Assistant Manager - London

Costs 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. Not only do we represent a leading legal aid practice on all their billing, but we are also focusing on growing our client base.

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 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. This includes all the varied types of Bills, PODS; Replies; Negotiations; Budgets – (and relevant precedents), PA and DA assessments etc.

The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge and experience of drafting bills. Excellent negotiation skills, supervision and training experience would be beneficial. Cost Law Services would also be keen on candidates who are looking to reduce their Costs practice for a more Assistant Management role.

The successful candidate will be part of a management team assisting in the overall business development of the Company. The candidate will be required to develop and grow the company by expanding its client base while supervising a team. The candidate will be involved in performance management of draftsmen and lawyers employed or engaged as consultants along with auditing and reporting. The role may also involve assisting the Manager in recruitment of candidates that will help deliver company objectives, where necessary.

The ideal candidate will also be involved in developing policy, staff training, strategic planning and implementation of business objectives. Promoting the Company through social media activity will be an essential part of the role. Commitment, drive and a hunger to take the company to the next level will need to be in abundance. The company is looking for experienced candidates who will ‘hit the ground running’.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Report directly to the Manager;
• Professional pro-active approach, strong client care skills and a proactive understanding of clients’ needs;
• Conducting performance meetings with Costs Draftsmen & Lawyers to ensure individual targets are being met;
• Ensuring Company performance targets are met for team members;
• Training draftsmen in Inter Partes matters of LAA and ensuring changes in Costs Law or billing practices/procedures are cascaded to the team in a timely manner;
• Carrying out staff appraisals;
• Business development – looking to market the Company in accordance with the strategic business development plan to increase client base and turnover;
• Guiding staff who have queries when drafting Legal Aid Claims (Claim 1’s/Claim 1a’s/ Claim 2’s, inter partes bills, budgets and plans);
• To liaise and advise Clients fee earners and support staff in relation to the variety of legal costs matters;
• Keeping up to date and further developing company policy, procedures, manuals and case management systems;
• Involved in Company strategic planning and implementation of business objectives;
• Involvement in auditing and reporting of team members.

Key Skills Required

• Demonstrate passion and experience in Costs Law;
• A strong academic background i.e. with a Law degree;
• All round legal experience as a Costs Lawyer, Solicitor, Chartered Legal Exec or Costs Draftsmen;
• Clear understanding and application of the civil procedure rules and LAA rules relating to costs;
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in drafting legal aid and Inter partes bills;
• Costs Negotiations Experience;
• Experience in advocacy skills;
• Prior supervisory experience;
• Practice management and business development experience helpful;
• Business acumen and the ability to market the Company;
• Excellent communication 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, self-motivated and professional;
• Excellent IT Skills - familiar with Microsoft Office applications, Costs Master and document management skills;
• Ability to manage social media activity to promote the Company.

This list is not exhaustive and there may be other duties as reasonably required.

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;
• Childcare Vouchers;
• Eye test vouchers;
• Excellent progression opportunities;
• Supportive team environment;
• Flexible working arrangements considered; terms and conditions apply.

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.