Law Costs Draftsman (Negotiator)

ENGINEERINGUK; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000

Job description

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Sector: Legal
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time

We're a national law firm with a local reach. Our philosophy is 'we're legal and financial experts that care' - something you'll find in the way we work with our clients and how we support our teams. But we're more than just a law firm - we're a team of people working together to help individuals and businesses navigate life's ups and downs. Working here you'll feel a part of our friendly and inclusive environment.

We'll value you for who you are and what you bring. We support each other and push boundaries to achieve incredible things and make a real difference to our clients and communities.

We're always looking to support our colleagues to work in a way that works best for them and everyone else, including our clients, the business and the regulators. Please speak to a member of our Recruitment and Onboarding team for more information.

Your Role and What You'll Be Doing

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Costs Negotiator to join our growing national team. You will play a critical role in managing and negotiating legal costs, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible outcomes.

You'll be involved in progressing cases through the detailed assessment process, providing advice and taking instructions from lay clients and/or case handlers. The role also includes drafting Replies to Points of Dispute, interlocutory applications and instructing advocates where necessary. You may be involved in advocacy at Court if required and as agreed with the Costs Partner. Ideally, you'll have a minimum of two years' experience working either in-house or for an external supplier of costs drafting services. This position requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a thorough understanding of legal cost procedures.

What You'll Be Doing

• Engaging in detailed negotiations with opponents regarding legal costs, aiming to achieve optimal settlements.
• Analysing, preparing, and negotiating detailed bills of costs.
• Drafting Points of Dispute and Replies, and preparing costs schedules and statements.
• Preparing and submitting documents for proceedings and attending court if required.
• Advising clients throughout the costs recovery process.

About You

• Proven experience either in-house or for an external supplier as a Costs Negotiator, Costs Lawyer, or in a similar role.
• Comprehensive understanding of the relevant case law related to costs.
• Ability to communicate clearly with stakeholders across the business.
• Desirable financial or legal qualifications e.g.: ILEX Part 1 Year 1.
• Desirable Financial or Law degree.

Our Benefits - What We Can Offer You

• 25 days holidays as standard plus bank holidays - You can 'buy' up to 35hrs of extra holiday too.
• Generous and flexible pension schemes.
• Volunteering days - Two days of volunteering every year for a cause of your choice (fully paid).
• Westfield Health membership, offering refunds on medical services alongside our Aviva Digital GP services.

We also offer a wide range of well-being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace and to make sure you're fully supported. This includes our Flexible by Choice programme which gives our colleagues more choice over a hybrid way of working subject to role, team and client requirements.

We have been ranked in the Best Workplaces for Wellbeing for Large Organisations for 2024!

Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.