Law Costs Draftsman
Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd): Regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority, Duncan Lewis Solicitors was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in the City of London (Fenchurch Street EC3M), with offices nationwide. We are recognized by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm - "a diligent and professional team that is prepared to go the extra mile for its clients". A paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, we service both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages. We give people a voice - that is our ethos.Choosing a career with Duncan Lewis is choosing a law firm that is the largest provider of publicly funded (legal aid) legal services in the country, has been Investors in People Gold Standard accredited for over 15 years and is continuously applauded nationally for the work that it does.We look to recruit dedicated and talented employees in both legal and non-legal capacities, and we are always interested to receive applications from quality candidates. The Role: You will be joining an established team of Costs Lawyers/ Costs Draftsmen with offices nationwide to assist and support billing process and recovery to the legal profession. Main Responsibilities of the Role: Report directly to ManagerDrafting/ preparing inter partes bills of costs, costs budgets; and points of reply/disputeDrafting inter partes bills with Legal Aid elementDrafting Claim1’s, 1a’s and VHCC/HCCP caseDrafting of estimates of costs to accompany Allocation Questionnaires and Pre-Trial Checklists.Negotiations of Bills including attendance at CCMC’sOverseeing the Issuing of the Notice of Commencement and associated documentsWorking to deadlinesAttendance upon Detailed Assessment Hearing as and when necessaryProviding technical / costs guidance to fee earners where requiredAssist junior members of the team to complete post -assessment work, with training and ad hoc queriesMaintaining accurate time costing proceduresImplementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly meetings ensuring that these are dealt with promptlyEnsuring compliance with file managementInternal training and reviewing the ongoing costsmanagement process. Key Skills Required: 2+ years’ experience in costs / as costs draftsmanWorked in a litigation environment and have somerelevant legal experience gained within a Costs teamExperience of handling your own costs caseload from start to finishCosts negotiation skills and experienceUp to date knowledge of Legal Aid Agency Costs Assessment Guidance, CPR and legislationIT literate including knowledge of using costs drafting software e.g. CostsmasterStrong attention to detailCommitted team player and adapt well to new challengesPrevious proven supervisory experience an advantage but not requirementProfessional with a pro-active approach; excellent client care skills and ability to deal with other professionals and court servicesExcellent networking and communication skills with the ability to successfully market the Company and generate new businessExcellent analytical and organizational skillsAbility to use own initiative and sound judgmentExperience in own advocacy is an advantageExcellent IT Skills -familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including CRB / DBS checks will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role. Equal Opportunities: The Company is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity of its staff. The Company strives to ensure that our staff reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, which is reflective at all levels within our workforce. We guarantee an interview for candidates that disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post. Please provide additional details in your covering letter if this applies. If you are interested in applying for this vacancy, please visit our website and apply using our online process for your application to be considered.
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