Senior Associate Contentious Probate & Trusts Private Wealth Litigator

Senior Associate Contentious Probate & Trusts / Private Wealth Litigator

Location: Surrey

Salary: c.DOE/PQE

Are you an experienced Private Wealth Litigator seeking the autonomy to build and lead a dedicated Contentious Trusts & Estates sub-team within a premier regional practice Our client is an established highly regarded law firm in Surrey with a stellar reputation across Private Client and Dispute Resolution. Experiencing significant demand across their private wealth litigation division they are seeking an ambitious Senior Associate (6 PQE) to manage high-net-worth complex disputes lead sub-team growth and step into a high-visibility leadership track.

The Opportunity

In this key senior position you will take lead responsibility for managing high-profile contentious probate estate and trust matters for a diverse national client base of high-net-worth individuals trustees and beneficiaries. Working closely with the firms wider Private Client department you will oversee all phases of litigation from inception through to trial or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) whilst mentoring junior fee earners and spearheading departmental business development. Designed for a technically exceptional litigator with commercial ambition this role offers direct scope to shape and scale the firms contentious trusts offering.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Fellow of CILEx with a minimum of 6 years post-qualification experience (PQE) specializing in contentious probate trusts and estate litigation within a reputable UK private practice.

• Technical Mastery & Caseload Leadership: Proven track record independently managing complex high-value disputesincluding validity challenges testamentary capacity claims Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 applications breach of trust/trustee removal claims proprietary estoppel undue influence and estate administration issues.

• Court & ADR Expertise: Exceptional advocacy and strategic negotiation skills with extensive experience representing clients in court hearings mediations and joint settlement conferences.

• Specialist Accreditations: ACTAPS membership (or working towards) is strongly preferred. Experience or working knowledge of Court of Protection disputes is highly advantageous.

• Sub-Team Leadership & BD: Ability to supervise mentor and delegate work to junior solicitors combined with a track record of driving business development networking and cross-departmental referrals.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: base salary per annum (commensurate with PQE and technical background) plus a performance-related bonus scheme.

• Agile Working: Modern hybrid working arrangements (flexible office/home split) supported alongside core office hours.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays private medical cover workplace pension scheme paid professional memberships (e.g. ACTAPS STEP) and continuous CPD funding.

• Career Trajectory: Structured development pathway into Partner and Equity Partner positions within a supportive expanding practice.

• Culture & Support: Collaborative inclusive firm culture offering full administrative and secretarial support alongside steady internal referrals from a thriving non-contentious Private Client team.

How to Apply

To discuss this opportunity in complete confidence or request a full position profile please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email:

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence and candidate details are never shared without prior express consent.