At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and prepare inter partes bills of costs and negotiate on legal matters.
- Company: Duncan Lewis Solicitors, a leading law firm in London with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Mentorship opportunities, career progression, and a chance to work on complex cases.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and enjoy a clear pathway for growth.
- Why this job: Join a respected team and make a real impact in the legal sector.
- Qualifications: Minimum 3 years in Costs Law with strong drafting and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd) is a regulated law firm headquartered in London. The role is part of the national Costs team supporting the billing and recovery process for a wide range of legal sector clients.
Responsibilities
- Reporting directly to the Manager and contributing to team-wide performance
- Drafting and 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 cases
- Drafting estimates of costs to accompany Allocation Questionnaires and Pre‐Trial Checklists
- Conducting negotiations on bills, including attendance at CCMCs
- Overseeing the issuing of the Notice of Commencement and associated documents
- Working to deadlines
- Attendance at Detailed Assessment Hearings as necessary
- Providing technical and costs guidance to fee earners where required
- Assisting junior members to complete post‐assessment work, with training and ad‐hoc queries
- Maintaining accurate time costing procedures
- Implementing supervisor recommendations from monthly meetings promptly
- Ensuring full compliance with file management and internal quality standards
- Contributing to internal training and ongoing development of costs management processes
Key Skills
- Minimum of 3 years legal experience in Costs Law, drafting legal aid and inter partes bills, and applying civil procedure rules relating to costs
- Experience drafting IP bills of costs, preferably with LAA experience (3 & 6 column bills)
- Ability to prepare costs budgets and schedules of costs
- Strong negotiation skills
- Ability to draft points of reply
- Independent working capacity as well as team collaboration
- Risk assessment ability
- Provision of sound advice to clients
- Setting matters down for assessment
- Understanding of Part 8 procedure
- Advocacy desirable but not essential
- Target‐oriented work approach
- Familiarity with Costs Master useful but not essential
- Proficient in MS Excel and Microsoft Office
- Sound judgment and initiative
- Advocacy experience an advantage
Benefits
- Supportive and knowledgeable team that values expertise and encourages growth
- Opportunities to mentor, lead, and shape best practice within the department
- Chance to work on high‐quality, complex matters that stretch your skills
- Clear pathways for progression within a respected national Costs team
Equal Opportunities
Duncan Lewis is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity. The company ensures a workforce that reflects the communities served. An interview is guaranteed for candidates who disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post.
Senior Inter Partes Costs Draftsman - Costs Lawyer (x2) in London employer: Duncan Lewis
Duncan Lewis Solicitors is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and knowledgeable team environment that values expertise and fosters professional growth. With clear pathways for progression and the opportunity to work on high-quality, complex legal matters, employees are encouraged to mentor and lead within a respected national Costs team. Located in London, the firm embraces diversity and is committed to equal opportunities, ensuring a workforce that reflects the communities it serves.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Inter Partes Costs Draftsman - Costs Lawyer (x2) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in costs law. They might know about openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills and understanding of costs law. Be ready to discuss your experience with drafting inter partes bills and how you've handled complex cases.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on firms that align with your values and expertise. Check out our website for roles that suit your skills and interests, and make sure to tailor your approach!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Inter Partes Costs Draftsman - Costs Lawyer (x2) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Inter Partes Costs Draftsman. Highlight your experience in drafting inter partes bills and costs budgets, as well as any relevant 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 the perfect fit for our Costs team. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your negotiation skills and ability to work independently while also being a team player.
Showcase Your Legal Knowledge:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your understanding of civil procedure rules and costs law. We’re keen to see how you apply this knowledge in practice, so include examples where possible!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 inter partes bills and legal aid elements. Familiarise yourself with the civil procedure rules relating to costs, as this will show your expertise and confidence during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Drafting Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work, particularly any inter partes bills or costs budgets you've drafted. Being able to discuss specific cases and the challenges you faced will demonstrate your practical experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Highlight Your Negotiation Experience
Since negotiation is a key part of the role, be ready to share instances where you've successfully negotiated costs. Discuss your approach and the outcomes, as this will illustrate your strong negotiation skills and ability to handle complex discussions.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Duncan Lewis values teamwork, so be prepared to talk about how you've worked with others in past roles. Share examples of mentoring junior members or contributing to team performance, as this will show that you're not just a great individual contributor but also a team player.
