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- Tasks: Join our costs department to negotiate settlements and manage fixed costs cases.
- Company: Express Solicitors is an award-winning law firm with a 5-star Trustpilot rating.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 23-26 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a gym.
- Why this job: Make a real impact helping injured clients while developing your legal skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 2-5 years of experience in case handling and knowledge of fixed costs claims required.
- Other info: Career development opportunities available, including training contracts and ACL qualification support.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ 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 law firm that deals with personal injury and clinical negligence claims. Based in Manchester, we serve clients nationwide and are currently ranked 70 out of more than 10,000 law firms. We have a 5-star rating on Trustpilot from over 6,500 reviews, which coming from our clients means a lot to us. We are proud of the work we do helping injured people, and this is the core of our business.
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 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; Cost Negotiation, Costs Litigation Assistant, Costs Draftsperson, Legal Executive, Legal Support Assistant, Law Graduate, Legal Aid may also be considered for this role.
Cost Negotiator employer: Express Solicitors
Contact Detail:
Express Solicitors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Negotiator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific costs processes and procedures mentioned in the job description. Understanding CPR Cost related procedures and Pre-Action Protocols will give you a solid foundation to discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for scenario-based questions by thinking about past experiences where you've successfully negotiated or handled fixed costs cases. Be ready to articulate your thought process and the outcomes of those situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills by practicing how you would explain complex legal concepts in simple terms. This is crucial as you'll need to liaise effectively with fee earners and management.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Express Solicitors and their approach to client care. Being able to discuss their values and how you align with them can set you apart from other candidates during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Negotiator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Cost Negotiator position. Familiarise yourself with fixed costs claims and the costs process, as well as the specific duties mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in cost negotiation or related roles. Emphasise your knowledge of CPR Cost related procedures and any experience you have with case handling, especially if it aligns with the 2 to 5 years' experience mentioned.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the firm. Mention specific examples of your previous work that demonstrate your skills in negotiation, communication, and teamwork, which are crucial for this position.
Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions: Since interviews will include scenario-based questioning, think about potential scenarios you might face as a Cost Negotiator. Prepare responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Express Solicitors
✨Understand Fixed Costs Claims
Make sure you have a solid grasp of fixed costs claims and the costs process. Brush up on CPR Cost related procedures and Pre-Action Protocols, as these are likely to come up during your interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Since the interview will include scenario-based questioning, think about potential scenarios you might face as a Cost Negotiator. Prepare your responses by outlining how you would handle specific situations, focusing on negotiation tactics and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key in this role. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. You might be asked to explain your thought process or how you would communicate with clients and team members.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
The role involves liaising with fee earners and management, so be prepared to discuss your experience working in a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others to achieve common goals, especially under pressure.
