Contentious Probate Lawyer

We have a fantastic opportunity for a qualified Solicitor or FCILEx with 0-4 years’ Post Qualification Experience (PQE) to join our Contentious Probate team in central Bristol.

The successful candidate will play an important part in the Contentious Probate team’s long-term growth and development.

The team

Under the umbrella of the Dispute Resolution department, the Contentious Probate team collaborates with other specialist teams, including Property Litigation, Employment, and Commercial Litigation, giving you access to a wealth of knowledge and support.

You will join a Legal 500 team that has a reputation for excellence in handling high-value, complex trusts and estate cases, both contentious and non-contentious.

Our senior team members are full members of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) and affiliates of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

The role

You will be helped to build your own caseload, advising on all types of contentious and non-contentious trust and probate matters, with support and supervision from an experienced and skilled team.

Your caseload will include:

  • Trust and Will disputes
  • Disputes arising out of lifetime transactions
  • Burial and ashes disputes
  • Grant disputes
  • Claims by and against Personal Representatives
  • Disappointed beneficiary claims
  • Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act 1975
  • Claims against Professional Advisers (professional negligence)

You will advise clients, draft any necessary documentation, ensure compliance with all relevant protocols, as well as attend hearings.

The scope of the role provides the opportunity to work alongside other departments, including Family, Court of Protection, and Probate and Estate Administration, exchanging advice on specialist case elements within a learning-focused firm environment.

The ideal candidate

  • Qualified Solicitor or Fellow Chartered Legal Executive (0-4 years’ PQE)
  • Experience in litigation and/or private client work and specialising in (or looking to specialise in) contentious trusts and probate
  • Strong organisational and communication skills
  • Client-focused, empathetic approach to emotional circumstances and complex issues
  • Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a busy team
  • An initiative-taking attitude toward professional development and contributing to the wider team’s success
  • IT proficient and confident in using modern case management systems
  • A member of ACTAPS and STEP, or exhibit a willingness to work towards membership

Location and working hours

  • Full-time
  • Part-time considered
  • The role is based at our Bristol city centre office, with the option to apply for hybrid working post-probation

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.

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

Send us your CV and cover letter using the form below. Got a question? Email our Recruitment team.