Senior Associate – Wills & Estates, Melbourne

Join a well-established and growing Wills & Estates practice in Melbourne, offering the opportunity to manage complex estate litigation matters, build strong client relationships and develop your expertise alongside experienced practitioners. With a supportive and collaborative culture, hybrid working flexibility and genuine opportunities for career development, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced lawyer looking to take the next step.

While Wills & Estates is not our usual area of specialism, this client was simply too great an opportunity to pass up. We're genuinely excited to be partnering with them on this key appointment during a period of rapid growth and look forward to connecting with an exceptional lawyer who wants to make a meaningful contribution to the team.

The Opportunity

You will join a well-established and growing Wills & Estates team, working alongside LIV Accredited Specialists across estate planning, estate administration and estate litigation. With a strong focus on contentious probate and estate litigation, you will manage your own portfolio of matters from initial instructions through to resolution, provide clear and commercially focused advice on sensitive issues, and contribute to the development of the practice.

The role also offers opportunities to supervise and mentor junior lawyers, strengthen client and referrer relationships, and participate in business development initiatives. You will have the support of experienced practitioners while enjoying genuine client contact and a varied, challenging caseload.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage contentious probate and estate litigation matters, including will validity challenges, family provision claims, executor and trustee disputes, and powers of attorney and guardianship disputes.

• Develop case strategies, assess prospects and identify opportunities for early resolution while managing matters against court timetables and deadlines.

• Prepare and settle court documents, affidavits, submissions, correspondence and settlement documentation, and appear in mediations and hearings where required.

• Provide practical, commercially focused advice to clients on complex and sensitive legal issues, including prospects, strategy and costs.

• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and graduates, contribute to business development and referral relationships, and support the continued growth of the practice.

About You

• An Australian-admitted lawyer with at least 4 years' post-admission experience and a substantial focus on estate litigation.

• Strong experience managing contentious probate and estate litigation matters, including family provision claims, will challenges and executor or trustee disputes.

• Sound knowledge of succession and trusts law, relevant court procedures and practice directions, with strong drafting and advocacy skills.

• Excellent client-facing skills, with the ability to communicate sensitively, manage expectations and provide clear, practical advice.

• A proactive and collaborative lawyer who can manage a busy caseload independently while supervising and supporting junior team members.

What's on Offer

• A friendly, high-performing and collaborative boutique environment.

• Hybrid working arrangements and flexibility to support work-life commitments.

• Career development and mentoring from experienced practitioners, including LIV Accredited Specialists.

• The opportunity to supervise junior lawyers, build client relationships and contribute to practice growth.

• Additional benefits including two extra days of annual leave, wellbeing support and regular team social activities.

If this sounds like you, please apply today or reach out for a confidential discussion with Chantel Forster on:

chantel@elwynforster.com

+61 497 651 226

Elwyn Forster respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, live, learn and play. We are also committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.

Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.