Contentious Probate Solicitor

We are searching for committed and experienced Contentious Probate Solicitor or Legal Executive to join our busy Wills, Trusts & Probate Department based at our offices in Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley.

Contentious Probate Solicitor Vacancy

Due to an increase of contentious probate client enquiries, we are recruiting for a contentious probate fee earner to assist with the team’s busy and growing workload. You will join our hardworking Wills, Trusts Probate, and Inheritance Disputes team.

The role will require you to work across our three South Yorkshire offices (Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley). You will provide high quality comprehensive legal advice to individuals seeking assistance in all aspects of Inheritance disputes, trustee and/or executor disputes and the validity of wills. 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is looking to relocate or move back to the South Yorkshire area.

This is also a rare opportunity for a contentious probate specialist looking to develop their knowledge and experience in an established and successful law firm and deal with an interesting and varied caseload.

The ideal candidate will ideally have at least 5+ years post-qualified experience and extensive knowledge of this area of law, be highly motivated, hardworking, and driven to achieve. Ideally you will be a member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS), although this is not essential.

There is also an opportunity for this position to be a dual role along with the dispute resolution position we have available, providing legal support for clients on all dispute enquiries.  

Whilst we are receiving a high volume of dispute enquiries, this is a fantastic and exciting opportunity for an experienced fee earner to grow and develop the role and lead the expansion of the disputes and contentious probate area of the firm.

Contentious Probate Solicitor Responsibilities

As part of your role, you will be able to:

– Manage a diverse caseload of complex and high value disputes.

– Provide expert legal advice and guidance to clients, understanding their individual circumstances and tailoring your approach to their specific needs whilst delivering high standards of client care and an excellent client experience.

– Work as part of a team where necessary to achieve excellent client focussed results.

– Meet the commercial requirements of the company through effective and efficient case management and successful outcomes.

– Contribute to the successful growth of the department and provide support to the directors by supervising and mentoring less experienced members of staff to enhance your own professional development, the client journey and the company’s vision.

About Howells Solicitors

Howells Solicitors is a well-established and highly regarded law firm serving clients across South Yorkshire—and nationwide in select areas of law.

With offices in Sheffield, Rotherham, and Barnsley, we provide expert legal advice and representation to individuals and families, offering both private and legal aid services. Our focus is on delivering high-quality, personal legal support across a broad range of areas, including property law, family law, wills and probate, criminal defence, and civil litigation.

Our Conveyancing team is known for its professionalism, efficiency, and client-focused approach. We are proud of our strong reputation in the region, with excellent client feedback and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Howells offer a wide range of benefits including:

Holiday Entitlement

We understand the importance of quality time – especially if you have a family at home. That’s why our holiday entitlement is designed to give you the time you need to truly switch off and enjoy life outside of work.

– Fee earners and managers receive 30 days of annual leave—well above the regional average for law firms.

– Support staff start with 23 days, increasing by 1 day each year of service up to 28 days, rewarding your commitment over time.

– Everyone also benefits from 3 additional discretionary days over the Christmas period, giving you more time to spend with loved ones during the holidays.

– On top of this, there are 8 bank holidays throughout the year.

Whether it’s school holidays, family travel, or simply time to recharge, we offer the flexibility and generous leave you need to make it all work.

Flexible Working

We believe that a healthy work life balance is important, so we’ve built flexibility into the way we work. We offer flexible working for many of our roles across the firm.

Whether it’s school runs, family commitments, or simply needing a bit more breathing room in your schedule, we offer a range of flexible working options designed to support you:

– Flexible working patterns are available for many roles across the firm, including opportunities for remote or hybrid working, depending on your position.

– Our flexi-time scheme means there is potential to adjust your start and finish times to better suit your family’s routine.

–  You’ll also have the option to take up to 4 flex days per year, in addition to your holiday entitlement giving you extra time for those moments that matter most.

We’re committed to helping you thrive in your role—without having to compromise on your personal and family life.

Other Benefits

And there’s even more to support you throughout your career with us. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits that reflect our commitment to your personal, professional, and financial wellbeing:

– Contributory pension scheme to help plan for your future

– Supportive, inclusive team culture, where 89% of our people choose to stay

– Group Life Assurance (death in service) after 2 years’ service

– STAR Award (Special Thanks and Recognition) – celebrating those who go above and beyond

– Exceptional training and development programmes, including alternative routes into law

– A firm-wide ethos of promoting from within, with clear, tailored career progression opportunities

– Sick pay and contractual maternity pay entitlements, offering added peace of mind for you and your family

– Recruitment bonus payments for successful referrals

– Access to a Social Fund to support team events and wellbeing activities

– A range of voluntary benefits including the Westfield Health scheme, Cycle to Work scheme, and staff savings scheme

We’re proud to offer a workplace where your success is nurtured—and your wellbeing supported every step of the way.

If you have any questions regarding this vacancy please contact Claire Bond, HR Manager on 0114 249 6763 or email [email protected]

Please send all completed applications to [email protected] with the position applied for in the subject line

Please note, individual feedback will not be given due to the number of applicants we receive.