Rasima Begum

Profile

I am a Law Costs Draftsman. I have been in the client service industry for approximately 8 years, with a wide range of experience in areas such as judicial review, housing, clinical negligence, personal injury, immigration and industrial disease.

I currently focus on cases being funded by way of Legal Aid. I prepare Solicitors’ Bill of Costs to be served upon the Opponent. I also prepare Legal Aid Only Bills for submission to the LAA via CCMS.

My role also involves independently negotiating legal costs and preparing for detailed assessment proceedings. I would assess any given case globally and calculate the best possible result that could be achieved. Additionally, my research and logical reasoning skills have proven useful during litigious conversations with the Opponents. As a result, I continue to secure the best cost result for my clients.

Having recently been exposed to Legal Aid element work with a strong Inter Partes element, I have the opportunity to really exercise my legal costs knowledge here at Cost Law Services. This has given me a broad understanding of what the Legal Aid Agency look for in cases and how assessments are carried out.

I have adopted a pragmatic approach to handling my cases, which has resulted in promising settlements for my clients. I have the ability to deal with a matter from beginning to end and give my clients the assurance that all issues can be dealt with, within a timely and professional manner.

Education

I obtained an LLB (Hons) degree from University of South Wales, Glamorgan in 2014. Prior to studying law, I studied Secondary Teaching at University of South Wales, Newport in 2010. This was a one year course followed by a work placement at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic High School, Newport.

Career

I come from a handful of reputable law firms, including Slater & Gordon Lawyers, Hugh James Solicitors, Cordner Lewis Solicitors and Newlaw Solicitors. I worked as a paralegal in the medical and care sector until 2018, after which I moved into a different area of law to begin working as a Costs Draftsman at Slater & Gordon Lawyers.

Notable Cases

Supreme Court

A recent case of interest involved a Claimant who suffered extensive abuse at the hands of their partner and his family, including numerous forced abortions, a miscarriage from physical abuse and being left with physical scarring from having boiling water poured on her. The Claimant was subject to further abuse when she eloped to the UK on a visitor’s visa, where she was trafficked into prostitution and experienced emotional, physical and sexual torture. The Claimant filed judicial review proceedings challenging the Defendant’s failure to identify her as a victim of trafficking and the decision to remove her. Eventually, the Defendant deferred removal and agreed to reconsider the reasonable grounds decision. I prepared the bill of costs for this matter, negotiated the same and was able to recover a settlement with a recovery of over 60%.

Interests

In my spare time I enjoy travelling and exploring different cultures and countries. I like to spend time with friends and family and have a keen interest in baking. I enjoy fitness activities and am a strong believer in a healthy body supporting a healthy mind.