Contentious Trusts & Probate Associate- Leading Law Firm

Hunters Legal is working with a leading London law firm to support the growth of its highly regarded Contentious Trusts & Probate / Trusts & Estates Disputes team. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Associate to join a collaborative and high-performing environment, advising on complex, high-value private wealth disputes for a sophisticated, often international client base.

Firm Overview

A leading London law firm with a strong reputation for advising a diverse and high-calibre client base, including private individuals, family offices, entrepreneurs and international businesses. The firm combines deep sector expertise with a full-service offering, delivering commercially focused and tailored legal solutions.

Known for its collaborative and collegiate culture, the firm provides a supportive and dynamic environment with a clear focus on professional development, progression and long-term career growth. Its approach blends technical excellence with a strong emphasis on client relationships, discretion and strategic thinking.

Team Overview

The Contentious Trusts & Probate / Trusts & Estates Disputes team sits within the wider Private Client offering and advises on complex, high-value and often multi-jurisdictional disputes.

The team acts for a sophisticated client base including high and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, trustees, fiduciaries, beneficiaries and family offices. Matters frequently involve international elements, offshore structures and sensitive family dynamics.

Working closely with colleagues across private client, tax and litigation, the team delivers a fully integrated service, combining technical expertise with a pragmatic and commercially aware approach.

Role Overview

The firm is seeking an Associate to join its growing disputes team. This is an excellent opportunity to work on complex, high-value and often cross-border contentious private wealth matters alongside highly regarded practitioners.

The successful candidate will be involved in all stages of disputes, from initial strategy and risk assessment through to mediation, alternative dispute resolution and High Court litigation.

Key Responsibilities

Advising on a broad range of contentious trusts and probate matters, including:

• Challenges to the validity of wills, including capacity and undue influence.
• Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
• Breach of trust and fiduciary duty claims.
• Disputes relating to the administration of estates and trusts.
• Cross-border succession disputes and offshore trust litigation.
• Managing a varied caseload with appropriate supervision, while supporting on complex and high-profile matters.
• Drafting high-quality pleadings, witness statements and client correspondence.
• Advising clients strategically, balancing technical advice with commercial and personal considerations.
• Preparing for and attending mediations, settlement discussions and court hearings.
• Advising trustees, executors and fiduciaries on duties, risk and dispute resolution strategies.
• Supporting business development initiatives, including client engagement and thought leadership.

Candidate Profile

• Experience in contentious trusts and probate / private wealth disputes gained at a well-regarded firm.
• Strong technical knowledge of trust and estate litigation, including high-value and cross-border matters.
• Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with a sophisticated client base.
• Commercial awareness and an appreciation of the sensitive nature of private wealth disputes.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively across teams.
• STEP and/or ACTAPS qualification (or progress towards) is advantageous but not essential.

This opportunity offers high-quality work, exposure to complex international matters and a clear platform for progression within a supportive and highly regarded team.