TEID Associate (NQ-3 PQE)

About Withers

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

About the Trust, Estate and Inheritance Disputes (TEID) team at Withers

Withers is top ranked for trust and succession disputes, with the world's largest team of inheritance lawyers dedicated to them. Noted for ‘outstanding professionalism and advice’ in Chambers and Partners’ High Net Worth guide. The team is supportive and completely committed to their clients and put their best interests at the heart of what they do, offering pragmatic advice to suit every client's needs. The team undertakes work including but not limited to advising on all types of trust and probate disputes, removal of executors and trustees, contentious trust and estate administrations, construction and rectification of wills and trusts, variations of trust by court application, stress testing wills and trust structures, Inheritance Act Claims, professional negligence, charities, and Court of Protection matters both financial and health and welfare. A significant part of the team's work has an international element and can involve litigation elsewhere, in particular in the courts in the usual offshore trust jurisdictions. 

Only a small percentage of our cases end up in court. In our view going to trial is rarely in the best financial or personal interests of clients. However, this does not mean compromising on results. There are many forms of alternative dispute resolution, which help our clients resolve their disputes quickly and privately. Should court proceedings prove unavoidable, we are renowned for our ability to win the most complex onshore and offshore cases. With offices around the world, including London, New York, New Haven, California, Hong Kong and Singapore, our experienced cross-border trust and estate solicitors achieve excellent results for our clients, resolving issues quickly and cost-effectively.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a junior to mid-level associate to join the friendly and busy TEID team in the firm's London office. 

The team comprises 4 partners, a senior counsel, 4 senior associates, 4 junior associates, two part-time knowledge lawyers / PSLs, two trainee solicitors and a paralegal.   

The team works closely with the firm's Private Client, Commercial Litigation and Family law teams as well as other practice areas.  Collectively and individually the team have been recognised and/or top-ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers High Net Worth directories.  In 2023 the team was short-listed for the STEP Contentious Trusts and Estates Team of the Year.    

 Areas of focus and responsibilities

• Responsibility will be offered at an early stage on all aspects of trust and probate disputes work, including initial case review and strategy, liaising with the client and counsel and other team members, drafting correspondence, preparing for and attending hearings and mediations.
• The client base will consist of a mix of individual clients, trustees and other professionals, some of whom will be based outside the UK, and a wide range of household name charities for whom the team acts on legacy disputes. 
• The role will cover the full range of trust and probate disputes involving proceedings in the English court, the Court of Protection, and international trust or probate disputes involving cases in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Cayman Bermuda etc. and as well as hostile litigation can include administrative court proceedings, for example trustee directions/blessings or Variation of Trusts Act applications.  
• A number of cases will involve cross-jurisdictional working with other Withers' offices in the US/Europe/Asia. 
• The role will also involve contributing to the team's profile and undertaking business development activities for example writing articles/posts, attending events/conferences and building networks with private wealth contacts/intermediaries including offshore and peer firms and counsel.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for the performance of this job, and as such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Key skills and experience

• NQ-3 years post qualification experience
• Excellent academics and the benefit of a broad training in a well-regarded firm
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Effective team player - able to work effectively in an established, close-knit team
• An enthusiastic and engaged attitude with excellent people skills and a good, clear communication style
• A willingness to take responsibility and ability to form strong working relationships across all areas of the practice
• Excellent technical ability and solid drafting skills
• Ability to communicate and handle client contact (both internal and external) from the outset 
• A commercial and pragmatic outlook
• Familiarity with technology 

The Essentials

• Working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
• Six-month probation period
• 12 weeks' notice period
• Hybrid working
• Flexible benefit package

For further information, please contact Recruitment Team.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withers endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withers operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement 

It is the policy of Withers to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.      

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