Contentious Probate Solicitor / Senior Associate (5+ PQE)

Company: Clara Rose Consultancy
Apply for the Contentious Probate Solicitor / Senior Associate (5+ PQE)
Location: Colchester
Job Description:

Colchester | Hybrid Working | High-Quality Private Client Referrals | Excellent Benefits

Are you an experienced Contentious Probate lawyer looking to join a firm where you’ll inherit excellent quality work, work alongside respected specialists and have the opportunity to help shape a growing practice?

We’re working with a highly regarded regional law firm with an outstanding reputation for Private Client work. Due to continued growth, they’re looking to appoint a Contentious Probate Solicitor or Senior Associate to join their successful Dispute Resolution team in Colchester.

This is a fantastic opportunity to specialise in one of the fastest-growing areas of private client litigation, benefiting from a strong internal referral network, a supportive culture and genuine long-term career prospects.

Why This Role?

A Strong Pipeline of High-Quality Work – You’ll join a team with an established reputation in contentious probate and benefit from regular referrals from a respected Private Client department. The work is varied, interesting and often involves complex, high-value disputes.

Make Your Mark –This is an opportunity to play a significant role in the continued growth of the contentious probate offering. You’ll have autonomy to develop your own practice while helping to shape the future direction of this specialist area.

Mentor and Develop Others – As a senior member of the team, you’ll support and mentor a junior solicitor who is developing their contentious probate expertise, making this an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys sharing knowledge and helping others progress.

Join a Firm That Invests in Its People –You’ll become part of a collaborative, forward-thinking firm that continues to invest in its people, technology and long-term growth. Professional development is actively encouraged, and you’ll be supported to achieve your career ambitions.

The Role

You’ll manage a varied caseload of contentious probate and trust disputes, including:

  • Will validity disputes
  • Inheritance Act claims
  • Claims involving lack of capacity, undue influence and fraud
  • Executor and trustee disputes
  • Trust litigation
  • Estate administration disputes
  • Proprietary estoppel claims
  • Mediation, negotiation and settlement discussions
  • Court proceedings where required

Alongside your own caseload, you’ll work closely with colleagues across the Private Client and Dispute Resolution teams, helping to build strong client relationships and contributing to the continued growth of the department through networking and business development.

About You

We’re keen to hear from Solicitors or Chartered Legal Executives who have:

  • Around 5 years’ PQE or above in Contentious Probate (applications from more senior lawyers are also welcomed)
  • Strong technical expertise across trusts and estate disputes
  • The confidence to manage complex matters with minimal supervision
  • Excellent client care and communication skills
  • A commercial, pragmatic approach to resolving disputes
  • An interest in mentoring junior colleagues
  • Enthusiasm for business development and building long-term professional relationships

ACTAPS membership or accreditation would be advantageous but is by no means essential.

What You’ll Receive

Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy an excellent benefits package including:

  • Hybrid and flexible working
  • 25 days’ annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
  • Additional Christmas closure leave
  • Health cash plan
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Enhanced pension scheme with salary sacrifice options
  • Life assurance and income protection
  • Firm sick pay
  • Additional holiday linked to long service
  • Genuine opportunities for career progression within a supportive and collaborative firm

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Posted: August 4th, 2026