Solicitor - Private Client Disputes (1-3 PQE)

Wedlake Bell's highly regarded Private Client Group (Legal 500, Chambers ranked, and a STEP Employer Platinum Partner) are recruiting a Solicitor (1-3 PQE) to join our Disputes team.

The Private Client Group (PC) consists of six distinct and successful teams – Onshore, Offshore (International), Disputes, Art & Luxury, Family, and Residential Property. Our clients range from HNW and UHNW individuals, family offices, entrepreneurs, stewards of landed estates, charitable trustees, executors, amongst others. Wedlake Bell has one of the longest-standing and most trusted Private Client practices in the City, and we pride ourselves on our relationships and reputation with our clients.

This Solicitor role sits primarily within our PC Disputes team (though you will work closely with colleagues across the Onshore, Offshore, and PC Disputes teams on a daily basis) delivering advice on a wide range UK and cross-border issues including estates and probate, contentious trusts, and vulnerable client disputes. You will receive first-class mentorship and training from our partners, as well as have the opportunity to work directly with our clients.

This is an excellent opportunity for a driven Private Client Disputes Solicitor (1-3 PQE) to join a thriving PC practice dealing with a variety of high-level work, where you will have real opportunities to develop your expertise and professional development. If this sounds interesting, and you have a background in private client work, we encourage you to apply.

Find out more about our Private Client Disputes practice here.

About Us:

Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members.

Our culture is widely-recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip and walking trips!), you will quickly feel like part of the WB team.

Examples of Recent Work:

• Acting for the trustees of a trust with assets worth approximately £20 million to vary the terms of the trust pursuant to the Variation of Trusts Act 1958 to extend the perpetuity period and update some of the trust provisions so as to align them more closely with a series of family trusts.
• Acting for the litigation friend of two minor children in a claim of undue influence or, in the alternative, a claim for reasonable financial provision pursuant to the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 relating to an estate worth in excess of £9 million.
• Advising in relation to a professional negligence claim against a professional consultancy services company seeking recission of two property trusts which gave rise to inadvertent tax consequences in the sum of £150,000

Key Responsibilities:

Working on a range of private client disputes matters, including:

• Trusts disputes, breach of trust claims and trustee/beneficiary disputes;
• Inheritance disputes, challenges to the validity of wills, removal of executors, and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975;
• Court of Protection matters such as statutory wills, disputes regarding the appointments or actions of attorneys, as well as, other cases concerning people lacking capacity to manage their own affairs;
• Advising settlors who are establishing trusts on risk management issues, such as the treatment of a trust's assets on the divorce or bankruptcy of a beneficiary; and
• Although the role predominantly focusses on contentious matters, there will be times when you will be expected to advise on non-contentious private client matters.
• Acting as the day-to-day contact for advising clients on ongoing or new matters; and
• Developing the team's practice by promoting the firm and its work, both to existing and potential clients.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience working in a recognised private client practice, with experience dealing with a range of complex trust and estate disputes;
• Ideally, you will have some exposure to Court of Protection matters, though not essential;
• At least 1-3 years PQE advising on contentious private client matters;
• Be a qualified Solicitor in England & Wales;
• Ideally STEP qualified (or willing to undertake STEP qualification);
• A clear and developed understanding of private client law and its commercial application;
• Strong client relationship and business-development skills;
• Strong academic history and ability to "think outside the box" and analyse; and
• A high level of professionalism and integrity.

Why Join Us?

• A competitive starting salary and bonus;
• A comprehensive pension plan;
• 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;
• Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;
• Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;
• Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;
• Enhanced parental leave policies;
• Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services;
• Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships; and
• A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.

If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.