At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a nationally recognised Wills, Trusts & Estates Disputes practice.
- Company: Award-winning Legal 500 law firm with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Salary up to £130,000, hybrid working, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and autonomy in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a specialist practice and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 10+ years' PQE in Wills, Trusts & Estates Disputes and leadership ambition.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Contentious Probate Partner, or an ambitious Legal Director / Senior Associate ready to step into Partnership, to lead and shape the future of a nationally recognised Wills, Trusts & Estates Disputes practice within an award-winning Legal 500 law firm.
This is far more than a traditional Partner appointment, but rather an opportunity to become the driving force behind a specialist practice, with the autonomy, investment and support to build something truly exceptional. Recognised in both the Legal 500 and Chambers High Net Worth Guide, the firm's Private Client offering enjoys an outstanding reputation for advising high-net-worth individuals, families, trustees and executors on complex and often high-value disputes.
Supported by a strong national presence and international offices in Europe, the team regularly advises on sophisticated cross-border matters rarely found outside the UK's leading private wealth practices.
The Opportunity:
You will take responsibility for leading and developing the firm's national Wills, Trusts & Estates Disputes offering, working alongside an established and highly regarded Private Client department that generates significant internal referrals. The role offers true autonomy to shape the direction of the practice, mentor and develop lawyers, and play a key role in the firm's continued strategic growth.
You would advise on a broad range of complex contentious probate matters, including:
- Inheritance Act claims
- Will validity disputes, including capacity and undue influence
- Trust and trustee disputes
- Executor and personal representative disputes
- Proprietary estoppel claims
- Court of Protection litigation
- Construction and rectification claims
- Complex domestic and international estate disputes
Alongside an excellent existing client base, you will be encouraged and supported in further developing your own practice, with access to market-leading business development resources, including sophisticated CRM and client relationship technology, dedicated marketing support and an established referral network across the wider firm.
What the Firm Offers:
This represents a rare opportunity to become the figurehead of a nationally recognised specialist practice within a progressive, people-focused firm that continues to invest heavily in its Private Client offering. You would be entitled to:
- Salary up to £130,000, dependent on experience, billings and business development credentials
- Discretionary individual and team bonus scheme
- Hybrid working (two days working from home following probation)
- 30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- Birthday leave, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve leave
- Private healthcare
- Enhanced matched pension contributions
- Genuine autonomy to build and lead a national specialist practice
- High-net-worth, complex and often multi-jurisdictional work
- Clear strategic investment in the growth of the department
Ideal Pre-Requisites:
Applications are welcomed from experienced Contentious Probate Partners or senior lawyers with approximately 10+ years' PQE who can demonstrate:
- Substantial expertise in Wills, Trusts & Estates Disputes
- Strong reputation within the market
- Business development capability and commercial awareness
- Experience supervising and developing lawyers
- Ambition to lead and grow a HNW specialist practice
- A following would be advantageous but is by no means essential; candidates with a proven billing history, strong referral relationships and genuine leadership ambitions are especially encouraged to apply.
If you are looking for a Partnership opportunity wherein to steer the future direction of a specialist practice while advising on market-leading work, this role offers an outstanding platform to do so.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with Jack Cooper at QED Legal.
Partner & Head of Wills, Trusts & Estates Disputes - Bristol - Up to £130,000 - Legal 500 & Chambers employer: qed legal
As a leading global law firm, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and supportive culture that empowers our employees to excel. The Head of AML role not only offers a senior leadership position with exposure to complex, high-profile matters but also provides exceptional benefits and genuine opportunities for professional growth and influence within the firm. Join us in London, where you can make a meaningful impact while working alongside a team of dedicated professionals committed to excellence in compliance and financial crime prevention.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partner & Head of Wills, Trusts & Estates Disputes - Bristol - Up to £130,000 - Legal 500 & Chambers
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We think you need these skills to ace Partner & Head of Wills, Trusts & Estates Disputes - Bristol - Up to £130,000 - Legal 500 & Chambers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at qed legal, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in qed legal and the specific role of Partner & Head of Wills, Trusts & Estates Disputes - Bristol - Up to £130,000 - Legal 500 & Chambers. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for qed legal’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at qed legal
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at qed legal.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at qed legal.
