Costs Lawyer in Manchester

Your new company An established and highly regarded national law firm is seeking an experienced Costs Lawyer to join its specialist Costs Team.

The team plays a key role in supporting a broad range of contentious and non-contentious practice areas, delivering strategic costs advice and maximising costs recovery across a diverse caseload.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified Costs Lawyer to join a collaborative and well-resourced environment, working on matters ranging from routine costs issues through to complex, high-value litigation.

The role offers exposure to a wide variety of legal disciplines and the chance to work alongside experienced litigators and legal professionals across the business.

Your new role

You will manage your own varied caseload and provide specialist costs support to fee earners and clients across multiple practice areas.

The position combines traditional costs litigation work with strategic costs management, budgeting and advisory responsibilities.

What you'll need to succeed

Applications are welcomed from qualified Costs Lawyers with strong technical expertise and a proactive, commercial approach.

Key responsibilities

• Managing a caseload of costs matters across fast-track, multi-track and complex high-value litigation.
• Preparing and negotiating Points of Claim, Replies and Points of Dispute.
• Conducting costs negotiations and settlement discussions with opponents.
• Advising lawyers and clients on costs strategy, recovery prospects and commercial considerations.
• Drafting costs budgets, budget discussion reports and supporting documentation.
• Assisting with Costs Case Management Conferences (CCMCs). Monitoring costs budgets throughout proceedings and advising on variances and amendments.
• Preparing detailed Bills of Costs across a range of litigation matters, including commercial disputes, housing, employment, construction, probate and healthcare-related claims.
• Providing day-to-day technical costs support to fee earners across the firm.
• Delivering internal training on costs issues and developments.
• Supporting client-facing training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Contributing to business development and enhancing the firm's market profile within the costs arena.

You will ideally have

• Qualification as a Costs Lawyer (ACL).
• At least four years' experience within a dedicated costs environment.
• Strong experience handling multi-track and high-value costs litigation.
• Excellent drafting skills across Bills of Costs, budgets, Points of Dispute, Replies and costs advice.
• Detailed knowledge of the CPR and costs procedures.
• The ability to independently manage complex and technically challenging matters.
• Strong negotiation and advocacy skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience using legal costs drafting software and related technology.
• A collaborative approach and desire to contribute to a successful team environment.

What you'll get in return

This is an excellent opportunity to join a recognised legal practice offering.

• High-quality and varied work across multiple disciplines.
• Exposure to complex and high-value matters.
• Genuine hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Strong opportunities for career development and progression.
• A supportive and collaborative culture.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.