At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a national team to draft and negotiate legal costs for diverse clients.
- Company: Duncan Lewis, a respected firm committed to equal opportunities and diversity.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, mentorship opportunities, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with a focus on professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Work on complex legal matters and develop your expertise in Costs Law.
- Qualifications: Minimum three years of legal experience in Costs Law and strong drafting skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
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. The senior position requires strong technical expertise, excellent drafting ability, and confident negotiation skills.
Main Responsibilities of the Role
- 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 Claim 1, 1a, 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 Notice of Commencement and associated documents
- Working to deadlines
- Attending Detailed Assessment Hearings as required
- Providing technical / cost guidance to fee earners where needed
- Assisting junior team members with post‑assessment work, training and ad‑hoc queries
- Maintaining accurate time‑costing procedures
- Implementing supervisory recommendations promptly
- Ensuring full compliance with file management and internal quality standards
- Contributing to internal training and ongoing development of cost management processes
Key Skills Required
- Minimum three years legal experience in Costs Law, drafting legal aid and inter‑partes bills and applying civil procedure rules relating to costs
- Ability to draft an IP bill of costs (preferably with LAA experience)
- Experience preparing costs budgets
- Ability to draft schedules of costs and breakdowns
- Negotiation and points of reply drafting skills
- Independent work and teamwork capability
- Risk assessment skills
- Sound client advice
- Setting matters down for assessment
- Understanding of Part 8 procedure
- Advocacy desirable but not essential
- Target‑driven and proactive attitude
- Familiarity with Costs Master useful
- Good MS Excel and Microsoft Office skills
- Sound judgement and initiative
- Advocacy experience an advantage
Why Join Us
- A supportive, 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 of its staff. We guarantee an interview for candidates who disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the role. Background checks including CRB/DBS checks will be conducted to assess eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role.
Senior Inter Partes Costs Draftsman employer: Duncan Lewis
Join a leading national team of Costs Lawyers and Draftsmen where your expertise is valued and nurtured. With a strong focus on professional development, you will have the opportunity to mentor others and work on complex legal matters that enhance your skills. Our inclusive work culture promotes diversity and offers clear pathways for career progression, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the legal sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Inter Partes Costs Draftsman
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Inter Partes Costs Draftsman role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical expertise and drafting skills. Be ready to showcase your negotiation abilities and discuss how you've tackled complex billing processes in the past. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for opportunities that match your skills and experience, and make sure to tailor your approach to each role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and highlight any key points from your conversation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Inter Partes Costs Draftsman
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Inter Partes Costs Draftsman role. Highlight your relevant experience in Costs Law and any specific skills that match the job description, like drafting inter-partes bills or negotiating costs.
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate them! Use examples from your past work to showcase your technical expertise and drafting abilities. This is your chance to shine, so make it count!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We want to see your skills, not decipher a puzzle!
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, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our 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 inter-partes bills and legal aid elements. Familiarise yourself with the civil procedure rules related to costs, as this will show your technical expertise during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Drafting Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work where you've drafted bills of costs or costs budgets. Be ready to discuss your drafting process and how you ensure accuracy and compliance with internal quality standards.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Prowess
Since negotiation skills are key for this role, think of specific instances where you've successfully negotiated bills or resolved disputes. Highlight your approach and any strategies that worked well for you.
✨Be a Team Player
This position involves working closely with a team, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve contributed to team performance in the past. Share experiences where you’ve mentored junior members or collaborated on complex matters to showcase your teamwork capabilities.
