Costs Draftsperson

COSTS LAWYER, SOLICITOR, CHARTERED LEGAL EXEC OR LAW COSTS DRAFTSMAN WITH LEGAL AID AND INTER PARTES EXPERIENCE - LONDON

Gemini Recruitment are currently partnering with specialist Lawyers and Law Costs Draftsmen (Cost Law Services Ltd) who are seeking experienced Costs Lawyer, Solicitor, Chartered Legal Exec or Law Costs Draftsman with extensive experience in drafting bills on Legal Aid and Inter Partes matters.

Salary: On offer is an attractive salary package, a supportive team environment and real prospects for success and promotion. The Company will consider applicants wishing to work part time, full time or with flexible working hours. The Company will consider hybrid working.

Accountability within a remote working culture is the norm within this business.

Costs Law Services Background:

Cost Law Services Limited is looking for two costs professionals with Inter Partes experience. We have grown exponentially to form a team of over 30 Law Costs Draftsmen and Lawyers in the UK with immense experience in all aspects of costs law in the UK and 35+ staff abroad. Not only do we represent a leading legal aid practice on all their billing they are now focusing on growing their client base.

Our broad spectrum of billing varies across multiple areas of law with a sound knowledge of the costs system and the ability to manage client expectations and to ensure their cash flow is maintained.

Our work involves a wide variety of legal practice areas and including Court of Protection, Children Law, Clinical Negligence, Commercial Litigation, Family, Housing & Property Litigation, Immigration, Judicial Review and Personal Injury matters. This includes, all the varied types of Bills, PODS; Replies; Negotiations; Budgets - (and relevant precedents), PA and DA assessments etc.

The Role:

The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge and experience in bill drafting. The Candidate will have an in-depth Knowledge of the Legal Aid Costs and assessment rules; will have experience with The Legal aid agency (LAA) software CCMS, and all Legal Aid claims as well as Inter partes (IP) work.

The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge and experience in drafting bills and also excellent negotiation skills. We are seeking experienced candidates who will 'hit the ground running'.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Report directly to Supervisor/Manager/ Director;
• Professional pro-active approach, strong client care skills and a proactive understanding of clients' needs;
• Preparing assessment bundles;
• Drafting POD's/ Replies;
• Conducting Negotiations;
• To complete post assessment work;
• To complete Legal Aid Claims (Claim 1's/Claim 1a's/ Claim 2's);
• To liaise and advise junior fee earners and support staff in relation to the variety of legal costs matters;
• Drafting Cost Budgets and relevant Precedents;
• Drafting, High Cost Case Plans; (Desirable)
• Corresponding with third parties - experts, counsel etc.,
• Uploading applications to the Legal Aid Agency
• Maintaining accurate time recording;
• Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly reviews ensuring that these are dealt with promptly;
• Ensuring compliance with bill/case management system.

Key Skills Required:

• Demonstrate passion and experience in Costs Law;
• A strong academic background i.e with a Law degree;
• Legal experience as a Costs Draftsperson & or a Costs Lawyer;
• Clear understanding and application of the civil procedure rules relating to costs;
• Minimum of 2 - 4 years' experience in drafting Inter partes bills;
• Costs Negotiations Experience;
• Advocacy (desirable);
• Business acumen and the ability to market the Company;
• Excellent communications skills to work effectively with team members and third parties;
• Excellent analytical and organisational skills and ability to use own initiative but know when to seek guidance;
• Committed team player, self -motivated and professional ;
• Excellent IT Skills -familiar with Microsoft Office applications Costs Master and document management skills;
• Social media skill (desirable).
• This list is not exhaustive and there may be other duties as reasonably required.

Rewards

• 20 days annual leave
• Additional holiday accrual
• Up to 4 days paid sick leave
• Practicing Certificate renewed annually (if applicable);
• ACL Panel Membership and Accreditation/re Accreditation/ Reaccreditation fee paid for
• Panel courses mandatory for Accreditation paid for
• Access to vast range of training webinars / E-Library;
• Automatic enrolment onto the Company's pension scheme;
• Childcare Vouchers
• Eye test vouchers
• Excellent progression opportunities
• Supportive team environment.
• Flexible working arrangements/ considered
• Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition

Terms and conditions apply

The company is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity and inclusivity of its staff and strives to ensure that their workforce reflects the diversity of the communities they serve.

The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including CRB / DBS checks will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role.

If you are keen to begin your career with a firm that's committed to training a new generation of Solicitors, apply now for one of our agents to contact you.

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