Costs Draftsperson

At Howells, we combine a fresh and forward-thinking approach with a client-focused, local feel to deliver a range of award-winning, quality services.

This role will assist with drafting through to negotiations, assisting the team with legal costs queries as cases progress and keeping on top of and advising upon legal costs developments. Whilst this role will support the entire business, it will be heavily dedicated to the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Team.

Duties & Responsibilities

As a Costs Draftsperson, you will be responsible for:

• Drafting Bills of Costs for both Claimant & Defendant.
• Preparation of Points of Dispute and Replies.
• Handling of low to high value costs claims across multiple sectors.
• Preparing Precedent H and Precedent R Costs Budgets.
• Attendance at CCMC's, Application Hearings, Detailed Assessments, and final hearings for obtaining of Charging Orders.
• Assist with technical costs queries, identifying knowledge gaps and providing solutions wherever possible.
• Proactively managing a portfolio of clients and anticipating their specific needs.
• Having oversight and providing a quality, tailored and supportive legal service to a wide range of clients.
• Accountable for a mixed caseload of costs matters with limited supervision.
• Deliver costs services, in a manner which is cost-efficient to the business.
• Achieve fee targets.
• Manage time to effectively achieve KPIs, including time recording, lock-up, cash flow, aged disbursements, profitability and billing.
• Any other reasonable duties and responsibilities as directed by your line manager or Director.

Essential Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• A minimum of two years' experience working either in house or for an external supplier of costs drafting services.
• Successfully completed a Costs Lawyer Professional Qualification or equivalent qualification.
• The ability to work under pressure and deliver high quality performance against challenging deadlines, KPI's, targets and SLA's.
• The ability to work in a team environment and autonomously, proactively managing your own caseload to a high standard.
• Ability to communicate clearly with stakeholders across the business.
• Passionate and enthusiastic about cost work.
• Delivers a highly successful and high-quality service.
• Demonstrates a methodical attention to detail.
• Demonstrates excellent problem solving and excellent research skills.
• Excellent core abilities including, numeracy, literacy and computer skills, in particular Microsoft Excel.

What you will receive:

• Competitive Salary
• Annual Leave:
  Enjoy a minimum of 23 days each holiday year, plus bank holidays and extra time off to unwind, including an additional personal day, a day off for your birthday, and a discretionary paid day during the Christmas break.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme:
  Option to buy up to 3 extra days of leave annually to support your work-life balance.
• Gym Discounts:
  Access discounted memberships to help you stay active and healthy.
• Growth & Development:
  We're invested in your career with opportunities for learning and advancement.
• Milestone Recognition:
  Celebrate your dedication with recognition and awards for key milestones.
• Events:
  Take part in various networking, corporate, and charity events throughout the year.
• Refer a Friend Scheme:
  Get rewarded for referring talented friends and connections to join the team.

Successful candidates will be subject to a basic or enhanced DBS disclosure dependent on the role. Permanent employment is conditional on having a satisfactory DBS check. You will therefore be asked to disclose any unspent convictions during the recruitment process.