At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Costs Team to manage diverse caseloads and maximise costs recovery.
- Company: Dynamic law firm with a focus on personal injury cases.
- Benefits: Generous salary, car allowance, healthcare, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a vibrant social club.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive team while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in personal injury costs recovery and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Law Costs Draftsperson looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic Costs Team? We are seeking a highly skilled professional to join our Costs Department, working to maximise costs recovery and effectively manage a diverse caseload.
This role involves handling PI Multi Track cases, including Serious Injuries, Asbestos, Clinical Negligence, and high costs matters, from the preparation of cost budgets to the preparation and negotiation of bills of costs in the detailed assessment process. In this role, you will be preparing Costs Budgets (Precedent H), Statements of Costs for Summary Assessment (N260s), Estimates, and Formal Bills of Costs. You will also be responsible for negotiating costs budgets and settling claims for costs on the best possible terms, as well as attending Costs CMCs, Detailed Assessment hearings and application hearings.
Alongside managing all aspects of your own caseload in line with Costs Department protocols and service standards, you will also play a key role in supporting colleagues by providing day‑to‑day coaching and technical guidance as a “Supervision Buddy.”
We are looking for a 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. Whilst qualified Costs Lawyers are preferred, we would also welcome applications from experienced non‑qualified Costs Practitioners. Ideally, you will have at least two years’ experience in personal injury costs recovery in Multi Track matters and a good understanding of the CPR.
Benefits:
- £4,000 car allowance in addition to base salary
- Contributory pension scheme
- 5 days additional leave over Christmas (Xmas shut down)
- Permanent health insurance
- Healthcare Cash Plan (MediCash)
- Life assurance
- Disability Confident Employer
- 25 days annual leave (in addition to bank holidays)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Cycle to work scheme
- Organised sports and social club
- Annual travel and parking loans
- Financial assistance for professional development
Costs Draftsperson employer: Thompsons Solicitors
Thompsons Solicitors is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham where collaboration and professional growth are at the forefront. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing and a commitment to developing legal talent, we provide competitive salaries and benefits that reflect our dedication to our staff's success and satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Draftsperson
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in costs recovery. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. Since this role involves a lot of advocacy and negotiation, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Mock interviews with friends can really help!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along examples of your previous work, like cost budgets or bills of costs you've prepared. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and attention to detail.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people in our Costs Department.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Draftsperson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with PI Multi Track cases and costs recovery. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since strong written and verbal communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and demonstrate your persuasive advocacy skills in your cover letter. Remember, first impressions count!
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:We’re after someone who can manage their own caseload effectively. In your application, mention any tools or methods you use to stay organised and detail-oriented. This will show us you’re ready to handle the demands of the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thompsons Solicitors
✨Know Your Costs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of costs recovery, especially in personal injury cases. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience, like how you've handled cost budgets or negotiated bills of costs. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical skills to back it up.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since strong written and verbal communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might want to prepare a few scenarios where you successfully negotiated costs or resolved disputes. This will help demonstrate your persuasive advocacy and professional telephone manner during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This position requires someone who can work independently but also support colleagues. Think of examples where you’ve acted as a mentor or provided guidance to others. Highlighting your ability to be a 'Supervision Buddy' will show that you’re a team player who values collaboration.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about specific tools and processes, like preparing Costs Budgets (Precedent H) or using Costs Master. Familiarise yourself with these terms and be ready to explain how you’ve used them in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your technical expertise and readiness for the job.
