Job Description
Contentious Probate Partner
Location: Flexible – Multiple UK Office Options
Full-Service Law Firm | HNW/UHNW Work | Hybrid Working
Leadership Role | Partnership Opportunity | No Following Required
A highly regarded UK law firm is seeking an experienced Contentious Probate Partner to join its growing and specialist Private Wealth team. This is an exciting leadership opportunity to head a well-established and busy Contentious Probate practice, working exclusively on high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth estate matters ranging from six to ten figures.
The role sits outside the traditional Dispute Resolution team, within a dedicated and independent practice group that works closely with one of the firm’s largest revenue-generating departments – Private Client. This collaborative relationship provides a steady pipeline of high-value, complex work.
The Opportunity
You’ll be joining a full-service firm with over 200 professionals across multiple UK locations. The firm champions a people-first culture with a strong emphasis on work-life balance, career development, and supportive infrastructure that allows fee earners to focus on legal excellence.
The Contentious Probate team you will lead includes another Partner, a Senior Associate, an Associate, two Solicitors, a Paralegal, alongside a dedicated Legal Secretary who supports the entire team.
Support & Culture
What sets this firm apart is its robust business support function. With a centralised team of over 45 professionals spanning operations, HR, marketing, and client services, the support network is designed to remove administrative burdens from fee earners. All incoming client enquiries are handled centrally, and operational support is primarily based in the largest UK office, creating an efficient, streamlined experience for both lawyers and clients.
The firm promotes a truly balanced culture, with no expectation of out-of-hours work. Regular firmwide updates, wellbeing initiatives, and a progressive leadership team (including a CEO who remains a practising fee earner) demonstrate the firm’s commitment to transparency and engagement.
Key Requirements
* At least 3 years’ experience at Partner level, or a current Head of Department ready to step into Partnership
* Proven experience managing and mentoring a team
* A true specialist in Contentious Probate, not general litigation
* No following required – this is a growth and leadership role, not a client porting opportunity
* ACTAPS qualification is welcomed but not essential – support provided if desired
Working Model
* Hybrid structure – office presence encouraged (typically 3 days per week)
* Travel to other firm offices required approx. twice per month (all expenses covered)
* Locations available across multiple major UK cities
Benefits & Compensation
* Candidate-led salary – flexible depending on experience and expectations
* 30 days annual leave (Associate level and above), plus your birthday, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve off
* Private healthcare via Bupa and free healthcare cashback plans for you and your family
* 5% matched pension contributions
* Firm-wide and discretionary individual bonuses, with annual Partner bonuses for those in post
* Enhanced maternity pay, employee wellbeing days, paid volunteering, and much more
Additional benefits include access to a cycle-to-work scheme, electric vehicle leasing, tech and home purchase plans, hardship loans, free legal services, and tailored financial advice.