At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate costs and manage a caseload in a dynamic legal environment.
- Company: Join Express Solicitors, a top-rated personal injury law firm in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, and private medical insurance after two years.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with a vibrant social culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing firm with excellent career development opportunities.
- Qualifications: 2-5 years of experience in case handling and knowledge of fixed costs claims.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Sharston, M22 4SN
Salary: £30,000 to £40,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Job type: Full time, Permanent
About Us:
Established in 2000, Express Solicitors is an award winning, no win no fee law firm specialising exclusively in personal injury claims. Headquartered in Manchester, we support clients nationwide across all areas of personal injury, including employers' liability, serious injury, clinical negligence, occupiers' and public liability, road traffic accidents and industrial disease.
We are ranked 64th in The Lawyer UK Top 200, out of more than 10,000 law firms nationwide, and after achieving a 20% year on year growth, Express Solicitors are the largest personal injury claimant firm in the UK. Our commitment to outstanding client care is reflected in our Trustpilot rating of 4.8 (Excellent), placing us among the highest rated firms in the sector.
About the Role:
We are currently looking for a Cost Negotiator to join our established costs department of 40 plus. The position will involve handling a fixed costs caseload reviewing inter partes disputes, developing persuasive arguments making offers, negotiating settlement and preparing cases for summary and detailed assessment.
The role involves:
- Reporting to supervisor in weekly review meetings.
- Working to a caseload, WIP and fee target.
- Reviewing and negotiating fixed costs cases.
- Drafting letters, Costs Schedules, Part 23 Applications and Part 8 Proceedings. Skeleton arguments and written submissions.
- Liaising with fee earners and management.
- Providing assistance to other team members as and when required.
Responsibilities:
- Progressive Management a caseload.
- Securing payments on account of costs at the earliest opportunity.
- Ensure that the quality of work produced is to the highest standard.
- Reviewing costs schedules/bills with a view to negotiating Claimants costs, generally disputed fixed costs cases, and settling costs files in a timely manner.
- Negotiating settlement of costs and reporting terms of settlement.
- Preparing bills/Part 23 Applications and/or Replies to Points of Dispute in fixed costs cases.
- Drafting Part 8 and Part 23 Proceedings.
- Preparing cases for assessment hearings.
- Attending costs hearings where appropriate.
- Provide technical support to the costs team on fixed costs disputes.
- Maintaining the highest client care and service standards.
Person Specification:
- A good working knowledge of fixed costs claims and the costs process.
- A good working knowledge of CPR Cost related procedures, Pre-Action Protocols, and case law for fixed costs disputes.
- 2 to 5 years' experience of case handling and working to target.
- Ability to deal with advocacy at costs hearings on fixed costs matters (not essential but desirable).
- Good commercial awareness and a professional attitude.
- Ability to work to time scales and cope under pressure.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work within a team.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Good IT skills, experience of Proclaim, Excel and Cost Master is desirable.
The role also offers excellent career development prospects for the right candidate, as the firm offers training contracts or support through the ACL qualification, for those candidates who prove themselves.
Salary & Hours:
Salary of £30,000 to £40,000, dependent on experience. Our standard working hours are 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday-Thursday and 8:30am to 5pm Friday.
Benefits:
- Hybrid working - Flexible hybrid working pattern.
- 23 days of holiday - Rising to 26 days, plus bank/public holidays.
- Extra Holidays - 3 holiday buy backs and an extra day for your birthday after service length requirement.
- Looking After Your Health - Private medical insurance available after 2 years' service, annual flu jab and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Looking After Your Well-being - 24/7 onsite Gym, Netball/Football team, 10km Manchester team and more.
- Work Life / Balance - Active social committee with generous departmental and firm-wide social budget.
Recruitment Process:
Interviews will be conducted by MS Teams and will include scenario-based questioning. Our employees are our most important asset, we rate skill and ability above all else and our recruitment policy encourages applications from all.
Please click APPLY to be redirected to our website to complete your application. Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of; Costs Draftsperson, Costs Draftsman, Legal Executive, Costs Lawyer, Costs Solicitor will also be considered for this role.
Costs Negotiator in Bolton employer: EXPRESS SOLICITORS
Express Solicitors is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Sharston, where employees are valued as the firm's most important asset. With a strong commitment to professional development, including support for ACL qualifications and a flexible hybrid working model, team members enjoy a healthy work-life balance alongside generous holiday allowances and wellness initiatives. The collaborative culture fosters growth and camaraderie, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in personal injury law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Negotiator in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal field, especially those who work in costs negotiation. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your knowledge of fixed costs claims and the CPR Cost procedures. Practise answering scenario-based questions so you can showcase your skills confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! During interviews, be clear and concise when discussing your experience. Use examples that highlight your ability to negotiate and handle costs effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our awesome team at Express Solicitors.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Negotiator in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Costs Negotiator role. Highlight your experience with fixed costs claims and any relevant skills that match what we're looking for. This shows us you're genuinely interested in the position!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, don’t shy away from showcasing your writing abilities. Use clear and concise language in your application, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge:We want to see that you understand the costs process and CPR Cost related procedures. Include specific examples of your experience in these areas to give us a better picture of your expertise and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our firm and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at EXPRESS SOLICITORS
✨Know Your Costs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fixed costs claims and the costs process. Familiarise yourself with CPR Cost related procedures and Pre-Action Protocols, as these are likely to come up during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Since the interview will include scenario-based questioning, think about potential situations you might face as a Costs Negotiator. Prepare clear, structured responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to negotiate effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully liaised with fee earners and management in the past. Use specific examples to highlight your teamwork and client care abilities.
✨Demonstrate Your Time Management Skills
The role requires working to targets and managing a caseload efficiently. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed your time and prioritised tasks in previous roles, especially under pressure.
