At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage costs caseload, draft Points of Dispute, and negotiate settlements.
- Company: Join an award-winning law firm with a friendly and supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a comprehensive well-being package.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Costs Drafter with strong analytical and drafting skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Office Location: Wigan, WN3 5BA or Manchester, M37 BD
Working Arrangements: Hybrid - office and home working
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm (35 hours per week). We are also happy to consider between 30-35 hours per week.
Are you an experienced Costs Drafter? How would you like to work for an award-winning law firm? Do you want to be part of a friendly, down-to-earth team with a great atmosphere? Looking for autonomy, flexibility, and a positive work-life balance? Join our dynamic and reputable law firm. With a strong commitment to excellence and innovation, we pride ourselves on delivering top-tier legal services. We are now seeking a skilled and motivated Costs Drafter to join our expanding team.
The role: You will play a pivotal role in delivering a full costs service, with a strong focus on defendant (paying party) work. The position requires a high level of analytical skill and experience in challenging costs.
Key responsibilities include:
- Working predominantly on paying party files
- Reviewing and analysing costs claims
- Drafting detailed Points of Dispute, challenging claimant bills of costs
- Negotiating costs settlements
- Progressing matters through to detailed assessment hearings where required
This role is particularly suited to candidates with strong experience in defendant costs work, specifically those confident in drafting complex Points of Dispute.
What makes this role great?
This is an excellent opportunity to combine your expertise in legal costs with your analytical skills, working across a varied and engaging caseload while making a meaningful contribution to our established Costs Team. Stephensons places a strong emphasis on work-life balance, offering flexibility and understanding around personal commitments, alongside high-quality, rewarding work.
About You
We welcome applicants with a wide range of strengths, thinking styles and lived experiences. We’re happy to discuss any workplace adjustments or support that would help you perform at your best, including communication preferences, assistive tools, or environmental changes.
We’re looking for someone who can:
- Manage a busy costs caseload, particularly paying party matters, with accuracy and attention to detail
- Work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues across the Costs Team
- Remain organised and methodical when dealing with complex and technical Points of Dispute
- Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, fee earners, and external stakeholders
- Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion
- Take a commercial and proportionate approach to negotiations, case strategy, and time recording
You will need:
- Proven experience as a Costs Drafter and/or Costs Negotiator
- Strong, practical experience working on defendant (paying party) costs matters
- Demonstrable expertise in drafting Points of Dispute and analysing claimant bills
- Experience negotiating settlements on behalf of paying parties
- Strong drafting, analytical, and organisational skills
- Good working knowledge of costs law and detailed assessment procedures
- Confidence using IT systems (e.g. Proclaim, Costs Master or similar) and willingness to learn new technologies
- A proactive, flexible approach and the ability to manage your own workload
It would be beneficial, though not essential, if you also have:
- Experience handling complex or high-value costs disputes
- Advocacy or attendance at detailed assessment hearings
- Familiarity with a range of case management systems
- Broader experience across both claimant and defendant costs work
We also look for individuals who embody our brand values: approachable, flexible, inclusive, resilient, and supportive.
Why Stephensons?
Stephensons is an award-winning, top 150 law firm with a strong commitment to the future growth and development of the business. With an ambitious mindset, yet approachable and down-to-earth attitude, Stephensons provides an exciting place for long-term career development and progression. Whilst we do look for highly motivated and driven individuals, we also have a strong commitment to work-life balance and flexibility.
What else can we offer?
- Flexible working arrangements
- Agile/hybrid working
- Well-being package including financial, physical, mental and dietary health support
- Free parking
- Enhanced maternity and paternity benefit (subject to service eligibility)
- Salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Life Assurance
- Competitive salary and holiday entitlement
- Holiday sale & purchase scheme (subject to service eligibility)
- Season ticket & travel support
- Payroll giving scheme
- Social events & clubs
- Internal referral scheme
- Retail vouchers/cashback schemes
- Early monthly pay scheme
- Free eye tests
- Cycle to work scheme
Costs Drafter in Wigan employer: Civil-Liberties
Stephensons is an excellent employer for Commercial Property Solicitors, offering a dynamic work environment in Wigan that prioritises flexibility and employee well-being. With a strong commitment to professional development, you will have the opportunity to grow your skills while managing a diverse caseload alongside experienced partners and senior solicitors. The firm's supportive culture and hybrid working model ensure a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Drafter in Wigan
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
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We think you need these skills to ace Costs Drafter in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Civil-Liberties, 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 Civil-Liberties and the specific role of Costs Drafter. 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 Civil-Liberties’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civil-Liberties
✨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 Civil-Liberties.
✨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 Civil-Liberties.
