Costs Draftsman – Legal Aid
Ilford Office (Full-Time, On-Site)
About Farani Taylor Solicitors
Farani Taylor Solicitors is an award-winning full-service law firm with a strong reputation for delivering exceptional legal services with professionalism, integrity, and client care.
We are seeking an experienced Legal Aid Costs Draftsman with a minimum of 2-3 years’ experience preparing and managing Legal Aid claims and bills to join our growing team at our Ilford Office.
The Role
The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing, drafting, and managing Legal Aid bills across a range of publicly funded matters. The role requires a strong understanding of Legal Aid Agency requirements, billing procedures, and costs recovery processes.
The successful applicant will work closely with fee earners and department heads to maximise cost recovery while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and funding requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Preparing and drafting Legal Aid bills for assessment and submission
- Managing High Cost Case Plans and claims where applicable
- Preparing fixed fee, escape fee, and graduated fee claims
- Submitting claims through the Legal Aid Agency portal
- Reviewing files and identifying billing opportunities
- Liaising with fee earners regarding file management and billing requirements
- Ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency regulations and guidance
- Preparing bills for detailed assessment where required
- Handling cost negotiations and queries relating to Legal Aid claims
- Monitoring billing performance and supporting the recovery of outstanding costs
- Maintaining accurate billing records and reporting information
Requirements
- Minimum 2-3 years’ experience as a Costs Draftsman, Legal Aid Costs Draftsman, or in a similar costs role
- Strong knowledge of Legal Aid billing and assessment procedures
- Experience preparing Legal Aid claims and bills independently
- Experience using CCMS and Legal Aid Agency billing systems
- Excellent attention to detail and numerical accuracy
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal case management systems
Desirable
- Experience across Family, Immigration, Crime, Housing, Public Law, Court of Protection, or other Legal Aid funded matters
- Experience preparing High Cost Case Plans and complex Legal Aid claims
- Association of Costs Lawyers or equivalent professional qualifications
What We Offer
- Opportunity to join a growing and ambitious law firm
- Varied and interesting Legal Aid caseload
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Career development opportunities
- Competitive salary dependent on experience
Location
This is a fully on-site position based at our Ilford Office.
How to Apply
Please send your CV or cover letter to:
recruitment@faranitaylor.com
Or apply directly here.
Requirements Added by the Job Poster
- No need for visa sponsorship
- Working in an onsite setting
…