Contentious Trusts and Probate Lawyer (0-4PQE), Bristol – Barcan+Kirby
| Job introduction |
| 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 the 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: + Undue influence + Deathbed gifts + 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: + Professional negligence in respect of Wills, trusts, and estate planning
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 |
| The ideal candidate |
| + A qualified lawyer or FCILEx (0-4 years’ PQE), ideally with experience in litigation and/or private client work and seeking to specialise in contentious trusts and probate work
+ Experienced 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 Membership of ACTAPS (the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists) is an advantage but we are happy to consider non-members interested in undertaking the ACTAPS course. |
| About us |
| Barcan+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. When we say we offer a work/life balance, we mean it. 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. |
| Hours and location |
| + 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 upon successful completion of your 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:
o Generous holiday entitlement o Pension scheme o Wellbeing support initiatives o Professional development and training opportunities o Paid professional memberships where applicable |
| Belonging at Barcan+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 |