Contentious Probate Partner / Head of Department – Lead, Grow & Shape a Specialist Practice

Cambridge | London | Peterborough (Hybrid Working) Partner Level Appointment

A Rare Leadership Opportunity in a High-Value Specialist Team

Are you an established Contentious Probate Partner, or a senior solicitor on the cusp of partnership, looking for the right platform to lead, influence and build something exceptional?

We are working with a highly regarded, private client‑led law firm seeking a Contentious Probate Partner / Head of Department to take ownership of a dedicated and strategically important specialist team.

This is not a “build from scratch” role. The work is already there.

You will step into a well‑established, stand‑alone Contentious Probate department with strong internal referrals, excellent quality work, and genuine support from one of the strongest Private Client teams in the region.

This is a leadership opportunity with real substance: inherit a successful team, shape its future direction, strengthen external referrer relationships, and position yourself at the centre of a growing and ambitious firm.

Why This Role Stands Out

Head of Department from Day One

This is a genuine leadership appointment with the autonomy, influence and visibility that senior lawyers look for.

You will lead the department, set the strategy, mentor the team and play a key role in the wider growth of the firm.

Strong Existing Workflow – No Need to Build from Zero

The firm is heavily private client‑led, meaning the Contentious Probate team benefits from a consistent flow of high‑quality internal referrals from Private Client, Family, Property and International teams.

You are not walking into an empty desk.

You are stepping into an established practice with immediate momentum.

High-Quality HNW and UHNW Client Base

Expect complex, interesting and often high‑value matters involving sophisticated clients, family wealth structures, trust disputes and international elements.

This is high‑level work where your expertise will be properly valued.

Genuine Strategic Influence

This is a firm investing in growth, and this role sits firmly within that plan.

For the right person, this is an opportunity to build legacy, not just billing.

The Role

You will lead and oversee a broad range of contentious trusts and estates matters, including:

• Will validity disputes (capacity, undue influence, knowledge and approval)
• Inheritance Act 1975 claims
• Executor, trustee and beneficiary disputes
• Trust disputes Proprietary estoppel claims
• Complex HNW and UHNW estate disputes
• International contentious probate matters

Alongside your own caseload, you will:

• Lead and develop the department
• Manage and mentor fee earners with a coaching‑led approach
• Drive business development and strategic growth
• Strengthen relationships with referrers and introducers
• Work collaboratively across departments on multi‑disciplinary matters

About You

This role is ideal for someone who is:

• Already operating at Partner level, or a very strong Senior Associate / Legal Director ready for that next step
• A specialist in Contentious Probate / Contentious Trusts & Estates Commercially minded with a strong business development track record
• Comfortable leading teams and developing people
• Confident with HNW and UHNW clients
• Looking for a genuine long‑term leadership platform

ACTAPS / CTAPS membership would be highly advantageous.

Why This Firm?

This is a firm where senior lawyers stay because they are trusted, supported and given room to lead.

You will benefit from:

• Strong internal referral networks
• Excellent central support across compliance, marketing, HR and operations
• A collaborative partnership structure
• Clear leadership layers and realistic expectations
• A firm that understands succession planning and long‑term career investment

This is a serious opportunity for someone ready to step into a defining role.

What’s On Offer

• Competitive partner‑level remuneration tailored to experience and contribution
• 30 days annual leave plus birthday leave and additional Christmas closure
• Private medical insurance (family cover at partner level)
• Health cash plan
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Enhanced family‑friendly benefits
• Hybrid and flexible working across Cambridge, London or Peterborough

Interested? Let’s Talk

If you are ready for a role that offers real leadership, strong work quality and genuine long‑term opportunity, we should talk.

For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Clara Rose clara@clararoseconsultancy.co.uk 07971 493048

Even if this role is not quite the right fit on paper, it is always worth a confidential conversation.

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