Costs Lawyer / Draftsperson - Hewitts Solicitors : Job Details

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