Senior Associate/Court of Protection Solicitor (4+ PQE)

An established regional law firm with a strong reputation for private client and dispute resolution work is looking to appoint an experienced Solicitor to join its growing Contentious Private Client team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Solicitor with at least four years' PQE who enjoys handling complex, high-value disputes involving families, estates, trusts and vulnerable individuals. The successful candidate will take ownership of a varied caseload while working alongside recognised specialists in a supportive and collaborative environment.

This position offers genuine autonomy, high levels of client contact and a clear pathway for further progression.

The Role

You will advise private individuals, executors, attorneys, deputies, trustees and beneficiaries on a broad range of contentious private client matters, often involving sensitive family dynamics and significant financial interests.

Working closely with colleagues across Litigation and Private Client, you will be responsible for managing matters from initial instruction through to settlement or trial, providing practical, commercially focused advice throughout.

The caseload is varied and includes both standalone disputes and matters that overlap with wider estate, trust and wealth planning issues.

Typical Matters

Your work is likely to include:

• Court of Protection litigation involving property and financial affairs
• Deputyship and attorney disputes
• Mental capacity matters
• Applications concerning the appointment or removal of deputies and attorneys
• Financial abuse and safeguarding matters
• Trust and estate disputes
• Inheritance Act claims
• Disputes concerning executors and estate administration
• Alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and negotiated settlements
• High Court and Court of Protection proceedings where required

You'll work closely with counsel, medical experts, financial professionals and other advisers to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients navigating complex personal and financial disputes.

About You

Applications are welcomed from Solicitors with at least four years' PQE and experience in contentious private client work.

Suitable backgrounds may include:

• Contentious probate
• Court of Protection litigation
• Private wealth disputes
• Trust litigation
• Mental capacity work

You should be able to demonstrate:

• Strong technical knowledge of contentious private client law
• Experience managing complex matters with minimal supervision
• Excellent client relationship and communication skills
• Commercial awareness combined with sound judgement
• Strong drafting and advocacy preparation skills
• A measured and pragmatic approach to resolving disputes
• The ability to supervise, mentor and support junior colleagues
• An interest in helping develop both clients and the wider practice

Experience appearing before, or managing proceedings within, the Court of Protection would be advantageous, although candidates with strong transferable contentious private client experience are also encouraged to apply.

The Firm

You will join a progressive, full-service law firm recognised for delivering high-quality legal advice to private clients across a broad range of complex matters.

The culture is collaborative rather than hierarchical, with approachable partners, excellent quality work and a genuine commitment to developing Lawyers at every stage of their careers. Lawyers are encouraged to build lasting client relationships, contribute to business development and play an active role in the continued growth of the team.

What's on Offer?

You can expect an attractive package, including:

• Competitive salary
• Performance-related bonus
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Private healthcare
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Life assurance
• Generous annual leave, increasing with service
• Ongoing investment in professional development
• High-quality work with a loyal private client base
• Genuine long-term career progression into senior leadership

For further information or a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please get in touch.

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