Costs Draftsperson in Birmingham

We are expanding and building on our already established and dynamic National Costs Department at Thompsons Solicitors LLP with experienced Law Costs professionals looking to make a significant impact. This is an opportunity for a highly skilled costs professional to join one of our expert specialist costs teams across our national structure, managing a diverse caseload of high value costs matters often of significant value and wider public importance.

The role involves handling PI Multi Track cases, including Serious Injury, Asbestos, Clinical Negligence, and high-cost matters, from the preparation of cost budgets through to the preparation and negotiation of bills of costs during the detailed assessment process. We are keen to hear from applicants based across the UK, with the opportunity to be based in any of our Thompsons Solicitors LLP branch locations plus there are the benefits of both our agile and flexible working policies.

In this role, you will have a full caseload of some of the more high-profile matters in the firm and will be responsible for a case from preparing Costs Budgets (Precedent H), Statements of Costs for Summary Assessment (N260s), Estimates, to the preparation of the Formal Bills of Costs. You will also be responsible for negotiating costs budgets and bills of costs, settling claims for costs on the best possible terms. You will have the opportunity to attend a variety of hearings to include Costs CMCs, Detailed Assessment hearings and application hearings. You will work closely with PI Lawyers and will form part of the legal team, advising on live claims and in more complex and technical costs matters you will liaise and work alongside both Junior and Leading Counsel.

Alongside managing all aspects of your own caseload in line with Costs Department protocols and service standards, you will lead by example and play a key role in supporting colleagues by providing day-to-day coaching and technical guidance as a “Supervision Buddy.”

We are looking for an experienced, confident and organised individual who can work independently while also contributing effectively within a team. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to demonstrate persuasive advocacy, confident negotiation and a professional telephone manner. You will have excellent attention to detail, strong file management and organisational skills, and be comfortable using standard IT packages such as Outlook and Word. Experience of Costs Master would be beneficial. We welcome applications from experienced Law Costs professionals who are looking to join our collaborative and forward-thinking Costs Department. Whilst qualified Costs Lawyers are preferred, we would also welcome applications from Chartered Legal Executives and Solicitors. Ideally, you will have significant experience in a wide range of high value Multi Track personal injury matters and a good understanding of the CPR.

The Costs Department at Thompsons Solicitors offers a clear incremental grading structure and progress pathway with regular training to enable and promote development. Other firm benefits include:

• £4,000 car allowance in addition to base salary
• Permanent health insurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan (MediCash)
• Life assurance
• Contributory pension scheme
• Generous annual leave allowances that increase with service (in addition to bank holidays)
• Additional discretionary leave over Christmas and Christmas shut down benefits
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Cycle to work scheme
• Disability Confident Employer
• Organised sports and social club supported by the firm
• Annual travel and parking loans
• Financial assistance for professional development