Contentious Trusts and Probate Lawyer

  • Employment type: Full Time, Part Time
  • Team: Contentious Trusts and Probate
  • Location: Bristol City Centre

Due to continued growth, we have a fantastic opportunity for a Newly Qualified Lawyer (0-4 years’ PQE) to join our Contentious Trusts and Probate team in Bristol city centre.

Ranked in Legal 500 UK and recognised nationally for its expertise, the team advises on a broad range of high-value and complex disputes involving estates, Trusts, capacity issues, and inheritance claims.

Working closely with our Private Client, Court of Protection, and Family teams, you will benefit from a strong internal referral network and exposure to a wide variety of high-quality and often complex matters. The team is committed to developing and supporting long-term career progression.

The role

You will work alongside experienced specialists while progressively developing your own caseload. The work includes advising executors, trustees, beneficiaries, charities, attorneys, and deputies in relation to:

Disputes arising out of lifetime transactions

Grant disputes

  • Grant entitlement disputes and intestate estates
  • Caveats, warnings, and appearances

Will and Trust challenges

  • Rectification and construction claims

Disputes as to the validity of Wills, including on the grounds of:

  • Lack of due execution
  • Lack of testamentary capacity
  • Want of knowledge and approval
  • Undue influence
  • Fraudulent calumny
  • Fraud and forgery

Estate and trust administration disputes

  • Breach of Trust claims
  • Claims against personal representatives and trustees
  • Removal and substitution applications

Disappointed beneficiary claims

  • The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975
  • Proprietary estoppel
  • Constructive trusts

Claims against professional advisers

Skills and knowledge

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to understand and explain complex legal issues
  • Strong drafting skills
  • Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with empathy and sensitivity
  • Proactive, solution-focused approach with particular attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within the team and across departments
  • Strong research, analytical, and organisational skills

Marketing and business development

  • Enthusiasm for business development and networking
  • Willingness to engage in marketing strategies and initiatives

About us

Barcan and Kirby is well known in the Bristol legal market both as a provider of excellent legal services for individuals and businesses, and as a progressive employer.

We are committed to developing and nurturing our people, and encouraging positive wellbeing and mental health is central to our culture. We encourage open communication and foster a culture where colleagues are supported in achieving a real work/life balance.

At Barcan and Kirby, we work hard to maintain a culture of kindness and friendliness, and welcome applications from individuals who fit with our values.

We like to think that we do things a bit differently from other law firms.

The ideal candidate

  • A qualified Lawyer or FCILEx (0-4 years’ PQE), ideally with experience in litigation and/or private client work
  • Experienced in undertaking file work, ideally managing your own caseload
  • Confident in using and adapting to new electronic systems and processes
  • Enthusiastic about business development and networking

Location and working hours

  • Full-time (office hours are 9am – 5:15pm Monday to Friday)
  • Part-time will be considered
  • This role is based at our Prince House office in Bristol city centre, with the option to apply for hybrid working post-probation
  • Flexibility to work at our other offices when required

Salary

We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience, together with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Generous holiday entitlement
  • Pension scheme
  • Wellbeing support initiatives
  • Professional development and training opportunities
  • Paid professional memberships where applicable

Belonging at Barcan and Kirby

We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive working environment. We want you to bring your true self to work and encourage applications from anyone who embodies our values, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, disability status, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity or anything else that makes you, you.

If there is anything we can do to make things more comfortable for you as part of the application process, including making a reasonable adjustment, please let us know by emailing recruitment@barcankirby.co.uk.

How to apply

Ready to apply for this role? Send us your CV and cover letter using the form below. Got a question? Email our recruitment team.