At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate costs bills while managing a varied caseload in a supportive team.
- Company: Join a well-established legal costs team in London with a focus on flexibility.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, professional development, and excellent progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with access to training resources and support for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the legal field while enjoying a flexible work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in Costs Law and strong drafting skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Costs Lawyer / Costs Draftsman – Inter Partes & Legal Aid Experience
Location: London (Hybrid / Flexible Working Available)
Salary: Competitive
Employment Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time, Part Time or Flexible Working Considered
About the Opportunity
Our client is seeking an experienced Costs professional to join their specialist legal costs team. This is an excellent opportunity for a Costs Lawyer or Costs Draftsman, with strong Inter Partes and Legal Aid experience to join a well-established and expanding team. The successful candidate will handle a varied caseload of costs matters, providing technical expertise across a range of legal practice areas. The role offers flexibility, including hybrid working options, within a professional environment that values autonomy, accountability and high-quality client service.
Key Responsibilities
- Drafting Inter Partes bills, including 3 and 6 column bills
- Preparing electronic bills
- Preparing and serving bills of costs
- Drafting Points of Dispute and Replies
- Negotiating costs with opposing parties
- Preparing costs budgets and relevant precedents
- Assisting with summary assessments
- Preparing costs estimates
- Setting matters down for Provisional and Detailed Assessment
- Completing post-assessment work
- Advising solicitors, fee earners and support staff on costs issues
- Liaising with third parties including counsel and experts
- Maintaining accurate records relating to costs negotiations
- Updating case management systems and ensuring compliance requirements are met
The ideal candidate will have:
- Demonstrable experience within Costs Law
- Strong experience in drafting Inter Partes and Legal Aid bills
- Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience (dependent on qualification)
- Experience as a Costs Lawyer or Costs Draftsman
- Good understanding of the Civil Procedure Rules relating to costs
- Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage a varied caseload independently
- Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
- Confidence working both independently and as part of a wider team
- Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and costs management systems
Advocacy experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Flexible working arrangements
- Hybrid working opportunities
- Full-time or part-time working considered
- Annual leave entitlement
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Support with relevant professional memberships and accreditation
- Access to legal training resources and webinars
- Workplace pension scheme
- Additional employee benefits
- Excellent progression opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
Inter Partes Costs Draftsperson employer: Douglas Scott Ltd
Douglas Scott Ltd is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of London, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the finance team. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in legal aid cost recovery. Join us to be part of a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inter Partes Costs Draftsperson
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
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We think you need these skills to ace Inter Partes Costs Draftsperson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Douglas Scott Ltd, 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 Douglas Scott Ltd and the specific role of Inter Partes Costs Draftsperson. 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 Douglas Scott Ltd’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Douglas Scott Ltd
✨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 Douglas Scott Ltd.
✨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 Douglas Scott Ltd.
