At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare bills and schedules of costs while managing your own caseload.
- Company: Join a dynamic legal firm focused on innovative cost solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, health support, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the legal field while developing valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths, English & Science; experience in costs drafting preferred.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and community involvement through volunteering.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
The Costs Draftsperson is responsible for preparing bills, schedules of costs and other pleadings, resolving costs claims predominantly as a receiving party representative.
Key Accountabilities
- Ability to draft bills of costs and recovery of costs through the Detailed Assessment process, including negotiating costs, drafting budgets either Claimant and/or Defendant and conduct own advocacy.
- Responsible for management of own caseload using in-house case management system including timely and accurate maintenance of the system along with billing and management information β ensuring completeness of records in order to aid business decision making.
- Responsible for hitting chargeable hours target every day.
- Delegation of tasks where available and appropriate to other members of the team.
- Drafting Bills and Schedules of Costs.
- Preparing replies and considering points of dispute, identifying strengths and weaknesses and preparing a document to reflect this.
- Preparing cost strategy reports, and providing strategic costs advice.
- Dealing with correspondence and telephone calls.
- Undertaking periodic reviews of files in line with Client requirements.
- Provide written updates by email or letter to clients detailing case activity to ensure that they receive up to date and accurate information about progress when requested.
- Conduct own advocacy or instructing advocate as required.
Experience, Skills and Qualifications
- Experience in a similar costs Draftsperson role - bill drafting and costs recovery for receiving party.
- Have a good understanding of the Detailed Assessment process, Cost Case Laws and Insurance Litigation practice & process.
- Previous experience of client liaison.
- Good standard of education β 3 GCSEβs grade C or above or equivalent including Maths, English & Science as a minimum.
- Good telephone negotiation skills.
- Previous experience of handling own caseload.
- Ability to use own initiative.
- Ability to plan and prioritise workloads.
- Excellent listening and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to make decisions.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Ability to act as part of a team.
- Proficient IT skills.
- Desirable: Education β Degree and/or LPC and/or ALCD or equivalent. Conducted own advocacy.
Benefits
- Davies Incentive Plan
- 25 days holiday per year which increases with level of service (opportunity to buy & sell 3 days)
- Simply Health Care Cash Plan
- WeCare β 24/7 online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing covering a whole host of topics to do with health, mental health, wellbeing & healthy living and financial & legal wellbeing
- Death In Service β after 1 yearsβ service
- Pension Contribution based 5% Employee / 3% Employer
- Employee Resource Groups
- Employee Volunteering Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Tech Scheme
- Season Ticket Loan
- Gym Flex
- Access to Online Discount Sites
- Discounted Gourmet Society Membership
- Discounted Tickets for Merlin Attractions nationwide
- Discounts at local retail outlets β after successfully completing probation
Costs Draftsperson employer: Keoghs
Contact Detail:
Keoghs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Costs Draftsperson
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Detailed Assessment process and Cost Case Laws. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and understanding of the legal landscape.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who work in costs drafting or litigation. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the industry.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with managing a caseload and your approach to client liaison. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your negotiation skills and ability to handle pressure.
β¨Tip Number 4
Showcase your IT proficiency by being familiar with case management systems. If possible, mention any specific software you've used in the past, as this can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Draftsperson
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in costs drafting and recovery. Emphasise your understanding of the Detailed Assessment process and any previous roles that involved client liaison or advocacy.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are a great fit for the Costs Draftsperson role. Mention specific skills such as your ability to manage a caseload, negotiate costs, and draft bills. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight key skills mentioned in the job description, such as excellent communication, decision-making abilities, and proficiency in IT. Provide concrete examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role that involves drafting legal documents.
How to prepare for a job interview at Keoghs
β¨Know Your Costs Law
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of costs law and the Detailed Assessment process. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the role and can handle the responsibilities that come with it.
β¨Demonstrate Your Drafting Skills
Prepare examples of bills of costs or schedules you've drafted in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to drafting and how you ensure accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
β¨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since negotiation is a key part of the role, think of specific instances where you've successfully negotiated costs. Highlight your strategies and the outcomes to demonstrate your effectiveness in this area.
β¨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage your caseload. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might face and how you would address them.