Contentious Trust 2-3 Years PQE

About Payne Hicks Beach

Payne Hicks Beach is a leading 43 partner firm based in offices at 10 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn.  In total the firm comprises approximately 220 staff.

Renowned for our expertise in private client, family, and contentious trusts work, we are consistently recognised in Chambers and The Legal 500 as one of the top boutique firms serving high‑net‑worth and ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals.

Our offices are located in one of the finest squares in London, a building which the firm has occupied since 1770.

More information about the departments and the work of the firm may be found on our website, the address of which is www.phb.co.uk.

The Contentious Trusts & Estates Department

The team comprises three partners, two legal directors, three senior associates and three junior associates.

The successful candidate will work on a broad range of high-quality private wealth disputes, advising individuals, beneficiaries, trustees, executors, attorneys, deputies and charitable organisations.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop a specialist practice within a highly regarded team and gain exposure to complex and high-value domestic and cross-border disputes.

The Role

The successful candidate will assist with and manage, under appropriate supervision, a varied caseload including:

• Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
• Will validity disputes, including challenges based on lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, want of knowledge and approval, and fraud.
• Domestic and international trust disputes.
• Breach of trust and fiduciary duty claims.
• Executor and trustee removal applications.
• Court of Protection and attorney disputes.
• Proprietary estoppel and constructive trust claims.
• Estate administration disputes.
• Disputes involving charitable trusts and foundations.
• Alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and settlement negotiations.
• High Court litigation and procedural matters.

The role will also involve:

• Managing matters efficiently and proactively.
• Drafting correspondence, witness statements and other documentation.
• Conducting legal research and preparing advice for clients.
• Attending mediations, conferences, hearings and client meetings.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Assisting with business development initiatives, networking and profile-raising activities.
• Contributing to knowledge sharing and team development.

The Individual

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and attributes:

• Qualified solicitor ideally in England & Wales with 2–3 years’ PQE.
• Experience gained in a recognised contentious trusts and estates practice.
• Strong technical knowledge of contentious probate, trusts and estate disputes.
• Experience of High Court litigation procedures.
• Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills.
• Strong organisational and matter management abilities.
• Commercial awareness and a client-focused approach.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong academics.
• Ability to be proactive and reactive in addressing clients’ affairs and requirements.
• Ability to help build upon the firm’s existing business.
• Ability to get on well with the clients who cover a broad spectrum.
• Ability to keep abreast of changes in legislation and market developments.
• A practical working knowledge of IT.

Key Skills and Personal attributes

• Intelligent and commercially minded.
• Collaborative and approachable.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Resilient and capable of managing competing priorities.
• Motivated to develop a specialist practice and build long-term client relationships.
• Confident and sociable as well as discrete when dealing directly with clients.