Contentious Probate Senior Associate

• Handle an established caseload of complex, high-value contentious probate disputes
• Enjoy autonomy, quality work and genuine opportunities for career progression
• Join a growing regional firm offering hybrid working and a friendly, collaborative culture

Are you an experienced Contentious Probate Solicitor looking for greater autonomy, more complex work and the opportunity to develop your career within a successful Dispute Resolution team?

This highly regarded regional law firm is seeking a Contentious Probate Senior Associate to join its expanding litigation department and contribute to the continued development of its contentious probate offering.

The role can be based in Sheffield, Chesterfield or Mansfield, with hybrid working available and flexibility around your preferred office location.

You’ll inherit an established caseload of contentious probate matters, including complex inheritance disputes, contested wills and trust litigation. With experienced colleagues and dedicated support staff around you, you’ll have the freedom to manage your work independently.

What makes this opportunity particularly attractive is the combination of quality work and professional development. You’ll work closely with an experienced Head of Dispute Resolution, gaining exposure to sophisticated disputes while developing your expertise and professional reputation.

The firm has grown significantly in recent years, investing in technology, infrastructure and its people. Its expanding Dispute Resolution department offers a strong platform for Solicitors looking to develop their careers within a successful regional practice.

You’ll also have opportunities to contribute to departmental growth. Building relationships with internal referrers, developing professional contacts and supporting business development will form part of the role, without the expectation of independently leading the entire department.

The culture is friendly, approachable and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and excellent client service. You’ll enjoy genuine autonomy while benefiting from the support of experienced litigation colleagues.

If you’re seeking complex work, a supportive environment and a potential pathway towards Director or Shareholder status in the future, this could be an excellent next move.

Who we’re looking for

• Significant experience handling contentious probate and trust disputes (E)
• Ability to independently manage a contentious probate caseload (E)
• Experience handling complex and high-value disputes (E)
• Strong technical knowledge of contentious trusts, probate and inheritance law (E)
• Proven experience delivering high-quality contentious probate work (E)
• Excellent client relationship management and communication skills (E)
• Strong commercial awareness and professional judgement (E)
• Ability to build effective internal and external professional relationships (E)
• Confidence managing matters autonomously while working collaboratively (E)
• Friendly, approachable and team-oriented working style (E)
• Commitment to providing excellent client service (E)
• 5+ years’ PQE in contentious probate or related litigation (D)
• Existing professional referral network or client following (D)
• Experience supporting or mentoring junior lawyers (D)
• Regional, mid-tier or national private practice background (D)
• Business development and networking experience (D)
• Ambition to progress into more senior positions over time (D)

What you’ll be doing

• Managing an established caseload of contentious probate disputes
• Handling complex will validity disputes and Inheritance Act claims
• Advising on executor, trustee and beneficiary disputes
• Managing proprietary estoppel, trust and estate administration disputes
• Handling related commercial litigation matters where appropriate
• Providing practical, commercially focused advice to clients
• Building relationships with internal referrers across the firm
• Developing professional contacts with accountants, IFAs and Private Client Solicitors
• Working closely with the Head of Dispute Resolution on complex matters
• Supporting junior colleagues where appropriate
• Contributing to business development and departmental growth
• Managing matters efficiently while maintaining excellent client service

Salary & Benefits

• £60,000–£70,000, depending on experience and technical capability
• Flexible hybrid working
• Choice of Sheffield, Chesterfield or Mansfield office base
• Existing caseload of high-quality, complex contentious probate disputes
• Significant autonomy over case management and day-to-day work
• Support and guidance from an experienced Head of Dispute Resolution
• Genuine opportunities to progress towards Director or Shareholder status over time
• Access to established internal referrals and wider litigation expertise
• Experienced support staff and modern IT systems
• Investment in technology, infrastructure and departmental growth
• Opportunities to develop business development and referral relationships
• Friendly, collaborative and non-corporate working environment
• Long-term stability within a profitable, expanding regional firm

This is an excellent opportunity for a Contentious Probate Solicitor seeking greater responsibility, sophisticated disputes and the chance to develop within a successful, supportive litigation team.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to the growth of an established contentious probate practice, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Bill Szajna-Hopgood
📩 bill.szajnahopgood@realmrecruit.com
📞 03300 245 606

While this advert sets out the criteria applicable to each salary band, the salary guidance given is purely indicative. The precise salary offered within that band will ultimately be determined by the hirer, taking into account the individual candidate’s experience, qualifications and overall suitability for the role.