Costs Technical Specialist

Your Role and What You’ll Be Doing We are looking for a technical (subject matter) expert with a leading, hands‑on role. You will operate as the “go to” referral point providing appropriate legal and tactical guidance and improving team knowledge levels. Incorporating the latest developments in Costs case law and market challenges / changes, you will help to set objectives in relation to costs and funding litigation strategies that achieve the Costs strategic and financial goals through the sharing of knowledge and best practice. You will be a highly experienced technical Costs Lawyer, or have equivalent experiences / qualifications, and will be proficient in preparing and advising in a variety of matters from case inception through to case conclusion. This will involve delivering expert support in specific areas of costs management, including complex funding arrangements, bill auditing / analysis, attending costs related hearings, costs ADR, costs assessments, costs budgeting, litigation and negotiation strategies. The role is likely to involve drafting of documents such as witness statements or funding documents. What You’ll Be Doing Provide technical support to colleagues in relation to all costs aspects of claims handling including conduct of cases in accordance with Statute, the Court Rules and Practice Directions, evidencing claims, valuing / budgeting for claims and negotiations, and providing assistance where required Be a specialist in the National Team, keeping ahead of market changes and legal challenges, working with the Head of Costs Delivery to develop strategies and tactics to adapt accordingly Provision of complex costs training within the Costs Team to enable successful role performance and to meet individual learning needs. Training provision out to the wider IM group to educate, develop and upskill on complex matters across all departments Provide advice to all departments across the IM group on complex funding and costs matters Improve the technical capability of the Costs department across all locations Advocates at both Costs and Case Management Conferences and detailed assessments, as well as at any settlement meeting (by request) Provide expertise in recovering legal fees in civil and commercial cost matters to achieve an appropriate resolution Undertaking case audits as required ensuring sound costs advice is / was provided and compliance with the firm’s policies and procedures About You A subject matter expert operating at a senior level Strong Costs technician, able to engage credibly across the group. Ability to meet with and manage expectations of multiple stakeholders and be resilient in the face of conflicting demands Proficiency in collaboration and delegation of duties Strong organisation skills and attention to detail Proven experience as a law costs draftsperson or associated position – a Law Costs Drafting qualification, other legal or financial qualification would be desirable Working knowledge of time recording procedures, Civil Procedure Rules and Legal Aid Regulations Develops talent and understanding through coaching Ability to work autonomously with limited supervision and also as part of a team Makes timely, confident decisions on day to day issues If this sounds like you, we’d love to receive your application. 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 Our responsible business programmes are fundamental to who we are and our purpose. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish, and we have established a number of inclusion network groups across our business to support this aim. Our commitment to Social Responsibility, community investment activity and tackling climate change is a fundamental part of who we are. It’s made up of four strands : Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Pro Bono. #J-18808-Ljbffr