At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare bills and manage costs claims while advocating for clients.
- Company: Join a dynamic legal team in Bolton focused on cost management.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, health support, and various employee perks.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in a supportive environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: 3 GCSEs including Maths and English; experience in costs drafting preferred.
- Other info: Remote work options available after probation; vibrant team culture.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 Β£ per year.
The Costs Draftsperson is responsible for preparing bills, schedules of costs and other pleadings, resolving costs claims predominantly as a receiving party representative.
Key Accountabilities
- Ability to draft bills of costs and recovery of costs through the Detailed Assessment process, including negotiating costs, drafting budgets either Claimant and/or Defendant and conduct own advocacy.
- Responsible for management of own caseload using in-house case management system including timely and accurate maintenance of the system along with billing and management information β ensuring completeness of records in order to aid business decision making.
- Responsible for hitting chargeable hours target every day.
- Delegation of tasks where available and appropriate to other members of the team.
- Drafting Bills and Schedules of Costs.
- Preparing replies and considering points of dispute, identifying strengths and weaknesses and preparing a document to reflect this.
- Preparing cost strategy reports, and providing strategic costs advice.
- Dealing with correspondence and telephone calls.
- Undertaking periodic reviews of files in line with Client requirements.
- Provide written updates by email or letter to clients detailing case activity to ensure that they receive up to date and accurate information about progress when requested.
- Conduct own advocacy or instructing advocate as required.
Experience, Skills and Qualifications
- Experience in a similar costs Draftsperson role - bill drafting and costs recovery for receiving party.
- Good understanding of the Detailed Assessment process, Cost Case Laws and Insurance Litigation practice & process.
- Previous experience of client liaison.
- Good standard of education β 3 GCSEβs grade C or above or equivalent including Maths, English & Science as a minimum.
- Good telephone negotiation skills.
- Previous experience of handling own caseload.
- Ability to use own initiative.
- Ability to plan and prioritise workloads.
- Excellent listening and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to make decisions.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Ability to act as part of a team.
- Proficient IT skills.
Desirable
- Education β Degree and/or LPC and/or ALCD or equivalent.
- Conducted own advocacy.
Benefits
- Davies Incentive Plan.
- 25 days holiday per year which increases with level of service (opportunity to buy & sell 3 days).
- Simply Health Care Cash Plan.
- WeCare β 24/7 online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing covering a whole host of topics to do with health, mental health, wellbeing & healthy living and financial & legal wellbeing.
- Death In Service β after 1 yearsβ service.
- Pension Contribution based 5% Employee / 3% Employer.
- Employee Resource Groups.
- Employee Volunteering Programme.
- Cycle to Work Scheme*.
- Tech Scheme*.
- Season Ticket Loan*.
- Gym Flex*.
- Access to Online Discount Sites.
- Discounted Gourmet Society Membership.
- Discounted Tickets for Merlin Attractions nationwide.
- Discounts at local retail outlets.
*after successfully completing probation.
Costs Draftsperson employer: Davies
Contact Detail:
Davies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Costs Draftsperson
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Detailed Assessment process and Cost Case Laws. Understanding these key areas will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who work as Costs Draftspersons. Attend relevant events or join online forums to gain insights and potentially get referrals.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills, as they are crucial for this role. Consider role-playing scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence in handling costs discussions.
β¨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to manage a caseload effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled multiple cases and met deadlines, as this will be a key focus during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Draftsperson
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Costs Draftsperson. Focus on your skills in bill drafting, costs recovery, and your understanding of the Detailed Assessment process. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key accountabilities mentioned in the job description. Explain how your previous roles have prepared you for this position and showcase your negotiation skills and ability to manage a caseload effectively.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have any qualifications such as a degree, LPC, or ALCD, make sure to mention them prominently. Also, include any relevant training or certifications that relate to costs drafting and legal processes.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role involves client liaison and advocacy, emphasise your communication skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information to clients or negotiated outcomes in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Davies
β¨Know Your Costs Law
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of costs law and the Detailed Assessment process. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you have the necessary expertise for the role.
β¨Demonstrate Your Drafting Skills
Prepare examples of bills of costs or schedules you've drafted in the past. This will help you illustrate your experience and give the interviewer a clear idea of your capabilities.
β¨Showcase Your Client Liaison Experience
Be ready to talk about your previous experiences with client communication. Highlight how youβve managed client expectations and provided updates, as this is crucial for the role.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as negotiating costs or managing a caseload. Think through your approach and be prepared to explain your reasoning.