Costs Draughtsperson Opportunity
Hewitts Solicitors is seeking a skilled and experienced Costs Draughtsperson to join our team. As a key member of our costs department, you will be responsible for managing the firm's costs work, including preparing and submitting family bill submissions, bills of costs, and cost claims.
Key Responsibilities:
* Prepare and submit family bill submissions on CCMS
* 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
* Prepare Statements of Costs for summary assessment
* Prepare costs budgets and budget discussion reports
* Hold budget discussions / negotiations with other parties, and conduct cost management hearings
* Prepare Points of Dispute and Replies
* Prepare applications for interim Costs Certificates and hearing bundles for Detailed Assessment
* Attend detailed assessments and engage in effective negotiations for settlements
* 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 Cost 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
What We Offer:
* Negotiable salary dependent on experience
* 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