At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft costs budgets, assess bills, negotiate settlements, and manage a caseload in legal costs.
- Company: Join a niche Costs and Advocacy team with a focus on high-value litigation.
- Benefits: Opportunities for career progression and professional development in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Flexible locations in Liverpool, Manchester, or Birmingham; dynamic team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the legal field while developing your skills and expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in costs law or studying towards qualification; strong communication and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Our Niche Costs and Advocacy team handles high‑value and complex costs matters across a wide range of commercial and personal injury litigation. The team regularly attends CCMCs and application hearings, providing support across all aspects of a claim, not solely those limited to costs. We work closely with our legal teams throughout the entire lifecycle of a matter, from initial reserving and cost estimates, through the budgeting process, and through to conclusion, whether that involves recovering or disputing costs.
We are open to appointing either a qualified Costs Lawyer or a more junior candidate. Junior appointments will be suitable for individuals who are currently studying towards qualification as a Costs Lawyer or who are planning to commence the qualification in the near future. Please note this role can be based in our Liverpool, Manchester or Birmingham offices.
Ideally, the candidate will have previous experience in both Defendant and Claimant work, to include advocacy, drafting costs budgets, bills of costs, Points of Dispute and Replies, negotiating settlements, drafting Schedules of Costs, and handling high‑value matters in both personal injury and commercial litigation. They will be able to prioritise their workload effectively, work well within a team, and possess excellent attention to detail. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential, along with the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
This is a great opportunity for someone looking to progress their career within legal costs. This list is not intended to be exhaustive and you will be expected to perform other duties and have other responsibilities that fall within the wider remit of the role.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Drafting costs budgets
- Assessing bills of costs
- Drafting Points of Dispute
- Drafting bills of costs
- Drafting Replies
- Negotiating settlements
- Drafting Schedules of Costs
- Manage a caseload
If you meet our criteria and think this is a job where you could bring enthusiasm and commitment, then we look forward to receiving your application.
Costs Lawyer in Manchester employer: Weightmans
Weightmans is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Located in Liverpool, the firm provides comprehensive training opportunities for its employees, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle complex litigation cases. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to work-life balance, Weightmans stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costs Lawyer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in costs law. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your advocacy skills. Since this role involves negotiation and communication, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Mock interviews with friends can help!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your attention to detail! Bring examples of your previous work, like costs budgets or bills of costs, to demonstrate your expertise. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to reach out to us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Costs Lawyer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Costs Lawyer role. Highlight any relevant experience in drafting costs budgets, negotiating settlements, or handling high-value matters to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about costs law and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your enthusiasm for working in a collaborative environment.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:In the world of costs law, attention to detail is key. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. A polished application shows us you take pride in your work and understand the importance of precision.
Apply Directly Through Our Website:We love it when candidates apply directly through our website! It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best chance to showcase your skills. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Weightmans
✨Know Your Costs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of costs law and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with drafting costs budgets, Points of Dispute, and negotiating settlements. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with legal teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve managed a caseload or worked under pressure, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a team environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Anticipate questions that may involve real-life scenarios related to costs matters. Think about how you would approach drafting a bill of costs or handling a negotiation. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the types of cases the team handles or how they support junior lawyers in their development. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the firm is the right fit for you.
