At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate legal costs and manage your own caseload in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a leading legal firm with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development, and mentoring opportunities.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the legal field while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; training provided for motivated candidates.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Department: Legal
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Birmingham
To pursue the settlement of legal costs as soon as practicably possible on a range of Legacy (industrial disease) claims. A Junior Costs Negotiator should be able to proactively review cases; formulate an initial costs strategy and settlement parameters; provide comprehensive advice to clients; commence early telephone negotiations with opponents; and liaise, as required, with Insurers throughout the life of the file. The Junior Costs Negotiator should be able to establish strong working relationships within the Costs team; the wider Keoghs business; and with our clients through use of excellent oral skills and succinct written communications. The Junior Costs Negotiator will be expected to attain their Objectives as well as Client SLAs and KPIs. Support and mentoring with their Personal Development Plan will be provided to enable technical development and career progression.
Key Responsibilities:
- You will be responsible for your own caseload, progressing each file from receipt of papers from Legacy team to resolution of costs.
- The role will include:
- Proactively reviewing cases to formulate an initial costs strategy and settlement parameters
- Preparing points of dispute and considering replies
- Identifying and documenting strengths and weaknesses of own case and opponent’s costs claimed
- Using the telephone to discuss; put forward meritorious arguments; and negotiate settlement of costs
- Updating reports to clients of progress made in resolving costs claimed
- Dealing with correspondence and telephone calls received within SLAs
- Undertaking periodic reviews of files in line with client requirements
- Settlement of costs within agreed negotiation parameters
- Instructing counsel and attending conferences; detailed assessment hearings; and mediations, remotely and in person.
- Attending court for application hearings; detailed assessment hearings and mediations remotely and in person to conduct own advocacy
- Delivery of agreed performance targets; Keoghs quality standards; and client’s SLAs, KPIs and MI requirements
- Delegate assigned tasks to a Paralegal and be fully engaged in their development in terms of technical ability and achievement of objectives
- To ensure compliance with the SRA Standards & Regulations
Working Hours:
28 - 35 hours per week Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm with 1 unpaid hour for lunch. Primary location for this role is Birmingham Office.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise:
- Ideally will have performed a similar junior costs negotiator role, either for claimant or defendant, handling own caseload. Full training and supervision will be provided to any candidate without this experience.
- Degree and/or LPC and/or ALCD
- Previous experience of client/customer liaison - taking instructions and providing advice both verbally and in writing
- Knowledge of the Detailed Assessment process and the relevant CPR provisions relating to costs.
- Good telephone negotiation skills
- An understanding of current cost case law and insurance litigation practice and process.
- Ability to use own initiative and make decisions
- Ability to plan and prioritise workloads and to remain calm under pressure
- Excellent listening and verbal communication skills
- Ability to act as part of a team
- Proficient IT skills in Microsoft packages
Required Soft Skills:
- Personal Effectiveness
- Team commitment: Values others perspective
- Resilience: Demonstrates self-control
- Passion for growth and improvement: Systematically improves performance
- Embracing Change: Responds positively to change
Business Focus:
- Client Care: Works to add value for the client
- Decision Making: Operates within formal authority
- Negotiation, Influence and Persuasion
- Commercial Insight: Considers some commercial implications
- Monitors own performance against objectives set by Team Leader
Costs Negotiator in Birmingham employer: Davies
Keoghs is an exceptional employer located in Birmingham, offering a dynamic work environment where junior costs negotiators can thrive. With a strong emphasis on personal development and mentoring, employees are supported in their career progression while working collaboratively within a dedicated team. The company fosters a culture of excellence, ensuring that staff not only meet client SLAs and KPIs but also enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career in the legal sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Negotiator in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal field, especially those who work in costs negotiation. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role is all about negotiating costs, try role-playing scenarios with friends or colleagues. The more comfortable you are with these conversations, the better you'll perform in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! During interviews, be clear and concise when discussing your experiences. Use examples that highlight your ability to liaise with clients and negotiate effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Make sure to tailor your application to showcase how your skills align with the Costs Negotiator role and the values of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Negotiator in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Costs Negotiator role. Highlight any relevant experience you have in handling caseloads or negotiating costs, and don’t forget to mention your understanding of the Detailed Assessment process!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires excellent written communication, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use professional language but keep it friendly – we want to see your personality shine through!
Demonstrate Your Initiative:In your application, give examples of how you've taken the lead on projects or cases in the past. We love candidates who can show they’re proactive and can think on their feet, especially when it comes to formulating strategies.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Davies
✨Know Your Costs Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of costs negotiation and the Detailed Assessment process. Familiarise yourself with relevant CPR provisions and be ready to discuss how you would approach formulating a costs strategy for various cases.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since excellent oral and written communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to demonstrate your negotiation skills through role-play scenarios or by discussing past experiences where you successfully communicated complex information.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This position requires strong collaboration within the Costs team and beyond. Be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team setting, highlighting your ability to value others' perspectives and support your colleagues.
✨Prepare for Real-Life Scenarios
Think about potential case scenarios you might encounter as a Junior Costs Negotiator. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific challenges, such as negotiating settlement parameters or dealing with difficult clients, showcasing your problem-solving skills and resilience.