Private Client Solicitor - Contentious Probate

WSP Solicitors are a growing, Gloucestershire based legal practice, with offices in Stroud and Gloucester. The business has been providing legal services to the people of Gloucestershire for over 250 years. WSP specialise in a vast range of personal and commercial law.

• Committed to the development of our staff.
• Focused on improving our technology and the ease of access to legal services, for our clients.
• Dedicated to building a positive, strong and inclusive working culture within the business.

• Being a part of an exciting, growing business who truly put clients first.
• The opportunity to have a hybrid-style, flexible working pattern, based between the office and home.
• Salary based on experience and the value you can bring the firm. Including an Employee Pension Scheme.
• The ability to develop yourself professionally through internal and external training. We invest in you, if you invest in us!
• 24 days of annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• A variety of employee benefits including Life Assurance, Corporate Healthcare Plan, Flexible/ Hybrid Working, Bonus Scheme, Opticians Scheme, Free Parking, Staff Discounts and Christmas Saving Club.

• Established role within the Private Client Department.
• Proven background and demonstrable enthusiasm for Private Client work. To include:
  • Contentious Probate work to include but not limited to claims under Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants Act) 1975.
  • Preparation of Wills.
  • Administration of Estates for business and private clients.
  • Lifetime and Post-Death Tax Planning.
  • Lasting Powers of Attorney.
  • Court of Protection Orders.
  • Residential and Nursing Care Issues.
  • Trust formation and administration.
• Excellent opportunity to gain skills and experience and have a hand in the development of a long established, forward-thinking and expanding firm.
• The role will also involve active participation in the firm's marketing, article drafting, PR, business development, social media and networking activities, as appropriate.

• Circa 3 years PQE.
• The STEP or SFE qualification would be preferred but is not essential.
• Knowledge of the law relating to Contested Wills and Inheritance Act claims.
• Demonstrable experience of successfully having acted for clients in contentious Probate matters.
• Ability to advise and progress claims on behalf of a dependent under IPFDA 1975.
• Experience in a variety of different areas of dispute in Probate, including disputes over the validity of a Will, capacity of the testator and disputes as to an estate administration and costs charged by the person administering an estate.
• Preparation of responses to a Larke v Nugus request.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the preparation of Wills (including Wills incorporating measures aimed at asset protection and mitigation of tax).
• Fundamental principles of inheritance, capital gains and income tax and their application in an estate planning context.
• Knowledge relating to formation, administration and taxation of trusts; administration of estates; deeds of variation.
• Preparation and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney; providing specialist advice for elderly clients.
• Ability and willingness to learn and manage workload in an efficient and organised manner and meet clients' demanding requirements.
• Able to communicate very well in writing using correct grammar and plain English.
• Enthusiastic, willing and strong team player, have an excellent balance between technical ability and commercial awareness.
• Possess strong organisational and inter-personal skills and be IT proficient.

If this sounds like you, please send a covering letter detailing your salary expectations along with your CV, quoting the job reference PCD/FE/1024 to .

"WSP Solicitors is an equal opportunities employer"