At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a national team to manage billing and recovery for diverse legal clients.
- Company: Duncan Lewis Solicitors, a respected firm with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Opportunities for mentorship, career progression, and working on complex cases.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and equal opportunities in a thriving legal team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in Costs Law, strong drafting, negotiation, and team collaboration skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd)
The Role
The ideal candidate will join a well-established national team of experienced Costs Lawyers and Costs Draftsmen, supporting the full lifecycle of the billing and recovery process for a wide range of legal sector clients.
This senior position requires strong technical expertise, excellent drafting ability, and confident negotiation skills.
Candidates with substantial Legal Aid experience and the ability to hit the ground running will be particularly valued.
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 that these are dealt with promptly
- Ensuring full compliance with file management and internal quality standards
- Contributing to internal training and the ongoing development of costs management processes
Key Skills Required
- Minimum of 3 years legal experience in Costs Law namely drafting legal aid and Inter partes bills along with clear understanding and application of the civil procedure rules relating to costs
- 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 client's
- 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 Excel skills and Microsoft skills
Why Join Us
- A supportive, knowledgeable team that values expertise and encourages growth
- Opportunities to mentor, lead, and shape best practice within the department
- The chance to work on high-quality, complex matters that stretch your skills
- Clear pathways for progression within a respected national Costs team
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, which is reflective at all levels within our workforce.
We guarantee an interview for candidates that disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post.
Please provide additional details in your covering letter if this applies.
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Senior Inter Partes Costs Draftsman / Costs Lawyer in London employer: Duncan Lewis Solictors
Duncan Lewis Solicitors is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London, where innovation meets legal expertise. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, we provide extensive training opportunities and embrace a hybrid-working model that promotes work-life balance. Our inclusive culture, recognised by multiple awards, ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the field of law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Inter Partes Costs Draftsman / Costs Lawyer in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Inter Partes Costs Draftsman / Costs Lawyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Duncan Lewis Solictors, 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 Duncan Lewis Solictors and the specific role of Senior Inter Partes Costs Draftsman / Costs 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 Duncan Lewis Solictors’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Duncan Lewis Solictors
✨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 Duncan Lewis Solictors.
✨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 Duncan Lewis Solictors.
