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 within a respected team.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the legal sector.
- Qualifications: 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) 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)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in costs law. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. Since this role involves a lot of discussions around costs, be ready to showcase your ability to handle tough conversations with confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on firms that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for openings at Duncan Lewis Solicitors and tailor your approach to fit their culture and needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to highlight your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Inter Partes Costs Draftsman - Costs Lawyer (x2)
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.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use examples from your past work to show how you’ve successfully drafted bills, managed costs, or provided guidance to fee earners. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors.
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, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
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 in drafting costs budgets and points of reply. Be ready to discuss specific cases where you successfully negotiated bills or provided technical guidance to fee earners, as this will highlight your practical experience.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to share instances where you've collaborated effectively. Discuss how you've assisted junior members or contributed to team performance, showcasing your ability to work independently while also being a team player.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Anticipate questions related to risk assessment and advocacy, even if it's not essential for the role. Brush up on your understanding of Part 8 procedures and be ready to provide sound advice based on hypothetical scenarios, demonstrating your analytical skills.
