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- Tasks: Manage contentious probate cases and provide expert guidance to team members.
- Company: Top-tier law firm in the City of London with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a recognised firm and make a real impact in legal disputes.
- Qualifications: 2-5 years of contentious probate experience and strong client care skills.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority, Duncan Lewis Solicitors was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in the City of London (Fenchurch Street EC3M), with offices nationwide. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm in all of our key practice areas. A paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, we service both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages. We give people a voice - that is our ethos.
Recognised among The Times 200 Best Law Firms, we have been awarded Law Firm of the Year at the 2024 Lexis Nexis Awards and 2023 Modern Law Awards, reflecting our dedication to legal expertise and client service. We hold Investors in People Gold Standard accreditation for over 15 years, showcasing our commitment to professional development. Duncan Lewis is also Law Society Lexcel, Cyber Essentials Plus, and ISO 27001 certified, ensuring excellence in practice management and data security.
We are committed to recruiting dedicated and talented professionals and welcome applications from exceptional candidates. At Duncan Lewis, we value training and diversity, and we take pride in our inclusive workforce.
Litigation Department Background
Our litigation teams are ranked and recommended by The Legal 500 UK Directory for their excellence in Commercial Litigation, Professional Negligence, Contentious Probate and General Litigation work across the South East. Viewed as a “stand out” team, it has extensive experience in acting for both claimants and defendants, representing individuals, companies, charities or those involved in group litigation, in complex and high value civil / commercial litigation matters, including:
- Bankruptcy and Insolvency
- Building Disputes
- Civil Fraud
- Consumer/ Commercial Disputes
- Contract Disputes
- Debt
- Interim Applications
- International Cross Border Disputes
- Contentious Probate Disputes
- Professional Negligence
- Residential Property Disputes
Our lawyers offer advice and assistance in dispute resolution and litigated cases and regularly act in reported cases in the High Court and the Court of Appeal. The Litigation team is equipped to take swift action to protect our client’s interests and offer the best representation for any court action.
Main Responsibilities of the Role
- Report directly to Department Director
- Professional pro‑active approach, strong client care skills and a sensitive and sympathetic understanding of clients’ needs
- Responsible for all aspects of Contentious Probate Litigation work and on occasions, where appropriate providing technical expertise and guidance to other team members
- Ability to manage appropriate caseload types and complexities
- Assisting with casework including dealing with a range of Contentious Probate Litigation cases including:
- Inheritance Dependants Act 1975 claims
- Proprietary estoppel claims
- Will disputes – challenging Wills on the basis of capacity; duress and forgery
- Removing Executors in their roles for failure to administer the estate
- Devastavit claims
- Undertaking your own advocacy
- Attending clients, taking instructions and preparing cases
- Dealing with correspondence
- Maintaining accurate time costing procedures
- Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly file reviews ensuring that these are dealt with promptly
- Ensuring compliance with file management
Key Skills Required
- 2-5 years Contentious Probate experience in private practice
- Must have a clean, valid Practicing Certificate at the time of applying
- Committed team player and adapt well to new challenges
- Previous proven supervisory experience and working to key performance indicators is an advantage
- Professional with a pro‑active approach; excellent client care skills and ability to deal with client matters in a sensitive manner and resolve complicated practicalities
- Excellent networking and communication skills with the ability to successfully market the Company and generate new business
- Excellent analytical and organizational skills
- Ability to use own initiative and sound judgment
- Working knowledge of the publicly funded Litigation work and have the ability to service privately funded cases
- Have extensive experience in dealing with Litigation related work
- Experience in own advocacy is an advantage
- Excellent IT Skills - familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills
What we offer
- Competitive Salary
- Hybrid working options available in accordance with company policy.
- A fantastic supportive team
- Excellent progression opportunities
- Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition
The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including CRB / DBS checks will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role.
Equal Opportunities
Duncan Lewis is committed to equal opportunities and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender, religion, belief, or marital status and embraces the diversity of its staff. The Company strives to ensure that our staff reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, which is reflective at all levels within our workforce. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please talk to a member of the recruitment team so that any required adjustments can be made in advance.
Contentions Probate Litigation Solicitors (x2) – City of London employer: Duncan Lewis
Contact Detail:
Duncan Lewis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contentions Probate Litigation Solicitors (x2) – City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Duncan Lewis and understanding their ethos. Familiarise yourself with their key practice areas and recent achievements. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. Focus on articulating your experience in Contentious Probate Litigation clearly and confidently. We want you to shine when it’s your turn in the hot seat!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our fantastic team at Duncan Lewis. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Contentions Probate Litigation Solicitors (x2) – City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Contentious Probate Litigation role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match what we're looking for, like your client care skills and litigation expertise.
Showcase Your Experience: We want to see your journey! Include specific examples of your previous work in contentious probate or similar areas. Mention any cases you've handled and the outcomes, as this will help us understand your capabilities.
Be Professional Yet Personable: While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We value a supportive team environment, so showing your interpersonal skills can set you apart from other candidates.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can review your application promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Duncan Lewis
✨Know Your Contentious Probate Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of contentious probate law. Familiarise yourself with key cases, recent developments, and the specific types of claims you'll be handling, like Inheritance Dependants Act claims and will disputes. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Demonstrate Your Client Care Skills
Since client care is crucial in this role, prepare examples that showcase your ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy. Think about times when you've successfully resolved complicated client matters and how you approached those challenges.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Duncan Lewis values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with colleagues in the past. Highlight any supervisory experience you have and how you’ve contributed to a positive team environment, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the firm’s approach to litigation and professional development opportunities. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the firm aligns with your career goals.
