Costs Draftsman/ Costs Lawyer

My client is seeking a skilled and motivated Costs Draftsperson to join their dynamic Costs Team.

As a third-party representative, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient management of legal costs.

Your responsibilities will encompass preparing bills of costs, schedules of costs, budgets, and replies, as well as engaging in negotiations with opposing parties.

Collaborating closely with our fee earners, you will contribute to the timely and effective recovery of costs.
Key Responsibilities

- Provide clients with accurate estimations of potential costs associated with legal proceedings before cases commence.
- Create detailed and precise bills of costs, outlining all expenses incurred during legal matters.

This includes professional fees, disbursements, and other relevant costs.

- Assist in costs budgeting, helping set and manage expected litigation costs as part of the case management process.
Engage in negotiations with opposing parties or their representatives to resolve disputes over costs and reach settlements.

- Support the assessment of legal costs when disputes arise, often appearing before a Costs Judge or Costs Officer in court.
- Attend detailed assessment hearings to present compelling arguments for your client’s costs and address any contentious points.
- In the context of legal aid, prepare claims for legal aid costs and represent clients during legal aid assessments.

Requirements

- Ideally, a minimum of 3 years’ experience as a costs draftsperson.
- Good understanding of CPR (Civil Procedure Rules), case law, and costs practice directions.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Commercial awareness.
- Proactive and flexible approach to work.
- Strong team player with a positive attitude.
- Excellent client care skills.

What We Offer

- Competitive Salary and Bonus Scheme
- Generous Holiday Entitlement
- Hybrid and Flexible Working Options
- Supportive, Approachable, and Friendly Working Environment
- Ongoing Professional Development and Training Opportunities
- Range of Benefits, including pension, health cash plan, discounted gym membership, and more.
- Employee-Ownership Trust: We are proud to be part of an employee-ownership trust.