At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and manage Legal Aid claims and bills for various cases.
- Company: Join an award-winning law firm known for exceptional client care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Fully on-site role at our Ilford Office with varied caseload.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in legal aid while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years' experience in Legal Aid costs and strong attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Ilford Office (Full-Time, On-Site)
About Farani Taylor Solicitors
Farani Taylor Solicitors is an award-winning full-service law firm with a strong reputation for delivering exceptional legal services with professionalism, integrity, and client care.
We are seeking an experienced Legal Aid Costs Draftsman with a minimum of 2-3 years' experience preparing and managing Legal Aid claims and bills to join our growing team at our Ilford Office.
The Role
The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing, drafting, and managing Legal Aid bills across a range of publicly funded matters. The role requires a strong understanding of Legal Aid Agency requirements, billing procedures, and costs recovery processes. The successful applicant will work closely with fee earners and department heads to maximise cost recovery while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and funding requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Preparing and drafting Legal Aid bills for assessment and submission
- Managing High Cost Case Plans and claims where applicable
- Preparing fixed fee, escape fee, and graduated fee claims
- Submitting claims through the Legal Aid Agency portal
- Reviewing files and identifying billing opportunities
- Liaising with fee earners regarding file management and billing requirements
- Ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency regulations and guidance
- Preparing bills for detailed assessment where required
- Handling cost negotiations and queries relating to Legal Aid claims
- Monitoring billing performance and supporting the recovery of outstanding costs
- Maintaining accurate billing records and reporting information
Requirements
- Minimum 2-3 years' experience as a Costs Draftsman, Legal Aid Costs Draftsman, or in a similar costs role
- Strong knowledge of Legal Aid billing and assessment procedures
- Experience preparing Legal Aid claims and bills independently
- Experience using CCMS and Legal Aid Agency billing systems
- Excellent attention to detail and numerical accuracy
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal case management systems
Desirable
- Experience across Family, Immigration, Crime, Housing, Public Law, Court of Protection, or other Legal Aid funded matters
- Experience preparing High Cost Case Plans and complex Legal Aid claims
- Association of Costs Lawyers or equivalent professional qualifications
What We Offer
- Opportunity to join a growing and ambitious law firm
- Varied and interesting Legal Aid caseload
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Career development opportunities
- Competitive salary dependent on experience
Location
This is a fully on-site position based at our Ilford Office.
How to Apply
Please send your CV or cover letter to: recruitment@faranitaylor.com Or apply directly here.
Requirements Added by the Job Poster
No need for visa sponsorship
Working in an onsite setting
Costs Draftsman - Legal Aid in Ilford employer: Farani Taylor Solicitors
Farani Taylor Solicitors is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in the heart of Ilford. With a commitment to employee growth and development, we provide our Costs Draftsman with varied and interesting Legal Aid cases, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to be part of a growing and ambitious law firm dedicated to professionalism and client care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Draftsman - Legal Aid in Ilford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who know about Legal Aid. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Legal Aid processes and billing systems. We want you to shine when discussing your experience with costs recovery and compliance!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on firms like Farani Taylor Solicitors that align with your values. Use our website to apply directly, showing you’re genuinely interested in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. We love seeing candidates who take initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Draftsman - Legal Aid in Ilford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Costs Draftsman, especially in Legal Aid. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant experience!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team at Farani Taylor Solicitors. Share specific examples of your past work with Legal Aid claims and how you’ve maximised cost recovery.
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:As a Costs Draftsman, attention to detail is key. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate precision, so take the time to proofread your documents before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Farani Taylor Solicitors
✨Know Your Legal Aid Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Legal Aid billing procedures and the specific requirements of the Legal Aid Agency. Familiarise yourself with common claims and any recent changes in regulations, as this will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience as a Costs Draftsman in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed Legal Aid claims, handled cost negotiations, and maximised cost recovery. This will help demonstrate your capability and fit for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm's approach to Legal Aid cases, their team dynamics, and how they support career development. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the firm is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires managing multiple deadlines and tasks, be prepared to discuss how you stay organised and prioritise your workload. You might even want to share tools or methods you use to keep track of your billing records and submissions.
