At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Costs Team to manage and negotiate legal costs for diverse clients.
- Company: Birketts, a top UK law firm with a rich 160-year heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible work, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic legal environment while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years experience in costs negotiation and strong team leadership skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to community impact and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm with a heritage spanning 160 years. We have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based in various locations including Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.
We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition, working with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities they may face. Our collegiate culture encourages everyone to achieve their next level in everything they do.
Due to growth, there is an opportunity to join the wider Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution team as a Costs Lawyer / Draftsman (legally qualified or by experience) to support the Senior Associate and Associate within the Costs team. The role will include the following responsibilities:
- Plan and distribute workload across the team.
- Provide supervision to team members.
- Assess Bills of Costs, draft Points of Disputes, advise clients on settlement parameters, and negotiate with opponents.
- Keep abreast of legal updates and provide updates to the wider team.
- Maintain accurate time-costing procedures.
- Ensure compliance with file management.
Requirements:
- A strong academic background.
- Minimum of 5 years' experience.
- Prior supervisory experience.
- Clear understanding and application of civil procedure rules relating to costs.
- Costs negotiation experience essential.
- Experience of social housing disrepair and/or Court of Protection preferable.
- Excellent attention to detail together with analytical and organisational skills.
- Committed team player who can adapt well to new challenges.
- Strong ability to work to tight deadlines.
- Ability to use own initiative and show sound judgement.
- Strong IT Skills - familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills.
At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits: 25 days holiday (FTE) plus.
Costs Lawyer employer: Birketts
Contact Detail:
Birketts Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Costs Lawyer
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in costs law or litigation. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to costs law. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable discussing your experience and skills.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous work, like Bills of Costs you've assessed or successful negotiations you've led. This will help you stand out as a candidate who knows their stuff.
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team at Birketts.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Lawyer
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Costs Lawyer role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in costs negotiation and civil procedure rules. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about joining our Costs Team and how you can contribute to our Next Level Law approach. Keep it engaging and personal β we love a bit of personality!
Showcase Your Skills: Donβt forget to showcase your analytical and organisational skills in your application. Mention specific examples where you've successfully managed workloads or supervised team members. Weβre all about teamwork and initiative here at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, youβll find all the info you need about the role and our culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birketts
β¨Know Your Costs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of costs negotiation and civil procedure rules. Be prepared to discuss specific cases where you've successfully assessed Bills of Costs or negotiated settlements. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can apply it in practice.
β¨Showcase Your Supervisory Skills
Since the role involves supervising team members, think of examples from your past experience where you've led a team or managed workloads effectively. Highlight how youβve supported colleagues and contributed to their development, as this aligns with Birketts' collegiate culture.
β¨Stay Updated on Legal Changes
Demonstrate your commitment to staying current with legal updates relevant to costs law. Bring up recent changes or landmark cases during the interview to show that youβre proactive and engaged with the field. This will reflect your dedication to providing top-notch service to clients.
β¨Emphasise Your Team Player Attitude
Birketts values collaboration, so be ready to share instances where youβve worked well within a team. Discuss how you adapt to challenges and support your colleagues, which will resonate with their ambition to foster a positive work environment.