Job Responsibilities:
- Assist matter teams to compile the full suite of documentation for submissions to the Risk & Funding committees (e.g. fee & outcomes projections) both prior to approval of AFAs and to ensure High Risk CFA/DBA case plans are updated and presented to the Risk & Funding Committee at least every 6 months.
- Ensure draft CFAs and DBAs are approved by the Risk & Funding Partner (commercial disputes) or Head of Costs (injury claims) before being dispatched to the client.
- Ensure CFAs and DBAs are subsequently signed by the client.
- Liaise with matter teams and ATE insurers/brokers to issue and administer ATE policies.
- Monitor and follow-up with matter teams in relation to any cases which do not appear to be progressing through those stages.
- Ensure details of resultant fee & funding arrangements and the case status are centrally recorded on a spreadsheet (AFA Tracker) and updated when necessary.
- Ensure all funding related matter contacts are added to the CRM (IA).
- Working with Case & Conflicts team and all depts. to ensure cost estimates for all new cases are added to our cost management software.
- Monitor and flag any significant divergence from the cost budget/estimate agreed with client, funder or as ordered by the Court (CMO) utilising our cost management software.
- Working with Projects and Costs to continue to develop the functionality and use of our cost management software.
- Monitor developments, disseminate knowledge and lessons learnt concerning cost and funding issues.
- Enhance our internal procedures and documentation relating to cost & funding issues.
- Answer ad hoc fee earner queries regarding cost and funding issues or refer onwards to Costs or Risk & Funding partner or RFC.
- Ensure court fee remissions are investigated and applied for where applicable.
- Extract data from systems and spreadsheets to produce reports on cost and funding issues.
- Ad hoc/one off cost and funding projects as required from time to time.
General Skills and Experience:
- Commitment to working in litigation costs and funding as a career option.
- Excellent judgement and discretion regarding confidential and commercial information.
- Able to adapt to new processes and technology.
- Highly computer literate, including the preparation of Excel spreadsheets (inc. pivot tables, graphs etc) to an intermediate/advanced level of expertise.
- Highly numerate.
- Experience of the Interaction CRM, Cosine (cost management software) and Elite 3E Practice Management Systems would be advantageous.
- Project management skills.
- Previous experience in legal costs, accountancy (bookkeeping/financial data), economics or insurance.
- It would be advantageous to have a background understanding of funding options and cost management rules for litigation and an understanding of the nature of high value and complex litigation.
- Well organised, uses initiative, prioritises appropriately, applies self, shows attention to detail, manages own workload and meets deadlines.
- Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills (respectful, positive, articulate, professional and sympathetic).
- Delivers helpful internal services with a "can do" approach, shows commercial awareness and represents the firm appropriately.
- Shares information and ideas.
- Shows sound judgement and decision-making skills; acts within boundaries.
- Shows commitment, passion and enthusiasm.
- Is a respectful, reliable and supportive team player.
- Reflects the firm's culture and core values.