At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex Costs cases and mentor a dynamic team of legal professionals.
- Company: Join a leading legal firm in Southampton with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a range of wellness support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the legal field while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of Costs law and proven experience in strategic litigation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 6 July 2026
Department: Legal
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Southampton
Description
Lead Lawyer (Costs). Working Pattern: Full-time. Location: Southampton.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Technical Expertise & Case Leadership
- Manage a caseload of high-value, complex Costs matters.
- Provide expert technical guidance to your team.
- Handle strategic litigation, including test cases and group litigation.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Mentor, coach, and develop Costs professionals at all levels.
- Take ownership of technical quality across the team.
- Support and grow assistants to meet performance and development goals.
- Strategy, Growth & Innovation
- Identify and implement new Costs initiatives and strategies.
- Drive profitability and growth within your business unit.
- Contribute to the Costs Strategy Group, shaping future direction.
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong relationships with internal teams and clients.
- Deliver training and insight to clients.
- Play a key role in enhancing our external profile through thought leadership.
What we're looking for
- Essential Experience
- Strong knowledge of Costs law, principles, and case law.
- Proven experience handling complex, high-value Costs files independently.
- Expertise in strategic litigation and test cases.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute innovative strategies.
- Experience in client-facing roles and stakeholder management.
- Track record of delivering training and developing others.
- Skills & Attributes
- Confident communicator with strong advocacy and presentation skills.
- Commercially aware with a strategic mindset.
- Highly organised, able to prioritise and meet deadlines.
- Natural leader who motivates, coaches, and develops others.
- Analytical, solutions-focused, and calm under pressure.
- Adaptable and forward-thinking, with a passion for continuous improvement.
Job Benefits
- Davies Incentive Plan
- 25 days holiday per year which increases with level of service (opportunity to buy & sell 3 days)
- Private Medical Insurance (Bupa) – automatically at single cover level but can opt into family option within first month of joining.
- Simply Health Care Cash Plan
- WeCare – 24/7 online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing covering a whole host of topics to do with health, mental health, wellbeing & healthy living and financial & legal wellbeing
- Death in Service
- Critical Illness Cover
- PHI/Income Protection (Private health insurance)
- Pension Contribution based 5% Employee / 3% Employer
- Cycle to Work Scheme*
- Tech Scheme*
- Season Ticket Loan*
- Gym Flex*
- Access to Online Discount Sites
- Discounted Gourmet Society Membership
- Discounted Tickets for Merlin Attractions nationwide
- Discounts at local retail outlets
*after successfully completing probation
Costs Lead Lawyer in Southampton employer: Davies
At our Southampton office, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Costs Lead Lawyer, you will benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, a supportive team environment, and a competitive benefits package, including private medical insurance and a generous holiday allowance. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life experience in a vibrant coastal city.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Lead Lawyer in Southampton
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Davies, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Lead Lawyer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Davies, 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 Davies and the specific role of Costs Lead Lawyer. 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 Davies’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Davies
✨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 Davies.
✨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 Davies.
