At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle complex costs matters and mentor junior colleagues in a dynamic legal environment.
- Company: Join a prestigious Legal 500 law firm with a strong reputation across England and Wales.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, real progression opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a senior role within a respected national practice.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of costs law experience and strong drafting skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Gemini Recruitment are currently partnering with a large and established law firm. Our client serves corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 practice areas from offices throughout London and across England and Wales. Our client, a prestigious Legal 500 law firm and one of the UK’s largest providers of Legal Aid services, is seeking an accomplished Senior Law Costs Draftsman to join its high-performing Billing & Costs Department. With a team of 30+ experienced costs professionals, this is a standout opportunity to step into a senior role where your expertise will genuinely shape the department's success.
As a senior member of the team, you’ll handle complex, high-value costs matters, lead on drafting and negotiating, support strategic litigation decisions, and act as a trusted technical authority within the department. You’ll also play a key role in mentoring junior colleagues and driving best practice across the team. If you’re a seasoned costs specialist looking for a role with influence, progression, and the chance to work within a respected national practice, this position offers an exceptional platform for your next career move.
Main Responsibilities of the Role:
- Reporting directly to the Manager and contributing to team-wide performance
- Drafting / preparing inter partes bills of costs, costs budgets; and points of reply/dispute
- Drafting inter partes bills with Legal Aid element
- Drafting Claim1s, 1as and VHCC/HCCP case
- Drafting of 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 upon Detailed Assessment Hearing as and when necessary
- Providing technical / costs guidance to fee earners where required
- Assist junior members of the team to complete post assessment work, with training and ad hoc queries
- Maintaining accurate time costing procedures
- Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly meetings ensuring that these are dealt with promptly
- Ensuring full compliance with file management and internal quality standards
- Contributing to internal training and the ongoing development of costs management processes
Key Skills Required:
- Costs Law Expertise: 2+ years experience drafting Inter Partes and Legal Aid bills with strong CPR knowledge
- Bill & Budget Drafting: Skilled in IP bills, LAA 3- & 6-column bills, costs budgets, schedules, and breakdowns
- Negotiation & Replies: Confident negotiator with the ability to draft clear, persuasive Points of Reply
- Assessment & Part 8: Experienced in preparing matters for detailed assessment and understanding Part 8 procedure
- Client Advice: Provides accurate, commercially focused advice with strong professional judgment
- Advocacy: Advocacy experience desirable; own-advocacy capability is an advantage
- Technical Skills: Strong MS Excel and Office skills; Costs Master knowledge beneficial
- Autonomy & Teamwork: Manages own caseload confidently while contributing effectively within a team
- Target Driven: Works efficiently and consistently meets achievable performance targets
On offer is a competitive salary, real opportunities for progression and a supportive team environment.
Note: By applying to this vacancy you give Gemini Recruitment Services Limited permission to submit your CV to the hiring company.
Costs Draftsperson in City of London employer: Gemini Recruitment
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