A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join our well established Law firm based across County Durham and Teesside. We are looking for a diligent, confident, self-motivated and experienced Costs Lawyer / Draftsperson.
This is a bespoke role within the organisation and you will be expected to independently manage the firm's costs work, both private and legal aid.
Responsibilities to include:
- To prepare and submit family bill submissions on CCMS
- To prepare bills of costs for detailed assessment
- Deal with the processing of Family High Case Cost bills
- Prepare cost claims for submission to the opposing solicitor(s) and the courts
- Undertake negotiations re costs issues
- Chase outstanding costs/disbursements
- To prepare Statements of Costs for summary assessment
- To prepare costs budgets and budget discussion reports
- To hold budget discussions / negotiations with other parties, and conduct cost management hearings
- Prepare Points of Dispute and Replies
- To prepare applications for interim Costs Certificates and hearing bundles for Detailed Assessment
- Attend detailed assessments and engage in effective negotiations for settlements
- To liaise and advise with fee earners and support staff in relation to any costs related queries
- Draft estimates of costs to accompany Allocation Questionnaires and Pre Trial Checklists
- Draft statements of costs (N260's) for summary assessment and new Fixed Recoverable Costs Schedules
- Draft Notices of Commencement
- Serve bills of costs on paying parties
About you:
Minimum of 3-5 years' of Costs Draftsperson experience
- Experience in drafting bills of costs for Personal Injury, Family and Court of Protection work
- Experience of legal aid billing including CCMS and High Case Costs
- Able to demonstrate strong administrative and organisational skills
- Excellent communication skills including oral and written presentation skills
Additional benefits include:
- Additional leave over the Christmas period
- An additional day of leave for your birthday
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounted conveyancing fees
- Funded social events
- Support for and involvement in charity events and activities