At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate costs and manage a caseload in a dynamic legal environment.
- Company: Join Express Solicitors, a top-rated personal injury law firm in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, and private medical insurance after 2 years.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with a vibrant social culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing firm with excellent career development opportunities.
- Qualifications: 2-5 years of experience in case handling and knowledge of fixed costs claims.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Sharston, M22 4SN
Salary: £30,000 to £40,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Job type: Full time, Permanent
About Us
Established in 2000, Express Solicitors is an award winning, no win no fee law firm specialising exclusively in personal injury claims. Headquartered in Manchester, we support clients nationwide across all areas of personal injury, including employers' liability, serious injury, clinical negligence, occupiers' and public liability, road traffic accidents and industrial disease. We are ranked 64th in The Lawyer UK Top 200, out of more than 10,000 law firms nationwide, and after achieving a 20% year on year growth, Express Solicitors are the largest personal injury claimant firm in the UK. Our commitment to outstanding client care is reflected in our Trustpilot rating of 4.8 (Excellent), placing us among the highest rated firms in the sector.
About the Role
We are currently looking for a Cost Negotiator to join our established costs department of 40 plus. The position will involve handling a fixed costs caseload reviewing inter partes disputes, developing persuasive arguments making offers, negotiating settlement and preparing cases for summary and detailed assessment. The role involves:
- Reporting to supervisor in weekly review meetings.
- Working to a caseload, WIP and fee target.
- Reviewing and negotiating fixed costs cases.
- Drafting letters, Costs Schedules, Part 23 Applications and Part 8 Proceedings.
- Skeleton arguments and written submissions.
- Liaising with fee earners and management.
- Providing assistance to other team members as and when required.
Responsibilities
- Progressive Management of a caseload.
- Securing payments on account of costs at the earliest opportunity.
- Ensure that the quality of work produced is to the highest standard.
- Reviewing costs schedules/bills with a view to negotiating Claimants costs, generally disputed fixed costs cases, and settling costs files in a timely manner.
- Negotiating settlement of costs and reporting terms of settlement.
- Preparing bills/Part 23 Applications and/or Replies to Points of Dispute in fixed costs cases.
- Drafting Part 8 and Part 23 Proceedings.
- Preparing cases for assessment hearings.
- Attending costs hearings where appropriate.
- Provide technical support to the costs team on fixed costs disputes.
- Maintaining the highest client care and service standards.
Person Specification
- A good working knowledge of fixed costs claims and the costs process.
- A good working knowledge of CPR Cost related procedures, Pre-Action Protocols, and case law for fixed costs disputes.
- 2 to 5 years' experience of case handling and working to target.
- Ability to deal with advocacy at costs hearings on fixed costs matters (not essential but desirable).
- Good commercial awareness and a professional attitude.
- Ability to work to time scales and cope under pressure.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work within a team.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Good IT skills, experience of Proclaim, Excel and Cost Master is desirable.
The role also offers excellent career development prospects for the right candidate, as the firm offers training contracts or support through the ACL qualification, for those candidates who prove themselves.
Salary & Hours
Salary of £30,000 to £40,000, dependent on experience. Our standard working hours are 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday-Thursday and 8:30am to 5pm Friday.
Benefits
- Hybrid working - Flexible hybrid working pattern.
- 23 days of holiday - Rising to 26 days, plus bank/public holidays.
- Extra Holidays - 3 holiday buy backs and an extra day for your birthday after service length requirement.
- Looking After Your Health - Private medical insurance available after 2 years' service, annual flu jab and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Looking After Your Well-being - 24/7 onsite Gym, Netball/Football team, 10km Manchester team and more.
- Work Life / Balance - Active social committee with generous departmental and firm-wide social budget.
Recruitment Process
Interviews will be conducted by MS Teams and will include scenario-based questioning. Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of Costs Draftsperson, Costs Draftsman, Legal Executive, Costs Lawyer, Costs Solicitor will also be considered for this role.
Costs Negotiator. Job in Northenden LilyLifestyle Jobs in Manchester employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Express Solicitors is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Northenden where employees can thrive in their careers. With a strong focus on professional development, including support for ACL qualifications and a commitment to employee well-being through flexible hybrid working, generous holiday allowances, and health benefits, we foster a culture of collaboration and excellence. Join us and be part of the UK's largest personal injury claimant firm, where your contributions are valued and rewarded.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Negotiator. Job in Northenden LilyLifestyle Jobs in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal field, especially those who work in costs negotiation. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by practising common questions related to costs negotiation. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role at Express Solicitors. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your knowledge of fixed costs claims during interviews. Brush up on CPR Cost procedures and be ready to discuss how you’ve handled similar cases before. This will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Express Solicitors.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Negotiator. Job in Northenden LilyLifestyle Jobs in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Costs Negotiator role. Highlight your experience with fixed costs claims and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your understanding of CPR Cost procedures and your negotiation skills.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Costs Negotiator, communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly. Whether it's in your CV or cover letter, let us see your excellent communication skills in action!
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 shows you’re keen on joining our fantastic team at Express Solicitors!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Costs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fixed costs claims and the costs process. Familiarise yourself with CPR Cost related procedures and Pre-Action Protocols, as these are likely to come up during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Since the interview will include scenario-based questioning, think about potential situations you might face as a Costs Negotiator. Prepare clear, structured responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to negotiate effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked to explain complex legal concepts, so being able to simplify your explanations will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Express Solicitors values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Share examples of how you've supported team members or contributed to group success, highlighting your ability to work well under pressure.
