At a Glance
- Tasks: Support senior case handlers by drafting formal bills and documents for personal injury cases.
- Company: Join Express Solicitors, a top-rated law firm with a focus on personal injury claims.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday allowance, and private medical insurance after two years.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with excellent career growth and a vibrant social scene.
- Why this job: Be part of a thriving team and develop your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 2 to 10 years of drafting experience in personal injury; legal qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.
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.
The Role
We are currently looking for a Cost Draftsperson to join our established costs department of 40 plus.
This position will be to support other senior case handlers with their drafting requirements, working in an assisting capacity.
The ideal candidate will possess 2 to 10 years’ experience working either in‑house or for an external supplier of costs drafting services.
They will have experience of preparing formal bills and supplementary documents for detailed assessment on fast track & multi‑track cases.
This is an exciting opportunity for a Draftsperson to work with a thriving in‑house team, in the personal injury and clinical negligence field.
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.
Responsibilities
- Reporting to the Dept Head and Line Manager.
- Working to WIP target.
- Drafting work to estimated completion dates set by supervisor.
- Drafting formal bills for inter partes detailed assessment.
- Drafting N260 statements of costs.
- Preparing risk assessments.
- Preparing Part 8 proceedings for issue.
- Investigating all disbursement liabilities.
- Accurately reviewing the client ledger and accounts information.
- Completing Work Check lists.
- Preparing Precedent S and Q documents.
- Commencing Detailed Assessment proceedings on approved work.
Person Specification
- 2 to 10 year’s drafting experience in the claimant personal injury sector.
- Completion of a legal qualification (LLB, GDL, LPC) desirable.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Drafting skills associated with completing Precedent H, R and Q and finalising formal bills in Multi Track and budgeted cases.
- Experience of working to target.
- You will have a flexible approach and be able to respond to rapid changes in working schedules and priorities.
For this, you will need to be organised and able to communicate clearly with people at all levels.
- Applicants should be committed and hardworking individuals who enjoy operating in a pressurised and highly motivated team environment.
You will be able to demonstrate the ability to work on your own initiative with the minimum of supervision.
- Knowledge of time recording procedures.
- Working knowledge of the Civil Procedures Rules and Detailed Assessment process.
- Analytical skills and attention to detail are essential.
- Consistently produce work which is accurate and well‑presented.
- The role involves the use of IT systems and therefore computer literacy, including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages is essential.
- Experience of using Proclaim Case Management System and Costs Master software is essential.
- Experience of working in‑house.
- Salary & Hours
- Salary of £30,000 to £50,000, dependent on experience.
- Our standard working hours are 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday-Thursday and 8:30am to 5pm Friday.
Benefits
Hybrid Working
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 offsite 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.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Draftsperson in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Express Solicitors, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Draftsperson in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Express Solicitors, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Express Solicitors and the specific role of Costs Draftsperson. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Express Solicitors’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Express Solicitors
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Express Solicitors.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Express Solicitors.
