Solicitor - Contentious Probate - Somerset - 5+ Years
PQE Location: Somerset
Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time
Salary: £55,000 to £75,000 (DOE, with annual reviews)
A respected regional law firm is seeking a Contentious Probate Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (5+ years' PQE, with litigation rights) to join its busy Wills, Trusts & Estate Administration and Dispute Resolution Departments. This is an excellent opportunity to take a leading role in developing a dedicated Contentious Probate team within a supportive, collaborative environment where high-quality client service is central to the firm's ethos.
The Role
You'll be responsible for managing a varied caseload of contentious probate, contentious trusts and estate matters, including:
- Running your own caseload from instruction through to conclusion
- Regular client contact, including face to face meetings
- Providing tailored advice in each client's best interests
- Progressing matters efficiently and keeping clients updated on costs and progress
- Managing day to day cash balances (with support from the cash office team)
- Assisting Partners with marketing initiatives and business development
- Maintaining compliant, well organised files
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Ensuring confidentiality and security of all client information
Candidate Requirements
This role is suited to a qualified solicitor or chartered legal executive with:
- 5+ years' PQE in contentious probate or related contentious trusts/estates work
- Recent experience managing their own caseload independently
- Strong communication and client care skills across telephone, written and face to face interactions
- Initiative, flexibility and a proactive approach to supporting the wider team
- Strong organisational skills and diary management
- Excellent attention to detail and typing skills
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and PDF software
- Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively
- Passion for contentious probate work and a strong work ethic
- Availability to work Monday-Friday 9:00-17:15
- A full, clean driving licence
- Proximity to Somerset and surrounding areas
Benefits
The firm offers:
- High-quality training and supervision
- Clear career progression pathway
- Monthly flexi-time allowance
- Generous annual leave, increasing with length of service
- Competitive salary with annual reviews
- Supportive culture and strong work-life balance
- Optional salary exchange for Workplace Pension Scheme
- Enhanced employer pension contributions
- Private medical insurance
- Annual flu vaccinations (optional)
- Corporate eye care scheme
- Free and discounted legal services
How to Apply
If this opportunity sounds of interest or you'd like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:
Email: oliviareed@chadwicknott.co.uk
Phone: 0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761
The firm is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made to support individual needs.
*At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.*
