Inter Partes and LAA Costs Draftsperson x 2 - London

Inter Partes and LAA Costs Draftsperson x 2 - London

ROLE: 2X COSTS LAWYER, SOLICITOR, CHARTERED LEGAL EXEC OR LAW COSTS DRAFTSMAN WITH LEGAL AID AND INTER PARTES EXPERIENCE.

SALARY: COMPETATIVE

STATUS: PERMANENT

LOCATION: LONDON OFFICE

HOURS: FULL TIME/ PART TIME  - HYBRID

The Company will consider applicants wishing to work part time, full time or with flexible working hours. The Company will consider hybrid working. Accountability within a remote working culture is the norm within this business.

BACKGROUND

Cost Law Services Limited. - www.costlaw.com,  is looking for two costs professionals with Inter Partes and Legal Aid experience. We have  grown exponentially to form a team of over 30 Law Costs Draftsmen and Lawyers in the UK with immense experience in all aspects of costs law in the UK and 35+ staff abroad. Not only do we represent a leading legal aid practice on all their billing they are now focusing on growing their client base.

Our broad spectrum of billing varies across multiple areas of law with a sound knowledge of the costs system and the ability to manage client expectations and to ensure their cash flow is maintained.

Our work involves a wide variety of legal practice areas and including Court of Protection, Children Law, Clinical Negligence, Commercial Litigation, Family, Housing & Property Litigation, Immigration, Judicial Review and Personal Injury matters. This includes, all  the varied types of Bills, PODS; Replies; Negotiations; Budgets – (and relevant precedents\), PA and DA assessments etc.. 

The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge and experience in drafting bills and also excellent negotiation skills. We are seeking  experienced candidates who will ‘hit the ground running’.

THE ROLE - Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Report directly to Supervisor;
• Professional pro-active approach, strong client care skills and a proactive understanding of clients’ needs;
• Drafting 3 or 6 column Inter partes bills;
• Drafting Electronic Bills;
• To complete service of bills;
• Drafting POD’s/ Replies;
• Conducting Negotiations;
• Drafting Costs Budgets and relevant Precedents;
• Costs for summary assessment;
• Drafting of estimates of costs to accompany Allocation Questionnaires and Pre-Trial Checklists;
• Ability to set matters down for PA Assessment;
• Ability to set matters for DA assessment;
• To complete post –assessment work;
• To liaise and advise fee earners and support staff in relation to the variety of legal costs matters;
• Experience in corresponding with third parties – experts, counsel etc..
• Maintaining accurate time costing procedures on inter partes negotiations;
• Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly reviews ensuring that these are dealt with promptly;
• Ensuring compliance case management system updates;
• Experience in using Costs Master.

Key Skills Required

• Demonstrate passion and experience in a Costs Law;
• A strong academic background i.e. with a Law degree
• Legal experience as a Costs Draftsmen minimum 5 years or a Costs Lawyer/Solicitor/Chartered legal Exec -  minimum  3 NQ years
• Clear understanding and application of the civil procedure rules relating to costs
• Minimum of 3 - 5 years’ depending of qualifications and experience in drafting legal aid and Inter partes bills;
• Costs Negotiations Experience;
• Advocacy skills helpful but not essential;
• Business acumen and the ability to market the Company;
• Excellent communications skills to work effectively with all types of people;
• Excellent analytical and organisational skills and ability to use own initiative but know when to seek guidance ;
• Committed team player and ability to work independently,  self -motivated and professional ;
• Excellent IT Skills -familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills and Costs Master;
• Social media skill useful.

This list is not exhaustive and there may be other duties as reasonably required.

Rewards 

• 20 days annual leave
• Additional holiday accrual*
• Up to 4 days paid sick leave*
• Practicing Certificate renewed annually
• ACL Panel Membership and Accreditation/re Accreditation/ Reaccreditation fee paid for*
• Panel courses mandatory for Accreditation paid for*
• Access to vast range of training webinars / E-Library
• Automatic enrolment onto the Company’s pension scheme
• Childcare Vouchers
• Eye test vouchers
• Excellent progression opportunities
• Supportive team environment.
• Part time working
• Flexible working arrangements/ considered
• Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition

*terms and conditions apply

The company is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity and inclusivity of its staff and strives to ensure that their workforce reflects the diversity of the communities they serve.