Contentious Probate Lawyer (Hybrid or Remote) in Harrogate

Job Title: Solicitor / Associate / Senior Associate

Practice Area: Contentious Probate, Wills & Trusts

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience

IDR Law Limited - Overview

IDR Law is a specialist legal firm focused on delivering high-quality, client-centred services, particularly in complex contentious client matters around probate, wills, and trusts. We combine legal expertise with a structured, process-driven approach, from initial enquiry and case assessment through to delivery, ensuring matters are carefully screened and managed by the appropriate team member.

Based nationwide, with office hubs in Harrogate, Manchester and London, IDR emphasises professional excellence alongside innovation, with a collaborative model designed to support effective, commercially sound legal outcomes.

The firm offers a people-first environment built around flexibility, wellbeing, and meaningful career development. Employees benefit from a supportive culture with strong autonomy over their work, clear progression pathways, and structured onboarding and training. Workloads are actively managed to promote work‑life balance, including modest billable expectations and hybrid working with flexible hours, creating a sustainable and rewarding setting for long-term career growth.

Role Overview

The Solicitor/Associate / Senior Associate will manage a varied caseload of contentious probate matters, delivering high-quality legal advice and maintaining strong client relationships. The role offers the opportunity to take ownership of files while working within a supportive and collaborative team structure.

At Senior Associate level, there is an additional expectation to contribute to leadership, team development, and the wider success of the business, including mentoring junior colleagues and supporting strategic growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Legal & Technical Delivery

• Manage a caseload of contentious probate, wills, and trusts disputes from instruction to resolution
• Deliver clear, commercial, and pragmatic legal advice
• Ensure matters are progressed efficiently, with strong attention to risk management and compliance
• Maintain excellent file management, billing, and financial discipline

Client Care & Relationship Management

• Provide a consistently high standard of client service, building trust and long-term relationships
• Communicate effectively with clients, keeping them informed and supported throughout
• Contribute to client retention and ongoing development of relationships
• Meet or exceed individual billing and utilisation targets
• Support timely billing and cash collection
• Contribute to the overall financial performance of the team and firm

Business Development

• Support business development initiatives, including networking, referrals, and profile-raising
• Identify opportunities to generate new work and strengthen existing client relationships
• Contribute to marketing activities and thought leadership where appropriate

Team Contribution & Culture

• Act as a collaborative team player, contributing positively to team culture
• Support and mentor junior colleagues, sharing knowledge and expertise
• Demonstrate strong personal integrity, professionalism, and a proactive “can-do” attitude

Key Skills & Experience

• Qualified Solicitor (or equivalent) with experience in contentious probate or closely related litigation
• Strong technical expertise and a commitment to continuous professional development
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of financial performance within a legal practice
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organisational and case management abilities
• Professional integrity, sound judgement, and risk awareness

Personal Attributes

• Positive, proactive, and collaborative approach
• Strong work ethic with a willingness to go above and beyond
• Ability to build strong internal and external relationships
• Commitment to delivering excellent client outcomes
• For Senior Associates: clear leadership potential and a desire to develop others and contribute to wider business success

What’s on Offer

• High-quality, complex work within a specialist practice area
• Flexible and hybrid working environment
• Structured career progression with clear pathways to advancement
• Strong emphasis on work‑life balance and manageable workloads
• Supportive and collaborative team culture
• Ongoing training, development, and investment in your career

For a confidential discussion about your future with IDR Law, please contact Eleanor Stenson (Partner and Head of People) at eleanor.stenson@idrlaw.co.uk.