your comprehensive understanding of trust and probate law, you will oversee the successful management of cases while delivering exceptional service to clients.

In this role, you will also take on a managerial function, mentoring and supporting junior members of the team, helping to drive their professional development. Your leadership skills will be integral to ensuring the team's continued success and growth, as well as contributing to the firm's strategic objectives in this rapidly expanding area of law.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of contentious trust and probate matters, including high‑value and complex disputes.
• Represent clients in both court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution processes, such as mediation and negotiation.
• Provide strategic advice to clients, maintaining a client‑focused approach to problem‑solving and dispute resolution.
• Mentor and support junior solicitors and trainees, ensuring the continued development and efficiency of the team.
• Take a proactive role in business development, networking, and expanding the firm's reach in contentious probate law.
• Contribute to the firm's leadership and growth strategies, maintaining the high standards of client service and professionalism the firm is known for.

Requirements

• A qualified solicitor with 5+ years of post‑qualification experience in contentious probate law.
• Proven experience in managing contentious trust and probate cases, with a strong understanding of probate law and dispute resolution.
• Exceptional advocacy skills and a demonstrated ability to effectively represent clients in court and negotiations.
• Strong leadership and managerial experience, with a passion for mentoring junior solicitors and contributing to the team's success.
• Excellent business development skills, with a track record of building and nurturing client relationships and contributing to the firm's growth.

Benefits

• A competitive salary and benefits package, dependent on experience.
• A supportive and progressive environment with opportunities for career development and internal promotion.
• The chance to lead a dynamic team and make a significant impact on the firm's continued success in the contentious probate space.