Contentious Probate Solicitor

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• Rare opportunity to build and lead a contentious probate offering from the ground up
• Strong pipeline of existing enquiries already being referred externally
• Clear pathway toward leadership and long-term progression within a highly respected Yorkshire firm

This is a genuinely rare opportunity for an experienced Contentious Probate Lawyer to establish and grow a specialist inheritance disputes offering within a well-established Yorkshire firm with a strong reputation, excellent infrastructure and significant untapped demand.

The firm is already receiving a high volume of contentious probate enquiries that are currently being referred externally, creating an immediate opportunity for the right person to step in and build a sustainable, profitable practice with full backing from senior leadership.

You’ll work closely with both the Wills, Trusts & Probate and Civil Litigation teams, benefiting from strong internal referral streams and support from senior leadership, while enjoying genuine autonomy to shape the direction of the department long-term.

This role would suit someone entrepreneurial and ambitious who wants more than simply managing a caseload. The opportunity here is to build something meaningful, developing a recognised contentious probate offering across South Yorkshire with the potential to recruit, mentor and lead a growing team over time.

The firm itself is known for its collaborative culture, excellent staff retention and commitment to progression and flexibility, making it an excellent environment for someone looking to combine high-quality work with long-term career development.

Who we’re looking for

• Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive with 5+ years’ PQE
• Strong experience handling contentious probate and inheritance disputes independently
• Technical expertise across Inheritance Act claims, disputed wills and trust disputes
• Comfortable acting as the technical lead within the firm
• Strong client care and communication skills
• Commercially aware with the ambition to help grow a specialist offering
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff desirable
• ACTAPS membership advantageous but not essential
• Entrepreneurial, collaborative and resilient personality

What you’ll be doing

• Managing a varied caseload of contentious probate and inheritance disputes
• Advising clients on disputed wills, Inheritance Act claims, executor disputes and trust disputes
• Building and developing the firm’s contentious probate offering
• Working closely with internal departments to develop referral streams
• Supporting business development and profile-raising activity
• Delivering high standards of client care on complex and sensitive matters
• Supervising and mentoring junior team members as the department grows
• Helping shape the future structure and direction of the team

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary depending on experience
• Structured fee-earner bonus scheme
• Firm-wide bonus scheme
• Hybrid working and flexible working patterns
• Flexi-time scheme with core hours of 10am–4pm
• Up to 4 flex days per year
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 3 additional discretionary Christmas closure days
• Contributory pension
• Social fund and regular team events
• Exceptional training and development support
• Genuine long-term progression toward leadership and shareholder level

Contact Bill Szajna-Hopgood

📩 [email removed]
📞 [phone removed]

If you’re looking for a rare opportunity to build and lead a contentious probate offering with real autonomy, strategic backing and long-term progression potential, contact Bill for a confidential chat.