Inter Partes and LAA Costs Draftsperson x 2 - London

Our Costs Lawyers and Costs Draftsperson are able to provide a nationwide legal bill drafting service.

Cost Law Services Limited is looking for two costs professionals with Inter Partes and Legal Aid experience. We have grown exponentially to form a team of over 30 Law Costs Draftsmen and Lawyers in the UK with immense experience in all aspects of costs law in the UK and 35+ staff abroad.

Our broad spectrum of billing varies across multiple areas of law with a sound knowledge of the costs system and the ability to manage client expectations and to ensure their cash flow is maintained. Our work involves a wide variety of legal practice areas including Court of Protection, Children Law, Clinical Negligence, Commercial Litigation, Family, Housing & Property Litigation, Immigration, Judicial Review and Personal Injury matters.

THE ROLE - Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Report directly to Supervisor;
• Professional pro-active approach, strong client care skills and a proactive understanding of clients' needs;
• Drafting 3 or 6 column Inter partes bills;
• Drafting Electronic Bills;
• To complete service of bills;
• Drafting POD's/ Replies;
• Conducting Negotiations;
• Drafting Costs Budgets and relevant Precedents;
• Costs for summary assessment;
• Drafting of estimates of costs to accompany Allocation Questionnaires and Pre-Trial Checklists;
• Ability to set matters down for PA Assessment;
• Ability to set matters for DA assessment;
• To complete post –assessment work;
• To liaise and advise fee earners and support staff in relation to the variety of legal costs matters;
• Experience in corresponding with third parties – experts, counsel etc.;
• Maintaining accurate time costing procedures on inter partes negotiations;
• Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly reviews ensuring that these are dealt with promptly;
• Ensuring compliance case management system updates;
• Experience in using Costs Master.

Key Skills Required:

• Demonstrate passion and experience in Costs Law;
• A strong academic background i.e. with a Law degree;
• Legal experience as a Costs Draftsman minimum 5 years or a Costs Lawyer/Solicitor/Chartered legal Exec - minimum 3 NQ years;
• Clear understanding and application of the civil procedure rules relating to costs;
• Minimum of 3 - 5 years' depending on qualifications and experience in drafting legal aid and Inter partes bills;
• Costs Negotiations Experience;
• Advocacy skills helpful but not essential;
• Business acumen and the ability to market the Company;
• Excellent communications skills to work effectively with all types of people;
• Excellent analytical and organisational skills and ability to use own initiative but know when to seek guidance;
• Committed team player and ability to work independently, self-motivated and professional;
• Excellent IT Skills - familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills and Costs Master.

Rewards:

• 20 days annual leave;
• Additional holiday accrual;
• Up to 4 days paid sick leave;
• Practicing Certificate renewed annually;
• ACL Panel Membership and Accreditation/re Accreditation/ Reaccreditation fee paid for;
• Panel courses mandatory for Accreditation paid for;
• Access to vast range of training webinars / E-Library;
• Automatic enrolment onto the Company's pension scheme;
• Excellent progression opportunities;
• Supportive team environment;
• Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition.

The company is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity and inclusivity of its staff and strives to ensure that their workforce reflects the diversity of the communities they serve.