At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a diverse caseload of costs matters and negotiate settlements.
- Company: Dynamic law firm in Leeds City Centre with a supportive team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit sharing, generous holiday, and health insurance.
- Other info: Enjoy regular social events and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make an impact in the legal field.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Costs Lawyer or Draftsman and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Leeds City Centre
Salary: £35,000 to £55,000
Experience: Costs drafting experience (claimant and/or defendant work)
Our client is looking to recruit a Costs Draftsman (Costs Lawyer/Law Costs Draftsman) to join a growing Costs team on a full-time, permanent basis in Leeds City Centre. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys technical costs work and wants to build a varied caseload across a range of civil claims. You will be supported by admin resource, allowing you to focus on drafting, analysis and negotiation.
What You’ll Be Doing
Over time, the role is expected to involve managing a diverse caseload of costs matters, including:
- Drafting bills of costs
- Negotiating settlements
- Preparing budgets and dealing with points of dispute
The work is expected to include a mix of:
- Claimant clinical negligence
- Personal injury
- Inquest matters
- Professional negligence
- Historic sexual abuse claims
- Some defendant housing disrepair matters
Key Responsibilities
- Preparation of traditional three-column bills of costs
- Preparation of Precedent S bills of costs and Precedent H documents
- Preparation of points of dispute and replies
- Analysing costs offers and preparing advice on costs issues
- Undertaking costs negotiations
- Prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines across a varied caseload
- Using a case management system and maintaining strong IT standards
- Liaising with clients, solicitors and other legal professionals
What We’re Looking For
- Experience as a Costs Lawyer and/or Law Costs Draftsman
- Degree-level education or comparable work experience
- Excellent attention to detail and strong analytical skills
- Proactive approach and willingness to learn
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel
What’s On Offer
- Salary of £35,000 to £55,000 (dependent on experience)
- Varied costs caseload with a mix of claimant and defendant work
- Admin support to enable you to focus on drafting and negotiation
- Profit sharing scheme (tax-free on payments up to £3,600 per year), subject to 12+ months employment at the end of the calendar year
- Holiday entitlement starting at 23 days, increasing to 26 days after 1 year and 31 days after 5 years’ service (pro-rata for part-time employees)
- Salary sacrifice pension scheme (subject to HMRC eligibility) with 5% employer contributions
- Death in service life assurance (3 times salary)
- Private health insurance after 1 year’s employment
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after 2 years’ employment
- 24/7 employee assistance programme, including counselling support
- Paycare health cash plan (employee paid contributions)
- Discounted bus travel and interest-free loan for an annual train or bus pass
- Professional membership/subscription support
- Free conveyancing on your main residential property after 1 year’s employment
- A free will after 1 year’s employment
- Regular social events
Working Arrangements
Full-time, permanent Leeds City Centre
Next Steps
Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.
Costs Draftsman in Leeds employer: Trades Workforce Solutions
Join a dynamic and supportive Costs team in the heart of Leeds City Centre, where you will have the opportunity to manage a diverse caseload while benefiting from dedicated admin support. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth, offering generous holiday entitlements, a profit-sharing scheme, and professional development opportunities. With a focus on work-life balance and regular social events, we are committed to creating a rewarding environment for our Costs Draftsman.
Contact Details:
Trades Workforce Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Draftsman in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience as Costs Draftsmen. They might know of opportunities or can even refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your costs drafting knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've worked on and how you handled negotiations. Show them you're not just a candidate, but the right fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Costs Draftsman role. We’re all about making connections and helping you find the perfect fit, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Draftsman in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Costs Draftsman role. Highlight your costs drafting experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background fits with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about costs work and how your experience aligns with our needs. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:As a Costs Draftsman, attention to detail is key. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to present their best selves!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your application rolling!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trades Workforce Solutions
✨Know Your Costs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your costs drafting knowledge, especially around the types of claims mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with drafting bills of costs and points of dispute, as well as the nuances of claimant versus defendant work.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you analyse costs offers and prepare advice on costs issues. Bring examples from your past experience that highlight your attention to detail and analytical prowess, as these are key skills for a Costs Draftsman.
✨Demonstrate Your IT Savvy
Since good IT skills are essential for this role, make sure you can confidently talk about your experience with Microsoft Word and Excel. If you've used any case management systems, mention those too, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the types of cases you'll be handling, and the support available for your professional development. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
