Cost Draftsperson

**Cost Draftsperson - Crown Court**

Supporting our client, a leading Legal 500 law firm, with their in-house Crown Court Legal Aid Billing Team. The role will also involve proactively supporting the fee earners and administration team with any Legal Aid funding queries, billing issues and to advise ad hoc on effective billing and time recording. Our aim is to add value to the billing process. The firm maintains a completely paperless environment, so all cases and documentation are available online only.
- To undertake the efficient and accurate billing of Crown Court Legal Aid Cases with liaison across all sites.
- To deal with the associated administration and assisting with the pursuit/collection of outstanding fees, the provision of information in relation to the same delivering a high-quality service to all contacts.
- To have and share knowledge of LAA guidelines and ensuring compliance with these guidelines within the Department.

**Responsibilities and duties**:

- Efficient and accurate billing in agreed areas with liaison/co-ordination across all sites maximising claim levels and turnaround times
- Preparing fixed fee claims to be uploaded & dealing with subsequent queries, rejected claims and assisting with outstanding claims where required.
- Drafting exceptional Legal Aid bills to be assessed by the LAA or the Court.
- Preparing bundles to accompany bills
- Liaising with Counsel’s Chambers and Experts to obtain any missing documentation or resolving queries.
- Appealing assessments and incorrect decisions.
- Liaising with Accounts department in relation to bills and queries.
- Advising colleagues of the most effective/efficient billing methods.
- Reviewing and working the unbilled Crown Court cases report, identifying and undertaking any work necessary to chase and bill the case wherever possible.
- Assisting other members of the team in resolving payment/recoupment queries with the LAA.
- Dealing efficiently with enquiries from within the firm.
- The provision of cover where required and to act as a point of reference/ training for more junior members of the team.
- Provide input, feedback and solutions relating to improvement/ developments in service and generally assist other team members, with a view to future development.
- Completing monthly Work In Progress (WIP) reports for Management accounts and Inactivity procedures.
- Preparing bills for POCA cases.
- Any other task at the request of the management team.

**Person Specification**:

- Experience in drafting Legal Aid Bills, however, would consider applicants to be trained
- Excellent time management and organisation skills.
- Knowledge of preparing claims for costs through the online Legal Aid Agency portal.
- Good computer literacy skills due to our paperless environment.
- Able to demonstrate the ability of working on your own initiative with mínimal supervision.
- Ability to respond appropriately to rapid changes in working schedules and prioritise.
- Excellent communication skills with individuals of all levels.
- Must have basic knowledge and experience in dealing with accounts.
- Good team work ethics.

This position is full-time; Monday - Friday 9:00am to 5;00pm. The salary is £25,000 - £28.000 dependent on experience.

**Why work for Rock MS?**

We are a forward-thinking, dynamic company, who put their clients and employees first. We are a fun and flexible firm with good opportunities for development and career progression. We expect a lot from our employees but in return we offer:

- The ability to earn up to 30 days of holiday with years of service (standard holiday packages start at 21 days plus all bank holidays);
- An Additional paid day off on your birthday.
- Ability to purchase a further 5 days of holiday each year.
- Discretionary additional holiday days given at Christmas (up to a maximum of 2 days)
- Flexible working schemes available to all employees.
- Private medical health care with the option to add optical and dental care.
- Discounted gym memberships.
- Fresh fruit baskets in each office on a weekly basis.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Unlimited access to online based training.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Access to physical, mental, emotional health advice. Webinars, wellbeing videos, online counselling & mini health checks.

We reserve the right to amend the closing date or withdraw the advert without notice prior to the closing date.

COVID-19 considerations:
Full risk assessments have been undertaken.

**Salary**: £25,000.00-£28,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Additional leave
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flexitime
- Gym membership
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme
- Wellness programme

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Kidlington, OX5 1JD: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: One location