Junior Costs Draftsperson

To deal with and negotiate costs on a range of matters primarily for commercial litigation cases both defending and recoveries.

This is an opportunity to grow into a varied costs role, handling all aspects of costs work under the supervision, training and guidance of a Lead Costs Lawyer.

It is important that the job holder has a basic foundation of Costs law knowledge, and has the ability to review files, therefore full support will be given to formulate initial costs strategy, provide comprehensive advice to clients, commence early telephone negotiations with other side and liaise, as required, with Insurers throughout the life of the file.

The job holder will progress to become a costs handler, responsible for providing a cradle to grave service including the drafting, as required, of Budgets, Points of Dispute, Bills and Schedules of Costs and other formal documents. In addition, providing costs advise throughout the life of the main action, and building relationships with both internal and external clients.

Keoghs is one of the leading providers of claims-related services to insurers, businesses and other suppliers to the insurance sector. We combine proven processes, technology and a low cost infrastructure with deep legal and insurance market knowledge. This enables us to create individual solutions for each of our clients that match their requirements in terms of quality, performance and value for money.

**Key Accountabilities**

Responsible for management of own caseload, with supervision, using in-house case management system including timely and accurate maintenance of the system along with billing and management information - ensuring completeness of records in order to aid business decision making.
Chargeable hours target to be agreed depending on experience
- Delegation of tasks where available and appropriate to other members of the team.
- Preparing points of dispute and considering replies.
- Reviewing files.
- Identifying strengths and weaknesses and preparing a document to reflect this.
- Preparing cost strategy reports.
- Settling costs.
- Dealing with correspondence and telephone calls.
- Undertaking periodic reviews of files in line with Client requirements.
- Updating reports.
- Meeting agreed performance targets.
- Instruct Counsel or Costs Lawyer to attend Detailed Assessment or alternatively conduct own advocacy.
- To ensure compliance with the SRA Standards & Regulations

Working Hours:
35 hours per week worked 9am and 5pm Mondays to Fridays inclusive with 1 hour for lunch. Primary location for this role is our Bolton Office Parklands. We are agile workers and attendance in the office is 1 day a week and 4 days from home

**Experience, Skills and Qualifications**

Essential Skills and Attributes:
Essential:

- Previous experience of client liaison.
- Good standard of education - 3 GCSE’s grade C or above or equivalent including Maths, English & Science as a minimum.
- Good telephone negotiation skills
- Ability to use own initiative.
- Ability to plan and prioritise workloads.
- Excellent listening and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to make decisions.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Ability to act as part of a team.
- Proficient IT skills.

Useful skills, but full training will be provided:

- Have a basic understanding of the Detailed Assessment process, Cost Case Laws and Insurance Litigation practice & process.
- Preparing Points of Dispute and considering replies.
- Preparing Bills and Schedule of Costs.
- Drafting Budgets.

Values

Our culture is focussed on making Keoghs sustainable and successful for our people and clients, with this our four values are at the heart of everything we do;
We are connected
We are Dynamic
We are Innovative
We succeed together

**Contract Type**

Permanent

**Division**

**Sub Area**

Costs

**Office**

Bolton - Parklands

**Closing Date**

19 Sep 2024