At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage contentious probate cases, providing expert legal advice and mentorship.
- Company: Join a respected family law practice known for empathy and high-quality legal services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, flexible hours, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Shape your own division and make a real impact in a growing firm.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor with 8+ years in contentious probate and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop a new business area with existing client inquiries.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Senior Solicitor / Associate – Contentious Probate (Hybrid)
Location: Hybrid role, with 2 days per week in the office, either Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, or Oxfordshire.
Salary: £60,000 – £80,000 per annum
About Firm
Specialist family law practice with offices across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. We are a solicitor-led, client‑centric firm committed to providing empathetic, transparent, and high-quality legal services. Our team includes solicitors, mediators, and collaborative lawyers who pride themselves on clear strategies, prompt correspondence, and emotional support during challenging times.
Recognised for our exceptional professionalism, described by the Legal 500 as a “thoroughly professional team”, we cover a wide range of family law matters: from divorce, financial remedies, child arrangements, and mediation to wills, inheritance issues, trusts, and contentious probate.
Founded in November 2011 operates as a Private Limited Company (active and SRA‑regulated).
Opportunity
This is a strategic opportunity to lead and shape a contentious Probate division. You will be developing this department from scratch, but with the advantage of a steady flow of inquiries already in place to build upon. You will take ownership of developing this area, driving business growth, forging client relationships, and growing a team around you.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a diverse caseload of contentious probate matters, including will disputes, challenges to executorship, and trust litigation.
- Provide expert and empathetic legal advice to high‑net‑worth and vulnerable clients.
- Draft pleadings, statements of case, negotiating proposals, and advocacy in mediation or court proceedings.
- Build and expand the contested probate practice: identifying market opportunities, leading business development activities, and cultivating referral networks.
- Provide mentorship and training to junior solicitors or paralegals as the team grows.
- Collaborate closely with the broader family law and inheritance team to offer seamless, holistic services.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Qualified solicitor admitted to the roll in England & Wales, with current SRA registration.
- Extensive experience (8+ years PQE) in contentious probate, trust claims, or estate litigation.
- Proven track record of handling complex, high‑value cases and delivering successful outcomes.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills with a client‑focused and empathetic approach.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with an appetite for growing a new business area.
- Ability to work effectively within a small team and autonomously when developing your division.
- Membership of relevant professional bodies (e.g. STEP, Law Society’s Wills & Inheritance Accreditation).
Why Join Practice?
- Impact & Ownership: Shape your own division and leave a legacy in the firm.
- Supportive Culture: Join a team known for empathy, transparency, and genuine care for clients.
- Work‑Life Balance: Hybrid model provides flexibility between office locations and remote work.
- Solid Foundation: Work within a respected, professionally recognised firm with a growing brand and positive client testimonials.
Application:
To apply, please submit your CV, cover letter outlining your relevant contested probate experience, and your vision for growing a contested probate division.
Senior / Associate contentious Probate Solicator employer: Factory 8 Consultancy Ltd
Contact Detail:
Factory 8 Consultancy Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Associate contentious Probate Solicator
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of contentious probate. Attend legal seminars, workshops, or local bar association events to meet potential colleagues and clients. Building relationships can help you gain insights into the firm’s culture and the specific challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the firm thoroughly before your interview. Understand their approach to contentious probate and family law, and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their values and goals. This will show your genuine interest in the role and the firm.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision for developing the contentious probate division. Think about innovative strategies for business growth and client engagement that you could implement. This demonstrates your entrepreneurial mindset and readiness to take ownership of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your mentorship experience during discussions. Since the role involves growing a team, showcasing your ability to train and support junior solicitors will be crucial. Share specific examples of how you've successfully guided others in their professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Associate contentious Probate Solicator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in contentious probate. Discuss specific cases you've handled and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Qualifications: In your CV, clearly list your qualifications, including your SRA registration and any memberships with professional bodies like STEP. Emphasise your extensive experience (8+ years PQE) in contentious probate and related fields.
Demonstrate Your Entrepreneurial Mindset: In both your CV and cover letter, illustrate your entrepreneurial mindset by providing examples of how you've previously developed business areas or driven growth in your practice. This will align with the firm's goal of expanding their contentious probate division.
Express Your Vision: In your cover letter, outline your vision for growing the contested probate division. Discuss potential strategies for business development and how you plan to build client relationships, which is a key aspect of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Factory 8 Consultancy Ltd
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in contentious probate and estate litigation. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled, focusing on the complexities and successful outcomes you've achieved.
✨Demonstrate Empathy
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to convey your empathetic approach to client interactions. Share examples of how you've supported vulnerable clients through challenging legal situations, showcasing your ability to provide both legal and emotional support.
✨Discuss Business Development Strategies
Since this position involves growing a new division, come prepared with ideas on how to identify market opportunities and develop referral networks. Discuss any previous experiences where you've successfully driven business growth in a legal context.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Highlight your ability to work effectively within a small team and your experience mentoring junior solicitors or paralegals. Discuss how you plan to collaborate with the broader family law and inheritance team to provide seamless services.