Job Description
Contentious Trusts & Probate Disputes Associate
Location: London
Salary: £70,000 – £110,000 + HNW Private Capital Focus
Are you a Contentious Trusts and Probate Associate looking to handle complex, high-value, and cross-border disputes for an exceptional client base including UHNW individuals, family offices, and international fiduciaries? Our client is a prestigious, top-tier London law firm renowned for its vibrant, collegiate culture and stellar reputation in private capital, media, tech, and private client work. They are seeking an ambitious Disputes Associate (4–6 PQE) to join their expanding Contentious Trusts & Probate practice.
The Opportunity
In this engaging specialist role, you will work closely with leading partners across the firm’s Private Client & Tax group, managing a varied and high-profile caseload of trust and estate disputes. Balancing independent conduct of smaller matters with key supporting roles on complex, multi-jurisdictional litigation in the High Court, you will advise clients across the UK, Middle East, and US. Positioned within a dynamic firm that actively invests in its associates, this post offers transparent career development pathways toward Senior Associate and Legal Director.
Key Responsibilities & Requirements
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Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 4–6 years’ PQE specializing in contentious trusts and probate work, gained within a respected national, City, or top-tier private client practice. Full ACTAPS or STEP membership (or active progress towards) is highly desirable.
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Core Disputes Expertise: Proven track record handling Will validity challenges, 1975 Act claims, breach of trust/fiduciary duty claims, trustee/executor removal, and complex cross-border succession disputes.
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Litigation & ADR Mastery: Hands-on experience managing CPR procedures, drafting persuasive pleadings and witness statements, preparing for mediations, and supporting High Court trial proceedings.
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Client Engagement & Advisory: High level of discretion and commercial confidence when dealing directly with UHNW clients, family office directors, trustees, and foreign counsel.
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Business Development: Proactive involvement in team marketing, thought leadership, and networking across the private wealth sector.
Package & Benefits
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Base Salary & Bonus: £70,000 – £110,000 per annum (dependent on PQE and experience level) plus a performance-related bonus scheme.
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Career Progression: Transparent promotion pathways backed by bespoke leadership development programmes, ACTAPS/STEP support, and fully funded CPD.
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Work-Life Balance: Supported hybrid working model in modern central London office premises, promoting flexibility within a collaborative, non-hierarchical culture.
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Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive private medical insurance, generous pension contribution, life assurance, income protection, and extensive wellness initiatives.
How to Apply
To explore this opportunity in confidence and discuss next steps, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:
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Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence.
Contentious Trusts & Probate Disputes Associate in London employer: Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
Join a highly respected independent accountancy practice in Leeds, where your ambition and expertise as an ACA or ACCA qualified accountant will be valued. With a strong focus on career progression, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to mentor junior team members, this role offers a fulfilling opportunity to build lasting client relationships while contributing to the firm's growth.
Contact Details:
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Recruitment Team
