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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to draft legal costs and support billing processes.
- Company: Top-tier law firm in the City of London with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the legal field while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in legal aid and strong drafting and negotiation skills.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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. 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.
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 a Law Costs Draftsman with significant Legal Aid experience.
Main Responsibilities of the Role:
- Report directly to Manager
- Drafting/preparing inter parties bills of costs, costs budgets; and points of reply/dispute
- Drafting inter parties 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 necessary
- Providing technical/costs guidance to fee earners where required
- Assist 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
Key Skills Required:
- Being proactive
- A good academic background with a willingness to learn and self-develop
- Good communications skills to work effectively with all types of people
- Ability to draft an IP bill of costs (preferably with some LAA experience)
- 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
- Have an 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
- Have good MS Excel skills and Microsoft Office skills
- Ability to use own initiative and sound judgment
- Experience in own advocacy is an advantage
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.
Junior Costs Draftsmen - City of London employer: Duncan Lewis Solictors
Contact Detail:
Duncan Lewis Solictors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Costs Draftsmen - City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal field, especially those who work at Duncan Lewis or similar firms. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to costs drafting and legal aid. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your previous work or case studies to the interview. This will demonstrate your experience and give the hiring team a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our awesome team at Duncan Lewis.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Costs Draftsmen - City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Junior Costs Draftsman role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in drafting bills and Legal Aid work. 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 you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your negotiation skills and technical knowledge in your application. Mention any specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to draft costs budgets or handle inter parties bills. We’re all about those details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on being part of our team at Duncan Lewis!
How to prepare for a job interview at Duncan Lewis Solictors
✨Know Your Costs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of drafting bills and costs budgets. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements for Legal Aid cases, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've been involved in, especially those related to costs. Being able to articulate your approach and the outcomes will show that you can 'hit the ground running' in this role.
✨Be Proactive and Engaged
Duncan Lewis values proactive candidates. During the interview, express your willingness to learn and adapt. Share instances where you've taken initiative in previous roles or projects to highlight your proactive nature.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since you'll be working within a team, it's important to convey your ability to collaborate effectively. Discuss how you've supported colleagues in the past and how you can contribute to the team's success at Duncan Lewis.