At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage Legal Aid costs claims and collaborate with external draftsmen.
- Company: Owen White Catlin LLP, a reputable law firm focused on quality service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, private medical insurance, and career development.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for advancement.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and grow your career in legal aid costing.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years of Legal Aid costing experience and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Location: Ashford (TW15)
Job Type: Part time (21hrs per week)
Salary: Competitive / Dependent on Experience
The Company
Owen White Catlin LLP is an established firm of solicitors with offices in South West London, Middlesex and Surrey. We believe what makes us stand out from the rest of our peers is our commitment to quality, customer service and ensuring we recruit the best people. We take great pride in our personal service and the accessibility of our lawyers.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Cost Clerk to join our established legal team. The successful candidate will play a key role in preparing and managing Legal Aid costs claims across the Family department. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong understanding of Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requirements who is looking to develop their career within a supportive firm.
Responsibilities Include:
- Working with External Costs Draftsmen
- Arranging and coordinating the preparation of final bills of costs with external Costs Draftsmen.
- Providing clear instructions, sending relevant case materials, and ensuring draft bills are reviewed for accuracy and compliance.
- Managing amendments, queries, or clarifications raised by the draftsman and ensuring timely turnaround.
- Liaising with fee earners to ensure files are complete, fee notes are accurate, and all work is correctly recorded.
- Maintaining internal logs, spreadsheets, or reporting systems relating to claims submitted, payments received, and queries outstanding.
- Ensuring all costs documentation is stored and managed in line with GDPR and firm policies.
Legal Aid Management:
- Checking bills of costs and Claim1 forms to ensure all disbursements from the duration of the matter have been accurately included.
The Candidate
As a Cost Clerk it is essential you can demonstrate the following skills and competencies:
- Proven experience in Legal Aid costing (minimum 1–2 years).
- Strong working knowledge of LAA procedures, CCMS, Claim1 forms, fixed fee claims, high-cost cases, and cost assessment processes.
- Experience working with external costs draftsmen.
- Excellent attention to detail with high levels of accuracy.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Familiarity with legal case management systems (e.g., Proclaim, ActionStep).
- Prior experience working in a law firm or legal aid‑funded department.
In return for your commitment we offer you:
- 28 days company holiday (plus 8 UK bank holidays) – full time entitlement
- Private Medical Insurance
- A firm with a great reputation
- Opportunities for professional development and advancement
- A collaborative and supportive work environment
In line with the Asylum & Immigration Act, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process, you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization and which are reasonably within the scope of the role.
Cost Clerk in Ashford employer: Owen White & Catlin Llp
Owen White & Catlin LLP is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values attention to detail and organisational skills. Located in Ashford, the firm provides meaningful opportunities for professional growth within the Family department, ensuring employees can thrive while managing Legal Aid costs claims. With a commitment to compliance and collaboration, this role promises a rewarding experience in a dynamic legal environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Clerk in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might know about Cost Clerk roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Legal Aid procedures and costs management. We want you to shine when discussing your experience with LAA requirements and how you handle multiple deadlines.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your attention to detail! Bring examples of how you've managed costs documentation accurately in past roles. This will help us see that you’re the right fit for our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Clerk in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cost Clerk role. Highlight your experience with Legal Aid costing and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our firm. Keep it concise but engaging!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:As a Cost Clerk, accuracy is key. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to double-check their work, so show us you care!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Owen White & Catlin Llp
✨Know Your Legal Aid Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Legal Aid Agency (LAA) procedures and the specifics of Claim1 forms. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you truly understand the nuances of the role.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Prepare examples from your past experience where your attention to detail made a significant difference. Whether it was catching an error in a bill or ensuring compliance with GDPR, having concrete examples ready will demonstrate your capability in this area.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Since the role involves liaising with fee earners and external costs draftsmen, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask during the interview to showcase your communication skills and interest in collaboration.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Think of ways you’ve managed multiple deadlines in the past. Be ready to discuss specific tools or methods you use to stay organised, as this is crucial for managing costs claims efficiently. Showing that you have a system in place will give the interviewers confidence in your ability to handle the workload.
