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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to draft legal costs and support billing processes.
- Company: Top-tier law firm with a commitment to diversity and professional development.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the legal field while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of experience in Costs Law and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on training and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd) is regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority and was founded in 1998, headquartered in the City of London with offices nationwide. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm in all key practice areas. We are a paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, servicing both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages.
We have been awarded Law Firm of the Year at the 2024 Lexis Nexis Awards and 2023 Modern Law Awards, reflecting our dedication to legal expertise and client service. We hold Investors in People Gold Standard accreditation for over 15 years, showcasing our commitment to professional development. Duncan Lewis is also Law Society Lexcel, Cyber Essentials Plus, and ISO 27001 certified, ensuring excellence in practice management and data security.
We are committed to recruiting dedicated and talented professionals and welcome applications from exceptional candidates. At Duncan Lewis, we value training and diversity, and we take pride in our inclusive workforce.
The ideal candidate will be joining an established team of Costs Lawyers/Draftspersons to assist and support the billing process and recovery to the legal profession. You will have strong technical knowledge and experience of drafting bills and excellent negotiation skills. The company is looking for Law Costs Draftsman with significant Legal Aid experience to 'hit the ground running'.
Main Responsibilities of the Role:
- Report directly to Manager
- Drafting/preparing inter partes bills of costs, costs budgets; and points of reply/dispute
- Drafting 3 or 6 column Inter partes bills
- Drafting Electronic Bills
- Completing service of bills
- Drafting POD’s/Replies
- Conducting Negotiations
- Drafting Costs Budgets and relevant Precedents
- Costs for summary assessment
- Overseeing the Issuing of the Notice of Commencement and associated documents
- Working to deadlines
- Attendance upon Detailed Assessment Hearing as necessary
- Providing technical/costs guidance to fee earners where required
- Assisting junior members of the team to complete post-assessment work, with training and ad hoc queries
- Maintaining accurate time costing procedures
- Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly meetings
- Ensuring compliance with file management
- Internal training and reviewing the ongoing costs management process
Key Skills Required:
- A strong academic background
- Experience as Costs Draftsman
- Minimum of 2 years legal experience in Costs Law, namely drafting legal aid and Inter partes bills
- Clear understanding and application of the civil procedure rules relating to costs
- Experience in a litigation environment and relevant legal experience within a Costs team
- Experience of handling your own costs caseload from start to finish
- Costs negotiation skills and experience
- Up to date knowledge of LAA Costs Assessment Guidance, CPR and legislation
- IT literate including knowledge of using costs drafting software e.g. Costsmaster
- Strong attention to detail
- Committed team player and adaptable to new challenges
- Previous proven supervisory experience an advantage but not a requirement
- Professional with a pro-active approach; excellent client care skills
- Excellent networking and communication skills
- Excellent analytical and organisational skills
- Ability to use own initiative and sound judgment
- Experience in own advocacy is an advantage
- Excellent IT Skills - familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills
Costs Draftsman / Lawyers (x2) – Nationwide in London employer: Duncan Lewis Solicitors
Contact Detail:
Duncan Lewis Solicitors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Draftsman / Lawyers (x2) – Nationwide in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to professionals in the legal field, especially those who work in costs law. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself – you never know who might have a lead on a job!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, do some mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience with drafting bills and negotiation skills, as these are key for the Costs Draftsman role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your tech skills! Familiarise yourself with costs drafting software like Costsmaster. Being able to demonstrate your IT literacy during interviews can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Duncan Lewis. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which we value highly.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Draftsman / Lawyers (x2) – Nationwide in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Costs Draftsman role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in drafting legal aid and inter partes bills. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about joining Duncan Lewis and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Keep it professional but let your personality show through.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your negotiation skills and attention to detail in your application. These are key for the role, so give us examples of how you've used these skills in your previous work.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Duncan Lewis Solicitors
✨Know Your Costs Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of costs law, especially regarding legal aid and inter partes bills. Familiarise yourself with the latest LAA Costs Assessment Guidance and CPR to show that you're not just a candidate, but a well-informed one.
✨Showcase Your Drafting Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work in drafting bills and costs budgets. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Demonstrate Negotiation Prowess
Since negotiation skills are key for this role, think of scenarios where you've successfully negotiated costs or resolved disputes. Share these experiences during the interview to highlight your capability in handling negotiations effectively.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Adaptability
Duncan Lewis values a committed team player, so be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in past roles. Share examples of how you've adapted to new challenges and supported junior team members, showcasing your proactive approach.
