At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key costs documents and provide technical guidance in a dynamic legal environment.
- Company: Join a top-tier law firm recognised for its collaborative culture and commitment to personal growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, competitive salary, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in high-stakes disputes while developing your expertise in costs management.
- Qualifications: Qualified Costs Lawyer or Costs Draftsman with relevant litigation experience.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Costs Specialist looking to join a “highly commended” Dispute Resolution team, ranked in the top tier by both Chambers and Legal 500?
The Firm
Not only were we voted Law Firm of the Year 2025, we've also received an Investors in People - Platinum Accreditation and are proud to have been voted by our people as a RollOnFriday Firm of the Year. Our working environment is professional yet progressive, where high-quality work, personal growth and quality of life go hand-in-hand. We empower our people to deepen their expertise, take on meaningful challenges and create lasting impact for our clients, communities and the wider world. Collaboration is central to how we work: every voice is heard, ideas are shared openly and we take ownership together to deliver work we are proud of. And did you know our hybrid working model offers flexible working options too?
What Others Say…
“Burges Salmon has a highly commended team of well-reputed practitioners, known for handling high-value national and international disputes. It advises an enviable list of key commercial clients, particularly those from the transport, financial services, retail and energy sectors.” Chambers UK - 2025
The Team - Dispute Resolution
Our 100+ dispute resolution lawyers advise leading UK and international organisations on complex, high-stakes disputes. Alongside our strong core litigation practice, we have established disputes expertise across sectors and specialisms including Transport, Financial Services, Energy, Pensions, Fraud & White Collar Crime, Banking, IP, Health & Safety, Food, Agriculture and Real Estate.
Our clients include:
- Airbus
- BBC
- Coca Cola HBC
- Discovery Channel
- Harrods
- FirstGroup
- Victoria's Secret
- The Crown Estate
- National Crime Agency
- Nationwide Building Society
- Royal Bank of Scotland
Responsibilities
- Prepare and manage key costs documents, including client cost estimates, court costs budgets, bills of costs/N260s, points of reply/dispute, allocation questionnaire estimates and pre-trial checklist estimates.
- Manage court budgets on high-value, complex matters, working closely with legal teams and supporting negotiations, CCMCs, Notices of Commencement and Detailed Assessment Hearings where required.
- Provide technical costs guidance to fee earners, support wider costs and budgeting projects with finance and technology teams, and contribute to internal training and process improvements.
- Maintain accurate time recording, ensure compliance with file management requirements and support the ongoing effectiveness of the costs management process.
Skills Required
Qualifications and technical experience:Ideally, you will be a qualified Costs Lawyer or be a Costs Draftsman with a law degree, LPC and/or CILEX qualification and experience gained in a litigation environment within a Costs team. Experience of criminal costs would be an advantage but is not essential.
Costs management expertise:You will have experience handling your own costs caseload from start to finish, including costs negotiation and applying up-to-date knowledge of LAA Costs Assessment Guidance, the CPR and relevant legislation.
Working style:You will bring strong attention to detail, excellent analytical and organisational skills, and the ability to manage internal and external deadlines effectively.
Client and team approach:You will be professional, proactive and collaborative, with excellent client care skills and the confidence to work effectively with colleagues, other professionals and court services.
Benefits
A full overview of all the benefits and rewards of working at Burges Salmon can be found on the 'working at Burges Salmon' section of our careers page. It's important to us that our organisation represents the diverse community in which we operate and we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. As a Disability Confident employer we will provide a fully accessible recruitment process. We're committed to finding the right person for this role and are open to discussing flexible working, full time or part time working patterns.
Get in touch!
Our resourcing team can provide firm insight and an overview of the department to make sure this is the right career move for you. For a confidential conversation please contact Katie Harding - 01179027286.
Costs Lawyer employer: Burges Salmon LLP
At Burges Salmon LLP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for our Senior Corporate Crime and Investigations Lawyers. With a strong focus on professional development, our team enjoys access to high-profile clients and complex cases, while benefiting from a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Our Investors in People - Platinum Accreditation reflects our commitment to employee growth and satisfaction, making us a top choice for legal professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Lawyer
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Burges Salmon LLP, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Burges Salmon LLP, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Burges Salmon LLP and the specific role of Costs Lawyer. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Burges Salmon LLP’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Burges Salmon LLP
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Burges Salmon LLP.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Burges Salmon LLP.
