Role: Contentious Probate & Civil Litigation Solicitor
Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Salary: £35,000 - £45,000
Contract: Full time, permanent, hybrid

CRA Consulting is working in partnership with a progressive regional law firm looking to appoint a Contentious Probate & Civil Litigation Solicitor to join its growing disputes team.
With an increasing focus on contentious probate and inheritance disputes, this is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor with around 1-3 years' PQE to develop their expertise across a varied range of contentious probate and wider civil litigation matters.
The role would suit someone looking to build on their existing litigation experience, take greater ownership of their caseload and develop their specialism within a supportive team, with access to experienced colleagues and ongoing technical guidance.

The Role

You will manage a varied caseload of contentious probate and civil litigation matters, advising clients from initial instruction through to resolution. Your clients will include individuals, executors, trustees and beneficiaries involved in a range of often sensitive disputes.
Alongside developing your contentious probate experience, you will have the opportunity to work on wider civil litigation matters, broadening your technical knowledge and strengthening your overall disputes practice.
As the team continues to grow, there will also be scope to contribute to the development of the firm's contentious probate offering and establish yourself within this expanding area of work.

Areas of Work

Your caseload is likely to include:

• Will validity and testamentary capacity disputes.
• Inheritance claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
• Executor and trustee disputes.
• Contested estate administration.
• TOLATA claims and disputes concerning beneficial ownership and property interests.
• General civil and commercial litigation.
• Settlement negotiations, mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a varied caseload of contentious probate and civil litigation matters.
• Advising clients on complex and sensitive disputes, providing clear and practical guidance.
• Drafting pleadings, witness statements, correspondence and court documentation.
• Developing case strategies and progressing matters towards resolution.
• Negotiating settlements and advising on appropriate dispute resolution options.
• Managing cases throughout the litigation process.
• Building strong client relationships and delivering a high standard of service.
• Working alongside senior colleagues on more complex and higher-value matters.
• Maintaining accurate case records and meeting procedural and regulatory requirements.
• Supporting the continued growth and development of the contentious probate team.

About You

We are keen to hear from Solicitors qualified in England and Wales with approximately 1-3 years' PQE and an interest in developing their career in contentious probate and civil litigation.
Ideally, you will have:

• Experience in contentious probate, inheritance disputes or general civil litigation.
• A good understanding of litigation procedures and case management.
• Exposure to TOLATA matters would be beneficial but is not essential.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.
• The ability to manage client relationships and provide clear, commercially minded advice.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• A professional and empathetic approach when dealing with sensitive disputes.
• The ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
• A genuine interest in developing your technical expertise and building a long-term career in contentious probate.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A varied caseload of contentious probate and civil litigation matters.
• Increasing responsibility and autonomy as your experience develops.
• Mentoring and technical support from experienced litigators.
• Clear opportunities for career progression within a growing team.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• The opportunity to contribute to the development of an expanding contentious probate practice.
• Scope to develop your own specialism and build your expertise in this area.

Apply

If you are a Solicitor with 1-3 years' PQE looking to develop your contentious probate experience, take ownership of your own matters and work within an established disputes team, we would be keen to hear from you.
This is an opportunity to join a firm with ambitions for growth and develop your career within a practice that offers both quality work and scope for progression.
For a confidential discussion, contact Lauren Hopkinson at CRA Consulting.
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