At a Glance
- 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, training opportunities, and recognition for excellence.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth and support for diverse candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the legal field while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years experience as a Law Costs Draftsman with strong drafting skills.
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. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm in all of our 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.
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.
Main Responsibilities of the Role:
- Report directly to Manager
- Drafting / preparing inter partes bills of costs, costs budgets; and points of reply/dispute
- Drafting inter partes bills with Legal Aid element
- Drafting Claim1’s, 1a’s and VHCC/HCCP case
- Drafting of estimates of costs to accompany Allocation Questionnaires and Pre-Trial Checklists
- Negotiations of Bills including attendance at CCMC’s
- Overseeing the Issuing of the Notice of Commencement and associated documents
- Working to deadlines
- Attendance upon Detailed Assessment Hearing as and when necessary
- Providing technical / costs guidance to fee earners where required
- Assist 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
- At least 1 – 2 years’ experience as Law Costs Draftsman
- Ability to draft an IP bill of costs (preferably with some LAA experience – 3 & 6 column bills)
- Ability to prepare costs budgets and have experience in the same
- Ability to draft schedule of costs and breakdowns
- Ability to negotiate
- Ability to draft Points of Reply
- Ability to work on their own and within a team
- Ability to risk assess
- Ability to provide sound advice to clients
- Ability to set matters down for assessment
- Understanding of Part 8 procedure
- Advocacy would be desired but not essential
- Work to achievable targets
- Familiar with Costs Master would be useful but not essential
- Good Excel skills and Microsoft skills
The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including CRB / DBS checks will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role.
Equal Opportunities:
Duncan Lewis is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity of its staff. The Company strives to ensure that our staff reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We guarantee an interview for candidates that disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post.
Law Costs Draftsman - Chatham, Kent employer: Duncan Lewis Solictors
Duncan Lewis Solicitors is an exceptional employer, recognised for its commitment to professional development and inclusivity, making it a top-tier law firm in the UK. With a strong emphasis on hybrid working, a supportive team environment, and a dedication to employee growth, we offer our Law Costs Draftsman the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic setting while contributing to meaningful legal work. Our Investors in People Gold Standard accreditation and numerous awards reflect our dedication to excellence and employee satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Law Costs Draftsman - Chatham, Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Duncan Lewis Solicitors thoroughly. Understand their ethos and values, and think about how your skills as a Law Costs Draftsman align with their mission. We want to see your passion for the role shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of negotiation, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or colleagues. We believe that being well-prepared can make all the difference when it comes to impressing your interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Law Costs Draftsman - Chatham, Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Law Costs Draftsman role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in drafting bills and negotiating costs. We want to see how your skills align with 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. Don’t forget to mention any Legal Aid experience you have!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical knowledge, be sure to showcase your familiarity with costs management and any relevant software. If you’ve got experience with Costs Master or Excel, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Duncan Lewis Solictors
✨Know Your Legal Costs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of legal costs, especially in relation to drafting inter partes bills and costs budgets. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of Legal Aid cases, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've handled successfully. Be ready to discuss your approach and how you achieved favourable outcomes, as strong negotiation skills are a key requirement for this position.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Duncan Lewis values teamwork, so be prepared to talk about how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight any experience mentoring junior team members or working closely with fee earners to provide technical guidance.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your understanding of costs management processes and Part 8 procedures. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios related to the role.
