Senior Associate (7+ years PQE)

Ashfords LLP; United States; On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Encouragement for charity fundraising involvement

Commitment to work-life balance

Access to Responsible Business programme

Job summary

Ashfords LLP is looking for an experienced Senior or Managing Associate with at least 7 years’ PQE to join their Contentious Trusts and Estates team in the United States on a full-time, permanent basis. The role involves advising on diverse contentious matters such as will disputes and executor disputes while providing exceptional client care. The ideal candidate should be ambitious, client-focused, and skilled in business development, with the ability to handle significant responsibilities within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years' PQE in contentious Private Wealth work.
• Strong technical knowledge and client rapport skills.
• Experience in networking and business development.

Responsibilities

• Advise on a broad range of contentious matters including will disputes.
• Develop and maintain long-term client relationships.
• Manage competing demands and deadlines.

Skills

Client care

Business development

Building client relationships

Contentious Private Wealth knowledge

Strong organizational skills

Job description

Ashfords’ Contentious Trusts and Estates team is looking to recruit an experienced Senior or Managing Associate (ideally with at least 7 years’ PQE) to join us on a full‑time, permanent basis.

Recognised in the Legal 500 2024 as a team of “capable litigators with excellent and high‑profile work, which exceeds expectations for their regional status,” we are proud to be one of the largest specialist teams in the region.

You will work alongside a well‑established and highly regarded team, advising on a broad range of contentious matters, including will disputes, Inheritance Act claims, executor and trustee disputes, and professional negligence claims arising from estate and trust administration.

Our clients typically include high‑net‑worth individuals, business owners, executors, trustees, charities, and a significant number of farmers and landowners, offering you a varied and interesting caseload.

From day one, you will have access to high‑quality work and the opportunity to take on significant responsibility as part of a friendly and supportive team.

Who you are

As a naturally ambitious and self‑motivated lawyer with a strong background in contentious Private Wealth work, you will have significant experience in a successful team, with sound technical knowledge and the ability to build strong rapport with clients.

Client care is at the heart of everything we do. We will expect you to have a genuine enthusiasm for client contact, networking, and business development, and ideally you will already be playing a role in these areas in your current position. As an excellent communicator, you will be confident in dealing with clients and skilled at developing and maintaining long‑term relationships.

With natural resilience and strong organisational skills, you are able to work well under pressure, manage competing demands, and meet challenging deadlines.

We will expect you to take a high degree of responsibility from the outset, whilst supporting your ongoing development.

Our offer

We know that our people are at the heart of everything we do – and that’s why we’re committed to supporting your wellbeing, growth and work‑life balance.

Beyond our benefits package, you’ll be encouraged, no matter what your role or career level, to get involved in our Responsible Business programme, where you’ll support initiatives such as charity fundraising, environmental causes and our employee‑led diversity and inclusion groups.

You can find out more about our benefits by visiting the Reward & Wellbeing page on our website.

Contact: [e-mail]