Paralegal - Contentious Trusts/Probate - Tier 1 City Law Firm
The Stephen James Partnership
Job Description
The Firm
A leading Tier 1 City law firm renowned for its work with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and trustees. The Contentious Trusts and Probate team advises on complex, often multi-jurisdictional disputes, including will challenges, trustee disputes, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and inheritance disputes involving international assets and structures.
The Role
The team is seeking a paralegal with at least 9 months' relevant experience to support fee earners on a varied caseload of high-value, complex contentious trusts and probate matters. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in private wealth disputes within a market-leading practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing disclosure exercises, including document review, e-disclosure platforms, and preparing disclosure lists
- Preparing and indexing trial and hearing bundles
- Drafting witness statements, court applications, and pleadings under supervision
- Monitoring case timetables and ensuring compliance with court deadlines and directions
- Assisting with instructing counsel and preparing briefs for hearings, mediations, and trial
- Conducting legal research on multi-jurisdictional trust and probate litigation issues
- Attending court, mediations, and conferences with counsel where appropriate
- Liaising with clients, opposing solicitors, counsel, and overseas advisers
- Managing case files and ensuring compliance with firm and regulatory requirements
Candidate Requirements
- Minimum 9 months' experience as a paralegal within contentious trusts and probate, private client litigation, or a closely related contentious/dispute resolution practice area
- Strong academics; law degree or GDL preferred
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- High attention to detail and strong organisational skills
- Ability to manage a demanding workload and work well under pressure
- Genuine interest in private wealth and international disputes