At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage Legal Aid costs claims and coordinate with external draftsmen.
- Company: Established legal firm with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, private medical insurance, and professional development.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with a collaborative team environment.
- Why this job: Join a reputable firm and grow your career in legal aid costing.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years of Legal Aid costing experience and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 15 - 18 £ per hour.
We are seeking an experienced Cost Clerk to join an established legal team. The successful candidate will play a key role in preparing and managing Legal Aid costs claims across the Family department. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong understanding of Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requirements who is looking to develop their career within a supportive firm.
Responsibilities Include:
- Working with External Costs Draftsmen: Arranging and coordinating the preparation of final bills of costs with external Costs Draftsmen. Providing clear instructions, sending relevant case materials, and ensuring draft bills are reviewed for accuracy and compliance. Managing amendments, queries, or clarifications raised by the draftsman and ensuring timely turnaround.
- Internal Liaison & File Management: Liaising with fee earners to ensure files are complete, fee notes are accurate, and all work is correctly recorded. Maintaining internal logs, spreadsheets, or reporting systems relating to claims submitted, payments received, and queries outstanding. Ensuring all costs documentation is stored and managed in line with GDPR and firm policies.
- Legal Aid Management: Checking bills of costs and Claim1 forms to ensure all disbursements from the duration of the matter have been accurately included.
The Ideal Cost Clerk:
As a Cost Clerk, it is essential you can demonstrate the following skills and competencies:
- Proven experience in Legal Aid costing (minimum 1-2 years).
- Strong working knowledge of LAA procedures, CCMS, Claim1 forms, fixed fee claims, high-cost cases, and cost assessment processes.
- Experience working with external costs draftsmen.
- Excellent attention to detail with high levels of accuracy.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Desirable Attributes:
- Familiarity with legal case management systems (e.g., Proclaim, ActionStep).
- Prior experience working in a law firm or legal aid-funded department.
What We Offer:
In return for your commitment we offer you:
- Competitive salary and bonus scheme.
- 28 days company holiday (plus 8 UK bank holidays) - full time entitlement.
- Private Medical Insurance.
- A firm with a great reputation.
- Opportunities for professional development and advancement.
- A collaborative and supportive work environment.
3 days a week in total (2 days of your choice & a Friday) 09:00am - 17:30pm
If you do not hear from us within 7 days, your application has been unsuccessful.
Cost Clerk ( Part-Time ) in Ashford employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Clerk ( Part-Time ) in Ashford
✨Leverage Your Local Law Community
Get involved with local legal societies or student law associations; they often have great networking events and workshops. It’s a brilliant way to meet practising lawyers and potentially get referred for part-time roles at firms like All The Top Bananas.
✨Showcase Your Skills with Mock Trials
Participate in mock trial competitions or legal clinics while studying. This not only sharpens your skills but also gives you practical experiences to talk about in interviews—perfect for a part-time role in law!
✨Tap Into Internship Networks
Make use of university career services to find internships or part-time opportunities. Many law firms source talent directly from student pools, so getting your foot in the door can lead to a longer-term position at a place like All The Top Bananas!
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
Don’t forget to check out All The Top Bananas’s careers page for specific listings. Applying directly can often give you an edge—plus, we appreciate candidates who show interest in our firm specifically!
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Clerk ( Part-Time ) in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Law Experience:When applying for this part-time role, make sure to focus on any legal internships, placements, or volunteer work you've done. Even if it’s just shadowing a lawyer, let us know how these experiences shaped your understanding of law and legal services. Every bit counts and shows your commitment to the field!
Use Clear Legal Terminology:Since you’re applying for a position in law services, it’s important to use appropriate legal terminology in your CV and cover letter. This will not only demonstrate your knowledge but also show us that you’re comfortable with the language of the profession. Avoid jargon overload, though; clarity is key!
Show Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, don’t forget to clearly state your availability in your application. Let us know what days and hours you’re free to work, and make it easy for us to see how you’d fit into our team. The more specific, the better!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Just For Us:Your cover letter is a chance to shine! Make it personal and tailored specifically to our role at All The Top Bananas. Talk about why you’re interested in legal services and how your experiences align with what we do. A sprinkle of passion goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Show Off Your Legal Knowledge
Brush up on key legal concepts and current events in the legal realm that may affect your role. Be ready to discuss any relevant case studies or examples, as this demonstrates your engagement with the law beyond just theoretical knowledge.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions where you might be assessed on how you'd handle specific legal situations. Think about practical examples from your studies or previous experiences that highlight your problem-solving skills and ethical considerations.
✨Balance Your Expertise with Flexibility
As this is a part-time role, be prepared to discuss your time management skills and how you can juggle work with your studies or other commitments. Employers will want to see how you can contribute effectively while maintaining a flexible schedule.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Continuous Learning
Conveying your dedication to ongoing education in the legal field gives a strong impression. Mention any additional courses, certifications, or workshops you've pursued that enhance your legal expertise, showing your motivation for growth in your career.
