The Role:
The ideal candidate will be joining an established team of Costs Lawyers/ Draftspersons with offices nationwide to assist and support billing process and recovery to the legal profession. You will have strong technical knowledge and experience of drafting bills and excellent negotiation skills. The company is looking for Law Costs Draftsman with significant Legal Aid experience to ‘hit the ground running’.
Main Responsibilities of the Role:
- Report directly to Manager
- Drafting / preparing inter partes bills of costs, costs budgets; and points of reply/dispute
- Drafting 3 or 6 column Inter partes bills;
- Drafting Electronic Bills;
- To complete service of bills;
- Drafting POD’s/ Replies;
- Conducting Negotiations;
- Drafting Costs Budgets and relevant Precedents;
- Costs for summary assessment;
- Overseeing the Issuing of the Notice of Commencement and associated documents
- Working to deadlines
- Attendance upon Detailed Assessment Hearing as and when necessary
- Providing technical / costs guidance to fee earners where required
- Assist junior members of the team to complete post –assessment work, with training and ad hoc queries
- Maintaining accurate time costing procedures
- Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly meetings ensuring that these are dealt with promptly
- Ensuring compliance with file management
- Internal training and reviewing the ongoing costs management process.
Key Skills Required:
- A strong academic background
- Experience as Costs Draftsman
- Minimum of 2 years legal experience in Costs Law namely drafting legal aid and Inter partes bills along with clear understanding and application of the civil procedure rules relating to costs
- Worked in a litigation environment and have some relevant legal experience gained within a Costs team
- Experience of handling your own costs caseload from start to finish
- Costs negotiation skills and experience
- Up to date knowledge of LAA Costs Assessment Guidance, CPR and legislation
- IT literate including knowledge of using costs drafting software e.g. Costsmaster
- Strong attention to detail
- Committed team player and adapt well to new challenges
- Previous proven supervisory experience an advantage but not requirement
- Professional with a pro-active approach; excellent client care skills and ability to deal with other professionals and court services
- Excellent networking and communication skills with the ability to successfully market the Company and generate new business
- Excellent analytical and organizational skills
- Ability to use own initiative and sound judgment
- Experience in own advocacy is an advantage
- Excellent IT Skills -familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills
Recruitment Process and Compliance:
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.
Equal Opportunities:
Duncan Lewis is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity of its staff. The Company strives to ensure that our staff reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, which is reflective at all levels within our workforce. We guarantee an interview for candidates that disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post. Please provide additional details in your covering letter if this applies.
APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BY AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THE ABOVE VACANCY
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