At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to draft legal bills and support the billing process.
- Company: Duncan Lewis, a leading firm committed to diversity and equal opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace a collaborative culture with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- 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 drafting skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The ideal candidate will be joining an established team of Costs Lawyers/ Draftspersons with offices nationwide 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
- To complete 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 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 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 along with clear understanding and application of the civil procedure rules relating to costs
- Worked in a litigation environment and have some relevant legal experience gained 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 adapt well to new challenges
- Previous proven supervisory experience an advantage but not requirement
- Professional with a pro-active approach; excellent client care skills and ability to deal with other professionals and court services
- Excellent networking and communication skills with the ability to successfully market the Company and generate new business
- Excellent analytical and organizational 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 – Inter Partes Draftsperson employer: Duncan Lewis
Duncan Lewis is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Costs Draftsmen in the legal sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement, ensuring that our team members can thrive in their roles. Located in a diverse community, we embrace inclusivity and offer a workplace that reflects the values of the clients we serve, making it a meaningful place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Draftsman / Lawyers – Inter Partes Draftsperson
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with costs drafting and negotiation. Bring examples of your work or discuss specific cases where you’ve made an impact. We want to see how you can hit the ground running!
✨Practice Your Pitch
Before any interviews, practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Costs Draftsman role. We suggest rehearsing common interview questions and preparing some questions of your own to show your interest in the company.
✨Apply Through Our Website
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 Costs Draftsman / Lawyers – Inter Partes Draftsperson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience as a Costs Draftsman. Focus on your legal aid experience and any specific skills that match the job description, like drafting inter partes bills and costs negotiation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Mention your strong technical knowledge and how you can hit the ground running in our team.
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your IT skills and familiarity with costs drafting software. We want to see how you can contribute to our billing process and recovery efforts right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hassle!
How to prepare for a job interview at Duncan Lewis
✨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 Civil Procedure Rules and any recent changes in legislation. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Show Off Your Drafting Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work related to drafting bills and costs budgets. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will showcase your technical expertise and give the interviewers a clear picture of your capabilities.
✨Practice Negotiation Scenarios
Since negotiation skills are crucial for this role, consider practising common negotiation scenarios you might encounter. Think about how you would approach discussions with clients or opposing parties. This will help you articulate your strategies during the interview.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your experience working in a team environment and how you've supported junior members in the past. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to team success and maintained compliance with file management. This will show that you’re not just a great individual contributor but also a valuable team member.
