At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare final claims for costs and assist with legal aid submissions.
- Company: Join GN Law, a supportive independent law firm in North London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days leave, and bonus schemes.
- Other info: Enjoy excellent training opportunities and a vibrant work culture.
- Why this job: Make a difference in legal proceedings while growing your career in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Costs Draftsman and strong attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
GN Law is an independent law firm with a committed team of solicitors, paralegals and support staff. We represent clients locally in North London, and more widely across London and England.
Our specialist areas of law include:
- Family – public and private Children Act proceedings and financial proceedings within divorce
- Court of Protection – safeguarding the rights and interests of vulnerable individuals
- Mental Health – supporting and representing patients detained under the Mental Health Act
- Claims Against Police & Public Authorities – challenging misconduct and abuses of power
- Wills, Trusts & Probate – helping clients plan for their future and the future of their families
About the Role:
We are looking for an experienced Costs Draftsman to deal with all aspects of final billing for publicly funded proceedings. This will include the preparation of final claims for costs for all types of publicly funded cases, the completion of Outcome submissions to the Legal Aid Agency, the submission of final claims and the uploading of supporting documents, assessing Assessment Notifications and considering and preparing any Appeals considered necessary in relation to any fees or disbursements disallowed on assessment. It will be of considerable advantage if the prospective candidate is familiar with Costsmaster software for the preparation of claim documentation.
Main Responsibilities of the Role:
- Report directly to Finance Manager
- Drafting Electronic Bills
- 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 compliance with file management
- Internal training and reviewing the ongoing costs management process.
Key Skills Required:
- A strong academic background
- Experience as a Costs Draftsman
- Minimum of 2 years legal experience of costs drafting for publicly funded bills
- Worked in a litigation environment and have relevant legal experience within a Costs team
- Experience of handling your own costs caseload from start to finish
- Up to date knowledge of LAA Costs Assessment Guidance
- IT literate including knowledge of using legal case management systems, office 365 and document management skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Committed team player and adapt well to new challenges
- Previous proven supervisory experience an advantage but not requirement
- Professional with a pro-active approach; excellent client care skills and ability to deal with other professionals and court services
- Excellent analytical and organizational skills
- Ability to use own initiative and sound judgment
Essential:
- Valid right to work in the UK
- A conscientious, organised, and team-focused approach
Employment Terms:
- Responsible to: The Directors
- Salary: Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience + entry to bonus scheme
- Pension: Enrolment into GN Law’s pension scheme
- Contract: Permanent, subject to 6-month probation
- Hours: 37.5 hours per week
- Base: GN Law office, Lodge Lane, North Finchley (hybrid-working available)
- Annual leave: 25 days (plus public holidays)
- Maternity/shared parental leave: Enhanced package available
- Notice period: 3 months following probation
Benefits:
- The opportunity to be part of a team of enthusiastic and supportive individuals who enjoy and excel at what they do
- Excellent internal training and support to access external training
- Hybrid working
- 25 days annual leave
- An employee assistance programme delivered by Health Assured, an award-winning wellbeing provider
- Pension scheme
- Enhanced maternity/parental leave package
- A cycle-to-work scheme
- Quarterly and annual bonus scheme
Application Process:
Please send your CV and cover letter to hr@gnlaw.co.uk (Applications without a cover letter will not be accepted.) You must demonstrate how you meet all essential criteria. Applicants are encouraged to complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form via our Careers page. This is not used in the selection process. Two-stage interview process: online then in-office. References requested only after a provisional offer is made. Unsuccessful applicants will be informed by email.
Costs Draftsman employer: GNLaw
GN Law is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in North Finchley, where team members are encouraged to thrive and develop their skills. With competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including hybrid working options, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee training and growth, GN Law stands out as a rewarding place for Costs Draftsmen seeking meaningful legal careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Draftsman
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might know someone at GN Law. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching GN Law and their work. Knowing their specialisations will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to costs drafting. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We all know that confidence is key, so the more you practice, the better you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows that you’re keen on the position. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Draftsman
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role of Costs Draftsman. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description. We want to see your personality shine through while keeping it professional!
Showcase Your Skills:In your CV, don’t just list your previous jobs; showcase the skills that make you a great fit for this position. Mention your experience with Costsmaster software and any specific cases you've worked on that relate to publicly funded proceedings. We love seeing concrete examples!
Keep It Neat and Professional:Presentation matters! Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-formatted, free of typos, and easy to read. A clean layout shows attention to detail, which is crucial for a Costs Draftsman. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can maintain accuracy in their work!
Apply Through Our Website:While you can send your application to hr@gnlaw.co.uk, we encourage you to check out our Careers page for more insights about us. Applying through our website can give you a better feel for our culture and values, which is super important for us at GN Law!
How to prepare for a job interview at GNLaw
✨Know Your Costs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of costs drafting, especially for publicly funded cases. Familiarise yourself with the LAA Costs Assessment Guidance and be ready to discuss how you've handled your own costs caseload in the past.
✨Show Off Your Software Skills
If you're familiar with Costsmaster software, highlight this during your interview. Be prepared to explain how you've used it in previous roles to prepare claim documentation and manage costs effectively.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
GN Law values a committed team player, so share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues in the past. Talk about any experience you have in training junior members or providing guidance to fee earners.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical and organisational skills. Think of specific situations where you've had to use your initiative or sound judgment in a costs drafting context, and be ready to discuss the outcomes.
