The team

The Freeths Contentious Trusts and Probate (PCDR) team are a specialist group handling varied and complex cases. Mark Keely, Partner and Joint Head of Private Client Services, oversees the team, alongside Sarah Foster, and has over two decades worth of experience in contentious trusts and probate disputes including, will disputes and contested court of protection proceedings.

Based in Oxford, Sarah Foster's work has a strong emphasis on inheritance and trusts disputes and she deals with complex and varied matters surrounding the validity of a will, claims against estates for financial provision, trust disputes and also the removal of executors and trustees. Sally Goodger, also based in Oxford, is ranked Band 1 Chambers & Partners high Net Worth Guide for Private Wealth Disputes (2025 Edition) and is a Recommended Lawyer and Leading Partner in The Legal 500 (2026 Edition) in Contentious Trusts and Probate. She is a well-respected Director in the team with over 15 years of experience of managing complex and high-value private client disputes.

The group acts in a variety of high-value and complex disputes and is well-placed to handle cases with an international element. The group often advises on substantial claims under the Inheritance Act, as well as many other matters such as removal applications.

The wider Private Client Services team is 50 strong and spread nationally across our offices. For 15 consecutive years Freeths' Trusts, Estate and Tax lawyers have secured a Tier 1 ranking in the UK's leading legal directory, Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide.

About the role

The team are now looking for an Associate-level solicitor with 0 - 3PQE and with specialist contentious trusts and probate experience. In this role you will work closely with the senior members of the group, based in Oxford but also across all other offices. This role will offer the opportunity to develop professionally, working on high quality instructions alongside leaders in their respective fields. An interest and willingness to be involved in business development would be encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

• To work to a consistently high level and to provide an exemplary level of client service and care.
• Competent financial management and commercial awareness, including accurate time recording, billing, achievement of firm delivered targets and management of WIP.
• To contribute actively toward business development opportunities to ensure the retention of existing clients and expansion of business.
• To ensure at all times that you maintain up to date technical expertise.
• To be accountable for your own personal development and to continuously develop interpersonal and soft skills.
• To be competent at all times in accordance with the SRA competence standards
• To carry out any other such reasonable tasks that may be required from time to time.

Your skills and qualifications

• Have directly relevant previous experience and have the correct level of post qualified experience (PQE) for the role in question. We are open to candidates between 0 - 4 years PQE for this role.
• To have a strong commercial acumen and understanding of the industry and business of the client.
• A proven track record of competent financial management, ability to meet client expectations and sound case management skills.
• Good IT skills, experience, and confidence with using case management systems, electronic time recording and general Microsoft packages.
• To be a self-starting, friendly individual with excellent interpersonal skills.
• To be able to consistently demonstrate and embody the firm's values.

No agencies direct applications only. For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact the recruitment team !RecruitmentFreeths@freeths.co.uk.

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