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- Tasks: Provide expert costs support in injury litigation and manage complex budgeting.
- Company: Well-established London-based firm with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Leadership opportunities, exposure to high-quality cases, and clear career progression.
- Why this job: Combine technical skills with strategic influence in a dynamic legal environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Costs Lawyer or Solicitor with 5+ years’ experience in injury litigation.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enhance your advocacy skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Harkaye Core Talent is instructed on an exciting opportunity for a Costs Associate (5+ PQE) to join a well-established and highly regarded London-based firm. This role sits within a specialist Costs team supporting the firm’s Injury departments and offers genuine exposure to high-value, complex litigation. It is ideal for a technically strong Costs Lawyer who enjoys both strategic advisory work and hands-on drafting and advocacy.
The Role
You will provide expert in-house costs support across the Injury practice areas, ensuring effective budgeting, recovery maximisation, and compliance with CPR requirements. This is not a purely drafting role — you will play a visible and strategic part in costs management and internal advisory work.
Key Responsibilities
- Preparing breakdowns for negotiation
- Advising fee earners on complex costs issues
- Preparing and managing Precedent H cost budgets
- Attending Cost Management Conferences and Hearings
- Monitoring and actively managing costs budgets
- Drafting formal Bills of Costs
- Conducting detailed assessment proceedings, including advocacy where appropriate
- Advising on costs offers and negotiation strategy
- Liaising with external Costs Lawyers where required
- Supervising and delegating work to junior team members
- Delivering internal costs updates and training
- Supporting departmental planning and growth
About You
- Qualified Costs Lawyer or Solicitor with 5+ years’ PQE
- Strong background in injury litigation costs
- Confident drafting Bills of Costs and managing detailed assessment
- Experience attending costs hearings (advocacy preferred)
- Commercially astute with the ability to advise strategically
- Strong communicator who can build trusted internal relationships
- Organised, proactive and solutions-focused
Why This Opportunity?
- Exposure to high-quality, complex injury matters
- A role combining technical excellence and strategic influence
- Advocacy opportunities
- Leadership and supervisory responsibility
- London-based position with clear progression
Apply via Harkaye Core Talent. At Harkaye Core Talent, we specialise in strategic legal recruitment. We partner with ambitious professionals and forward-thinking firms to deliver precision hiring solutions.
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Harkaye Core Talent.
Costs Associate in London employer: HarKaye Core Talent
Contact Detail:
HarKaye Core Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Associate in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in costs or injury litigation. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your advocacy skills. Since this role involves attending Cost Management Conferences and Hearings, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking! When discussing your experience, highlight how you've advised fee earners on complex costs issues. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to the firm's success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Associate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Costs Associate role. Highlight your experience in injury litigation costs and any relevant advocacy work. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
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. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your strategic advisory skills and your ability to manage costs effectively.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Costs Associate, strong communication is key. In your application, give examples of how you've built trusted relationships with colleagues or clients. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their thoughts clearly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at HarKaye Core Talent
✨Know Your Costs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of costs management, especially in injury litigation. Be prepared to discuss specific cases where you've successfully managed budgets or navigated complex costs issues. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Since this role involves attending Cost Management Conferences and Hearings, be ready to talk about your advocacy experience. Share examples of when you've represented clients effectively and how you approached negotiations. This will highlight your confidence and ability to handle high-pressure situations.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
The firm is looking for someone who can advise strategically. Prepare to discuss how you've contributed to cost recovery maximisation and compliance with CPR requirements in past roles. Think about how you can add value beyond just drafting bills—show them you can think ahead and plan effectively.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
Strong communication skills are key for this position. During the interview, engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their costs team and the challenges they face. This not only shows your interest but also helps you build a connection, making you a memorable candidate.