Contentious Probate Solicitor (2–6 PQE) | Reading or Guildford | £50,000–£80,000 | Hybrid Working | Legal 500 Team | High-Quality Private Client Disputes
About the Firm
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a highly regarded Legal 500-ranked Contentious Probate and Private Client Disputes team at a respected South East law firm with an outstanding reputation for advising individuals, families and trustees on complex and sensitive disputes.
This growing team works closely alongside an established Wills, Trusts and Estates department, providing excellent exposure to a broad range of contentious private client matters. You'll benefit from working alongside recognised specialists on high-quality cases while developing your own practice with genuine supervision, mentoring and long-term career progression.
The Role
This is an excellent opportunity for a Contentious Probate Solicitor or Private Client Disputes Solicitor with 2–6 years' PQE to join a successful and expanding team based in either Reading or Guildford.
You will manage your own caseload while also assisting senior colleagues on larger, more complex matters, allowing you to continue developing your technical expertise within this specialist area.
Your day-to-day work will include:
- Advising on claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 for both Claimants and Defendants
- Handling disputes concerning the validity of Wills, including challenges based on capacity, undue influence and lack of knowledge and approval
- Advising on executor and administrator disputes, including removal applications
- Managing estate administration disputes
- Acting on Court of Protection disputes
- Advising on a broad range of trust disputes
- Working collaboratively with both contentious and non-contentious private client colleagues
- Managing your own files while supporting partners on complex, high-value matters
This role offers an excellent mix of autonomy, support and high-quality work, making it an ideal opportunity for someone looking to establish themselves within a leading Contentious Probate practice.
Candidate Requirements
The successful candidate will ideally have:
- Between 2 and 6 years' PQE
- Experience in civil litigation with exposure to contentious probate matters
- Experience of handling, or assisting with, contentious private client disputes including Inheritance Act claims, Will disputes or trust disputes
- Ideally some exposure to non-contentious private client work during training or early qualification, although this is not essential
- Excellent communication and client care skills
- A genuine interest in specialising and developing a long-term career in Contentious Probate and Private Client Disputes
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a supportive team environment
Applications are welcomed from solicitors looking to further specialise within contentious probate, even if their experience has been gained as part of a broader litigation practice.
Benefits
- Salary of £50,000–£80,000, depending on experience
- Hybrid working
- Choice of Reading or Guildford office
- Join a highly regarded Legal 500 team
- Excellent quality contentious probate and private client disputes work
- Genuine supervision, mentoring and career development
- Collaborative working environment with both contentious and non-contentious specialists
- Clear progression opportunities within a growing department
- Opportunity to build expertise in a highly sought-after specialist practice area
Why Apply?
If you're looking to develop your career within Contentious Probate, this is an excellent opportunity to join one of the South East's leading specialist teams. You'll gain exposure to a varied and high-quality caseload, work alongside recognised experts in the field and benefit from a supportive environment where your long-term development is genuinely encouraged. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise or take the next step in your career, this role offers an outstanding platform to do so.
How to Apply
If you're interested in finding out more, we'd be delighted to arrange a confidential conversation. We never send your CV to any employer without your express permission. Every applicant is invited to have a confidential registration call so we can understand your career goals, discuss whether this opportunity is the right fit, and explore any other suitable roles that match your experience.
To hear more about this role or to apply confidentially, please contact Anna Thompson at Sacco Mann Recruitment on 0113 547 8450 or email anna.thompson@saccomann.com.