At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle complex costs claims and provide legal advice on high-value cases.
- Company: Join a leading law firm with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work-life balance, private medical insurance, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to social responsibility and personal development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in high-stakes litigation while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Ten years of costs experience preferred; strong communication and negotiation skills essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced lawyer to join our complex (paying party) costs team, ideally with at least ten years paying party costs experience. The successful candidate will be experienced in dealing with all aspects of costs litigation on behalf of paying parties for costs claims claimed in excess of £100,000 in value (often in excess of £1 million), either conducting proceedings if authorised or supporting the conduct of proceedings.
Our complex (paying party) costs team regularly deal with costs claims of the highest value and complexity and accept instructions from areas throughout DAC Beachcroft LLP. Currently, the costs product has two Partners, five Legal Directors and two Associates. There are over 50 lawyers advising, supporting or conducting all aspects of costs litigation, including Solicitors, Chartered Legal Executives, Costs Lawyers and Paralegals. The costs product comprises several distinct teams specialising in a specific area of costs including paying party teams, complex claims teams and receiving party teams.
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced lawyer in our complex (paying party) team. The underlying type that gives rise to the costs dispute varies and includes catastrophic personal injury, commercial including global, aviation, accidents abroad, cyber, multi‑party (including formal GLOs), judicial review and clinical risk. This role will report directly to the Legal Director who leads the complex (paying party) team.
What you will do?
- Day to day handling of a case load of complex paying party claims each of at least £100,000 claimed value
- Draft points of dispute and provide legal advice on likely assessed outcomes relating to complex paying party claims
- Supporting the Legal Director of the complex (paying party) team with operations and delivery of the complex (paying party) service
- Acting as a point of contact for clients, demonstrating a level of knowledge and skill commensurate with experience
- Ensuring full compliance with clients' SLAs and DAC Beachcroft's internal protocols
- Assume responsibility for quality control and benchmark compliance on own caseload, including accuracy and timeliness of management reporting and information
- Ensure strict and ongoing adherence to benchmark standards in all work undertaken
- Demonstrating a high level of financial management in respect of own files
- To hit, maintain and apply a consistent approach to all individual targets of chargeable time, financial performance, realisation rates, settlement rates and average claim spend
- Achieve a minimum budgeted annual target of 1,440 chargeable hours per year based upon a full time lawyer
- Exercise full compliance with DAC Beachcroft protocols on billing and credit control and demonstrate a high level of financial management in respect of own files
- Supporting marketing and business development activity within the team e.g. attending marketing events and client training
- Maintain an awareness of the firm's strategies and plans
- Maintaining and developing technical knowledge through attendance at training sessions, reading appropriate publications
- Handle confidential information in line with the firm's data security protocol
Who you are
This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced lawyer specialising in costs to develop their career by dealing with cases of high value and complexity and where authorised to conduct litigation and use technical knowledge to aid the business development and growth of CSG.
Ideally ten years experience dealing with costs arising from litigation to include drafting points of dispute and all aspects of challenging costs. Candidates with less than ten years experience but able to demonstrate a suitable standard of competency will also be considered and applications welcomed. Experience of being able to demonstrate technical leadership preferable. Advocacy experience an advantage although not essential. Being able to demonstrate a track record of pursuing strategic points and liaising with clients with a strong customer service ethos ideal. Ideal opportunity for a qualified Costs Lawyer (although applicants that can demonstrate extensive experience who are not qualified will be considered including other qualifications where the candidate has the relevant experience or competence dealing with costs disputes).
Confident negotiator, who can communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in written form. Able to demonstrate strong team working skills and that they are a flexible and self‑motivated team player. Have excellent organisational skills and able to effectively prioritise and organise a workload/tasks. Experience of working within a pressurised and deadline driven environment. Have an ability to adopt a commercial perspective to legal issues rather than a purely academic approach. Able to produce work to a high standard, with excellent attention to detail.
What's in it for you?
- High levels of flexibility and a great work life balance
- A well‑rounded remuneration package (which includes private medical insurance, income protection insurance and discounted gym membership, amongst many other benefits)
- Opportunities for growth and progression including professional funding
- In person and remote social events
- Opportunity to get involved in a range of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) activities
We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, which aligns closely to our cultural principles (Determined, Clear, Creative and Supportive).
Costs Lawyer in Birmingham employer: DAC Beachcroft LLP
DAC Beachcroft LLP is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham that prioritises flexibility and work-life balance. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the firm provides opportunities for professional development, competitive remuneration packages, and a vibrant culture that encourages participation in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, making it an ideal place for experienced Costs Lawyers to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Lawyer in Birmingham
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have a lead on your next big opportunity.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with complex costs litigation. Share specific examples of cases you've handled, especially those over £100,000. This will show them you’re the real deal!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions related to costs law and your past experiences. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Remember, they want to see your confidence and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at DAC Beachcroft.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Lawyer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Costs Lawyer role. Highlight your experience with complex paying party claims and any relevant litigation work. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your skills in negotiation, client communication, and financial management. Use specific examples from your past work to show us how you’ve excelled in these areas.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us see your potential right away!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at DAC Beachcroft LLP
✨Know Your Costs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of costs litigation, especially regarding claims over £100,000. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled and the strategies you employed. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience.
✨Demonstrate Your Client Management Skills
Since this role involves acting as a point of contact for clients, think of examples where you've successfully managed client relationships. Highlight your customer service ethos and how you’ve communicated complex legal issues clearly and concisely.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
This position requires strong team working skills, so be ready to share experiences where you collaborated effectively with colleagues. Discuss how you’ve contributed to team goals and supported others in high-pressure situations.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical knowledge and ability to handle complex costs disputes. Review relevant legislation and recent case law, and be ready to discuss how you would approach drafting points of dispute or managing a challenging case.
