Costs Lawyer

Costs Lawyer

London

A highly regarded and well-established specialist law firm is seeking an experienced Costs Lawyer to join its team. The firm has an outstanding reputation within family law and acts for a diverse client base, including high-net-worth individuals, international clients, and legally aided clients across a broad range of complex matters.

This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated and motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is looking to join a collaborative and supportive team.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

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• Drafting a variety of legal aid claims and bills, including High Cost Case Plans.
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• Preparing inter partes bills of costs and schedules of costs.
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• Drafting Points of Reply and Costs Budgets.
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• Negotiating settlements of costs.
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• Providing support and guidance to fee earners and billing teams on costs-related matters.
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• Delivering training where required and assisting with compliance and file management procedures.
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Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates should have:

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• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working as a Costs Lawyer, either in-house or within a specialist costs practice.
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• Strong experience handling both privately funded and legally aided matters.
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• Comprehensive knowledge of all levels of legal aid funding, from Legal Help through to Full Certificates.
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• Experience working with fixed fee schemes, enhancements, and legal aid rates.
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• Proven expertise in preparing High Cost Case Plans and negotiating with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA).
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• Knowledge and practical experience of the statutory charge.
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• Proficiency in costs drafting software, such as CostsMaster.
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• Experience managing a full costs caseload independently from inception through to conclusion.
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• Excellent communication, organisational and IT skills, with strong attention to detail.
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• Up-to-date knowledge of LAA Costs Assessment Guidance, the CPR, relevant legislation and case law.
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• The ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision.
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• Experience of contested costs assessments would be advantageous.
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What's on Offer

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• A supportive, collaborative and friendly working environment.
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• The opportunity to work within a highly respected specialist law firm.
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• Exposure to high-quality and varied costs work.
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• Competitive salary and benefits package.
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