Job Description
Dispute Resolution Solicitor Property Litigation & Contested Probate Leadership Opportunity
Salary:
Location: London
Are you an ambitious dispute resolution solicitor ready to take the helm of a growing contentious property and probate department
Our client a well-established London law firm with offices across Central and North London is seeking an exceptional lawyer to drive forward their litigation practice. This is a rare opportunity to shape departmental strategy build your own team and establish yourself as a leading figure in property and probate disputes.
About the Opportunity
Our client is looking for a high-calibre solicitor who can combine technical excellence with commercial acumen and business development capability.
This isnt just another fee-earning role its a genuine leadership position where youll have the autonomy to develop the practice area attract new clients and create a thriving disputes department. The firm values quality over quantity and is prepared to invest in the right individual who can demonstrate both expertise and entrepreneurial drive.
The Role: What Youll Be Doing
You will take ownership of a varied and sophisticated caseload of contentious matters including:
- Property litigation: landlord and tenant disputes boundary disputes easements and rights of way real estate litigation possession proceedings and lease disputes
- Contested probate: inheritance disputes challenges to wills (lack of capacity undue influence fraud) claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
- Trust and estate litigation: breach of trust claims removal of trustees trust construction disputes
- Related contentious matters: proprietary estoppel claims TOLATA disputes and professional negligence claims arising from property or probate matters
Beyond casework you will be expected to:
- Lead and develop the dispute resolution departments strategic direction
- Build and maintain strong client relationships with a focus on business development
- Supervise and mentor junior team members as the department grows
- Contribute to the firms profile through networking thought leadership and client seminars
The Ideal Candidate: What Were Looking For
Essential Requirements:
- Qualified Solicitorof England and Wales with5 years PQE(though exceptional candidates at different levels will be considered)
- Demonstrable expertisein property litigation and/or contested probate with a proven track record of successful case outcomes
- Excellent academic credentials strong degree classification and professional qualifications
- Strong career trajectoryshowing progression and increasing responsibility
- Proven abilityto manage complex high-value and reputationally sensitive disputes with strategic judgement
- Excellent client care skillswith demonstrable experience in building and maintaining client relationships
- Business development capabilitywith a track record of generating new work and expanding client base
Highly Desirable:
- Existing client followingand professional network that can be transitioned
- Experience in high-net-worth or complex commercial disputes
- Advocacy experience in County Court and High Court proceedings
- Track record of winning new clients and developing profitable fee-earning relationships
Whats On Offer: Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Competitive salary: depending on experience and client following (our client pays well for exceptional talent)
- Genuine leadership opportunityto head up and build the dispute resolution department
- Autonomy and strategic input shape the departments direction and growth
- Flexible working arrangements location flexibility available; the firm prioritises candidate quality over rigid location requirements
- Supportive professional environmentwithin an established and respected London practice
- High-quality workwith sophisticated clients on complex intellectually stimulating matters
- Career progressionwith clear pathway to partnership for the right candidate
- Professional development supportincluding training conferences and networking opportunities
- Competitive holiday entitlementand firm pension scheme
About Our Client
Our client is an authorised and regulated London law firm with a strong reputation for delivering exceptional legal services across multiple practice areas. With offices across Londonthe firm combines the personal service of a boutique practice with the resources and sophistication expected of a leading London firm. They pride themselves on their commitment to excellence integrity and building long-term client relationships.
Next Steps: How to Apply
If you have the credentials expertise and ambition to lead this practice area and build a thriving dispute resolution department we want to hear from you.
For a strictly confidential discussion about this exceptional opportunity please contact:
Mara Watson
Legal Recruitment Consultant
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Ltd
Please submit your CVoutlining your relevant experience current salary notice period and any existing client following you would be able to bring to the role.
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We welcome applications from solicitors at all stages of their career who meet the essential criteria outlined above.
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