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- Tasks: Manage your own portfolio of fixed costs cases and lead negotiations.
- Company: Join Keoghs, a leading law practice based in Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, 25 days holiday, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in costs litigation and client interaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in costs negotiation is preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Office attendance required twice a month in Manchester.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Department: Legal
Location: Bolton
Description
Managing a reduced caseload to review, assess and negotiate settlement of costs matters and deal with all procedural aspects and pleadings until settlement or assessment of costs. To provide costs advice to clients and the main teams, and to negotiate costs on a variety of matters delivering savings for our clients. Supervising, mentoring and coaching others through the Competency matrix
It is important that the job holder can quickly review files & formulate initial costs strategy, provide comprehensive advice to clients, commence early telephone negotiations with other side and liaise, as required, with Insurers throughout the life of the file.
You need to be able to build strong working relationships with both your colleagues in Costs and with the wider business. Strong decision making in order to give clear directions to supervisees and in own problem cases
Key Responsibilities
- 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 – ensuring completeness of records to aid business decision making.
- Reviewing, advising and negotiating end of life costs claimed, including drafting Points of Dispute and considering and responding to replies.
- Responsible for achieving a daily chargeable hour target, managing workload to meet service level agreements and critical dates.
- Delegation of tasks where available and appropriate to other members of the team.
- Reviewing files, including strategy setting and identifying strengths and weaknesses and preparing a document to reflect this.
- Supervising and coaching others through the competency matrix
- Preparing cost strategy reports, updating through the life of the case.
- 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.
- Undertaking periodic reviews of files in line with Client requirements.
- Negotiating costs advantageous to our clients.
- Dealing with correspondence and telephone calls.
- Meeting agreed performance targets.
- Drafting relevant applications and/or opposing applications Instruct Counsel or Costs Lawyer to attend Detailed Assessment or alternatively conduct own advocacy.
Working Hours
35 hours per week Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm with 1 unpaid hour for lunch. Primary location for this role is Bolton
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Experience of negotiating costs, including preparing points of dispute, considering replies proceeding cases to PA and DA.
- Good standard of education – 3 GCSE’s grade C or above or equivalent, including maths and English
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal including previous experience of client liaison.
- Good telephone negotiation skills
- Previous experience of handling own caseload, and meeting service level agreements and key performance indicators.
- Ability to use own initiative.
- Ability to plan and prioritise workloads.
- Excellent listening skills.
- Ability to make decisions.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Ability to act as part of a team.
- Proficient IT skills.
Desirable:
- Education – Degree and/or LPC and/or ALCD or equivalent. Conducted own advocacy.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday per year which increases with level of service(opportunity to buy & sell 3 days)
- Family Cover Private Medical Insurance ( Bupa) – will automatically be at single cover level but can opt into family option within first month of joining.
- Simply Health Care Cash Plan
- WeCare – 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
- Critical Illness Cover
- PHI/Income Protection ( Private health insurance)
- Pension Contribution based 5% Employee / 3% Employer
- 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
*after successfully completing probation
Costs Negotiator employer: Keoghs
Contact Detail:
Keoghs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Negotiator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and changes in costs litigation and fixed recoverable costs. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the legal and insurance sectors, especially those who have experience in costs negotiation. Attend relevant webinars or local events to make connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising your responses to scenarios involving costs negotiation. Think about how you would handle disputes or client interactions, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your IT skills by being proficient in any relevant software used in costs management. Familiarity with case management systems can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Negotiator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in costs negotiation and client liaison. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage a caseload and negotiate effectively.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Costs Negotiator role at Keoghs. Mention your understanding of fixed recoverable costs and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your analytical skills and ability to prepare cost strategy reports. Highlight any experience you have with the Detailed Assessment process and your proficiency in IT, as these are crucial for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential in the legal field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Keoghs
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Costs Negotiator. Familiarise yourself with fixed recoverable costs, disputed disbursements, and the Detailed Assessment process. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Prepare Your Case Studies
Think of specific examples from your past experience that showcase your skills in costs negotiation and client liaison. Be ready to discuss how you handled challenging cases, negotiated settlements, or managed your own caseload. This will illustrate your practical experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Costs Negotiator, excellent verbal communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, listen carefully to questions and respond thoughtfully, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues alike.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Initiative
Highlight your ability to work as part of a team while also showcasing your initiative. Discuss instances where you took the lead on a project or collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. This will show that you can thrive in both independent and team settings, which is crucial for this role.
