At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a specialist Contentious Probate team with high-value cases.
- Company: Highly regarded private client law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive partner-level salary, 30 days leave, private medical insurance, and flexible working.
- Other info: Join a supportive firm that values long-term career investment and succession planning.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role with immediate impact and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experienced in Contentious Probate or ready for partnership as a strong Senior Associate.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Cambridge | London | Peterborough (Hybrid Working)
Partner Level Appointment
A Rare Leadership Opportunity in a High-Value Specialist Team
Are you an established Contentious Probate Partner, or a senior solicitor on the cusp of partnership, looking for the right platform to lead, influence and build something exceptional? We are working with a highly regarded, private client‑led law firm seeking a Contentious Probate Partner / Head of Department to take ownership of a dedicated and strategically important specialist team. This is not a “build from scratch” role. The work is already there. You will step into a well‑established, stand‑alone Contentious Probate department with strong internal referrals, excellent quality work, and genuine support from one of the strongest Private Client teams in the region.
This is a leadership opportunity with real substance: inherit a successful team, shape its future direction, strengthen external referrer relationships, and position yourself at the centre of a growing and ambitious firm.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Head of Department from Day One: This is a genuine leadership appointment with the autonomy, influence and visibility that senior lawyers look for. You will lead the department, set the strategy, mentor the team and play a key role in the wider growth of the firm.
- Strong Existing Workflow – No Need to Build from Zero: The firm is heavily private client‑led, meaning the Contentious Probate team benefits from a consistent flow of high‑quality internal referrals from Private Client, Family, Property and International teams. You are not walking into an empty desk. You are stepping into an established practice with immediate momentum.
- High-Quality HNW and UHNW Client Base: Expect complex, interesting and often high‑value matters involving sophisticated clients, family wealth structures, trust disputes and international elements. This is high‑level work where your expertise will be properly valued.
- Genuine Strategic Influence: This is a firm investing in growth, and this role sits firmly within that plan. For the right person, this is an opportunity to build legacy, not just billing.
The Role
You will lead and oversee a broad range of contentious trusts and estates matters, including:
- Will validity disputes (capacity, undue influence, knowledge and approval)
- Inheritance Act 1975 claims
- Executor, trustee and beneficiary disputes
- Trust disputes
- Proprietary estoppel claims
- Complex HNW and UHNW estate disputes
- International contentious probate matters
Alongside your own caseload, you will:
- Lead and develop the department
- Manage and mentor fee earners with a coaching‑led approach
- Drive business development and strategic growth
- Strengthen relationships with referrers and introducers
- Work collaboratively across departments on multi‑disciplinary matters
About You
This role is ideal for someone who is:
- Already operating at Partner level, or a very strong Senior Associate / Legal Director ready for that next step
- A specialist in Contentious Probate / Contentious Trusts & Estates
- Commercially minded with a strong business development track record
- Comfortable leading teams and developing people
- Confident with HNW and UHNW clients
- Looking for a genuine long‑term leadership platform
ACTAPS / CTAPS membership would be highly advantageous.
Why This Firm?
This is a firm where senior lawyers stay because they are trusted, supported and given room to lead. You will benefit from:
- Strong internal referral networks
- Excellent central support across compliance, marketing, HR and operations
- A collaborative partnership structure
- Clear leadership layers and realistic expectations
- A firm that understands succession planning and long‑term career investment
This is a serious opportunity for someone ready to step into a defining role.
What’s On Offer
- Competitive partner‑level remuneration tailored to experience and contribution
- 30 days annual leave plus birthday leave and additional Christmas closure
- Private medical insurance (family cover at partner level)
- Health cash plan
- 5% employer pension contribution
- Life assurance (4x salary)
- Enhanced family‑friendly benefits
- Hybrid and flexible working across Cambridge, London or Peterborough
Interested? Let’s Talk
If you are ready for a role that offers real leadership, strong work quality and genuine long‑term opportunity, we should talk. For a confidential discussion, please contact: Clara Rose clara@clararoseconsultancy.co.uk 07971 493048 Even if this role is not quite the right fit on paper, it is always worth a confidential conversation.
Contentious Probate Partner / Head of Department – Lead, Grow & Shape a Specialist Practice employer: Clara Rose Consultancy
This esteemed private client-led law firm offers a unique opportunity for a Contentious Probate Partner to lead and shape a specialist practice in a supportive and collaborative environment. With strong internal referral networks, a high-quality HNW and UHNW client base, and a commitment to employee growth and succession planning, this firm is dedicated to fostering leadership and providing meaningful career development. Enjoy competitive remuneration, generous leave, and the flexibility of hybrid working across Cambridge, London, or Peterborough.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contentious Probate Partner / Head of Department – Lead, Grow & Shape a Specialist Practice
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other professionals in the legal field. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you’re in interviews or networking situations, make sure to highlight your experience in contentious probate and how you’ve successfully led teams before. Share specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to firms you admire, like ours, and express your interest in potential opportunities. A well-timed email can put you on their radar for future roles, especially if you show genuine enthusiasm for their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for those tough questions! Think about the challenges you might face as a Head of Department and how you’d tackle them. Being ready with thoughtful responses will show interviewers that you’re not just a great lawyer, but also a strategic leader who can drive growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Contentious Probate Partner / Head of Department – Lead, Grow & Shape a Specialist Practice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Make sure to highlight your leadership experience in your application. We want to see how you've influenced teams and driven growth in your previous roles, especially in contentious probate or related fields.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. We’re looking for candidates who can connect their experience directly to the role. Mention specific cases or achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your written application. We value genuine candidates who are passionate about their work and can bring that enthusiasm to our team. Don’t be afraid to share your vision for the department!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. This helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our firm.
How to prepare for a job interview at Clara Rose Consultancy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of contentious probate law and the specific cases you've handled. Be ready to discuss your experience with will validity disputes, inheritance claims, and complex estate matters. This shows you're not just a leader but also a hands-on expert.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your approach to leading and mentoring teams. Think of examples where you've successfully developed junior lawyers or managed a department. This role is all about influence and growth, so highlight how you can shape the future of the team.
✨Demonstrate Business Acumen
Since this position involves driving business development, come equipped with ideas on how to strengthen relationships with referrers and introducers. Discuss any past successes in building client networks or enhancing referral systems to show you're commercially minded.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the firm’s growth strategy and be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. Talk about your long-term goals and how you see yourself contributing to the firm's success. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but a partnership.
