Costs Draftsman

**Role: Legal Aid Costs Draftsperson/Lawyer x 4** **Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd)**: Duncan Lewis was founded in 1998. We are a large and established company employing over 700 staff delivering legal services in over 60 languages. Duncan Lewis serves corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 practice areas from offices throughoutLondon and across England and Wales. Our success in case results are regularly reported in the media and our staffs’ accomplishments are acknowledged and recommended as leaders in the legal directories; The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, as a top tierfirm and described as a "diligent and professional team that is prepared to go the extra mile for its clients". Our head office is based in the City of London Fenchurch Street, EC3M. We are the largest provider of publicly funded (Legal Aid) legal services in the country and became one of the first law firms in the UK to achieve the Investors in People Gold AccreditationQuality Standard Mark in 2009. Duncan Lewis is LEXCEL, Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO 27001-2013 accredited. We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. **You will be joining an established team of Costs Lawyers/ Draftspersons with offices nationwide to assist and support billing process and recovery to the legal profession.** **Main Responsibilities of the Role** - Report directly to Manager - Drafting/ preparing inter partes bills of costs, costs budgets; and points of reply/dispute - Drafting inter partes bills with Legal Aid element - Drafting Claim1’s, 1a’s and VHCC/HCCP case - Drafting of estimates of costs to accompany Allocation Questionnaires and Pre-Trial Checklists. - Negotiations of Bills including attendance at CCMC’s - Overseeing the Issuing of the Notice of Commencement and associated documents - Working to deadlines - Attendance upon Detailed Assessment Hearing as and when necessary - Providing technical / costs guidance to fee earners where required - Assist junior members of the team to complete post -assessment work, with training and ad hoc queries - Maintaining accurate time costing procedures - Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly meetings ensuring that these are dealt with promptly - Ensuring compliance with file management - Internal training and reviewing the ongoing costs management process. **Key Skills Required** - 2+ years’ experience in costs / as costs draftsman - Worked in a litigation environment and have some relevant legal experience gained within a Costs team - Experience of handling your own costs caseload from start to finish - Costs negotiation skills and experience - Up to date knowledge of Legal Aid Agency Costs Assessment Guidance, CPR and legislation - IT literate including knowledge of using costs drafting software e.g. Costsmaster - Strong attention to detail - Committed team player and adapt well to new challenges - Previous proven supervisory experience an advantage but not requirement - Professional with a pro-active approach; excellent client care skills and ability to deal with other professionals and court services - Excellent networking and communication skills with the ability to successfully market the Company and generate new business - Excellent analytical and organizational skills - Ability to use own initiative and sound judgment - Experience in own advocacy is an advantage The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including CRB / DBS checks will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role. **Equal Opportunities**: The Company is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity of its staff. The Company strives to ensure that our staff reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, which is reflective at all levels within our workforce.