Contentious Trusts & Probate Solicitor - Senior Associate or Partner
Location: Hybrid (St Albans, UK)
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
PQE: 6+ years (Senior Associate/Partner level)

The Opportunity
A well-established and highly regarded law firm is seeking an experienced Contentious Trusts & Probate Solicitor to join its respected Wills, Trusts & Probate team at a Senior Associate or Partner level. This is an excellent opportunity for a specialist in this field to handle high-value and complex disputes, contribute to the growth of the department, and support the development of junior lawyers.

The firm's Legal 500 Tier 1 and Chambers HNW Band 1 ranked team is one of the largest and most experienced in Hertfordshire, attracting a diverse client base, including high-net-worth individuals, trustees, executors, and beneficiaries across the UK.

The Role
The successful candidate will advise on a broad range of contentious probate and trust disputes, including:

• Executor and trustee disputes, including applications for removal and breach of duty claims.
• Challenges to wills and trusts, including validity disputes.
• Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
• Court of Protection disputes, including contested powers of attorney.
• Liaising with third parties, experts, and other professionals.
• Supervising and mentoring junior solicitors.
• Business development and networking, helping to expand the department's client base.

Candidate Requirements

• 6+ years PQE in contentious trusts and probate (4+ years PQE considered for exceptional candidates).
• Strong technical expertise in probate litigation, trust disputes, and Inheritance Act claims.
• ACTAPS or SFE accreditation (or willingness to obtain one) is highly desirable.
• A proven ability to build strong relationships with clients, referrers, and colleagues.
• A commercial mindset with a proactive approach to business development.
• Experience supervising and supporting junior team members.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with case management systems and electronic filing is advantageous.

Why Join?

• Work within a Legal 500 Tier 1 and Chambers Band 1 ranked team.
• Opportunity to handle high-profile, complex contentious probate cases.
• Clear career progression, including partnership opportunities.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• A collaborative and supportive team culture.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious solicitor looking to further develop their career in a leading contentious trusts and probate practice.

If this opportunity sounds of interest to you, please contact Aidan McAvinue at Henderson Scott. Alternatively, if this opportunity is not for you, I am working on a number of different private client roles regionally and would be happy to talk to any private client lawyer.