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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 team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a leading law firm while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Costs Law and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority, Duncan Lewis Solicitors was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in the City of London (Fenchurch Street EC3M), 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 of our key practice areas. A paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, we service both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages. We give people a voice - that is our ethos. Recognised among The Times 200 Best Law Firms, 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.
The ideal candidate will be joining an established team of Costs Lawyers/ Draftspersons with offices nationwide to assist and support 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
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.
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.
Costs Draftsman / Lawyers (x2) – City of London employer: Duncan Lewis
Contact Detail:
Duncan Lewis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Draftsman / Lawyers (x2) – City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work at Duncan Lewis or similar firms. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your costs law knowledge and recent changes in legislation. We want you to show off your expertise and how you can hit the ground running in this role!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your negotiation skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you’ve successfully navigated tough discussions in the past – it’ll make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Draftsman / Lawyers (x2) – City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Costs Draftsman role. Highlight your relevant experience in drafting bills and your understanding of costs law. 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 professional but let your personality show through.
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your negotiation skills and any experience with costs drafting software like Costsmaster. We love candidates who can hit the ground running, so make sure we know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team!
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 technical questions but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've handled successfully. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes. This is crucial since the role requires excellent negotiation skills, and demonstrating your experience can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Duncan Lewis values teamwork, so be prepared to talk about how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Share specific instances where you supported colleagues or contributed to a team project, highlighting your ability to adapt and work well with diverse groups.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your understanding of costs drafting software and time costing procedures. Brush up on tools like Costsmaster and be prepared to discuss how you maintain compliance with file management. Showing your technical proficiency will reassure them of your capability to hit the ground running.