At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team while managing your own caseload and enhancing legal cost services.
- Company: Join Simpson Millar, a supportive national law firm with a friendly atmosphere.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, hybrid working, flexible hours, and a company pension.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team focused on high-quality results and personal development.
- Qualifications: Experience in legal costs and operational leadership is essential; strong communication skills are a must.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are key values; all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Mostly Remote - Quarterly meetings in Cardiff
Salary: Competitive (DOE)
Benefits: 27 days holiday plus bank holidays, the option to buy and sell holidays, hybrid working, a flexible working environment, company pension, sick pay, life assurance, employee assistance program, and many more.
Are you an experienced legal costs expert with a flair for leadership and operational insight? Ready to take your career to the next level in a supportive, forward-thinking environment? Simpson Millar is looking for a dynamic Costs Team Leader to join our dedicated CC Law team. As a pivotal part of the team, you will combine expert case handling with operational leadership. You will support the Head of CC Law in driving performance, maintaining best practices, and enhancing the delivery of legal cost services, all while managing your own caseload and mentoring a high-performing support team.
Role & Responsibilities
- Draft Traditional and Precedent S Bills of Costs, Budgets, and Statements (N260)
- Provide expert costs advice and negotiate with opposition parties
- Represent at Costs Management and Detailed Assessment Hearings
- Lead operational initiatives from process improvement and tech integration to KPI tracking and financial forecasting
- Mentor team members, address performance concerns, and collaborate with L&D for talent development
- Work closely with Business Intelligence to improve key Management Information (MI)
What We’re Looking For
- A solid background in legal costs with experience in operational leadership
- Sharp critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Confidence in handling KPIs, improving performance, and driving business outcomes
- Proficiency in case management systems and Office/Excel tools
- A strong communicator who leads by example and thrives in a collaborative environment
You will also have experience using CostsMaster / iDraft software, and membership of the Association of Costs Lawyers would be a plus but is not essential.
Why join us?
We have a small, friendly, and hardworking team committed to achieving high-quality results and providing excellent service. This team is part of a national law firm, giving you the benefits of a close-knit environment combined with the backing of a growing, well-capitalized law firm. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. Click the link below to apply, or if you would like to discuss your experience further, please contact Katie McCabe (Recruitment Business Partner) at 0113 831 4206.
Diversity and Inclusion: At Simpson Millar, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every element in the advert, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles in our firm.
Note to Agencies: At this time, we are not seeking agency assistance. If external support is needed, the role will be released via individual invitations to specific agencies on our PSL. Any speculative candidates sent to us will be considered unsolicited and no fees will be payable.
Costs Draftsman employer: Simpson Millar Solicitors
Contact Detail:
Simpson Millar Solicitors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Draftsman
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific software mentioned in the job description, such as CostsMaster and iDraft. Having hands-on experience or even a basic understanding of these tools can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership skills during any discussions or interviews. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully mentored team members or led operational initiatives in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Simpson Millar's values and recent achievements. Being able to discuss how your personal values align with theirs can demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to performance improvement and KPI management. Think of specific strategies you've implemented in the past that have led to measurable success, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Draftsman
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in legal costs and operational leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in case handling, team mentoring, and performance improvement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention your familiarity with CostsMaster/iDraft software and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in case management systems. These are key attributes that Simpson Millar is looking for in a candidate.
Show Enthusiasm for Diversity and Inclusion: Express your commitment to diversity and inclusion in your application. Mention any relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to thrive in a collaborative environment, as this is important to the company culture at Simpson Millar.
How to prepare for a job interview at Simpson Millar Solicitors
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Costs Team Leader, demonstrating your leadership abilities is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on mentoring and performance improvement.
✨Be Prepared to Discuss KPIs
Since the role involves handling KPIs and driving business outcomes, be ready to discuss your experience with key performance indicators. Think of specific instances where you improved performance metrics in previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Software
Knowledge of CostsMaster or iDraft software is beneficial. If you have experience with these tools, be sure to mention it. If not, consider doing a bit of research to understand their functionalities.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully communicated complex legal costs information to various stakeholders, showcasing your ability to lead by example.