Costs Draftsman / Billing Assistant

Avantis Law Ltd; Reading; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

Remote and Hybrid Working

23 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

On-site parking

Shuttle service

Discounted gym membership

Free tea, coffee and snack on-site

Job summary

Avantis Law Ltd is seeking a Billing Support specialist to help prepare accurate cost claims and ensure LAA compliance. The role focuses on maintaining financial records, drafting bills, and assisting with cost recovery to optimise cash flow.

You will draft bills, prepare claims for LAA or court assessments, and maintain billing records while liaising with finance, fee earners, and counsel clerks. Remote but with occasional in-person trainings are required.

Qualifications

• Experience in Legal Aid billing, costs drafting, or similar legal finance role.
• Knowledge of LAA funding rules and billing requirements.
• Knowledge of Civil Contract Specifications and costs regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and legal billing/case management systems.
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and compliance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills; able to prioritise deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team.
• Role may require occasional in-person meetings for training/team building.

Responsibilities

• Assist in drafting bills using cost management software (e.g., Costmaster).
• Prepare claims for assessment by the LAA or court as required.
• Ensure all concluded matters are promptly and properly costed.
• Maintain accurate records of billing stages and progress.
• Verify attendance notes and supporting evidence for non-routine claims.
• Ensure adherence to LAA guidelines, Civil Aid cost regulations, and LASPO requirements.
• Liaise with the Finance Department for reconciliation of disbursements.
• Liaise with Counsels’ Clerks regarding fee payments.
• Provide support to fee earners on billing queries and cost compliance.

Skills

Excel

Billing knowledge

Numerical skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Time management

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Tools

Costmaster

Billing/case management systems

Job description

The successful candidate will support the Billing Team in preparing accurate and timely cost claims, ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency (LAA) regulations and internal procedures. The role will focus on maintaining financial records, drafting bills, and assisting with cost recovery to help optimise the firm’s cash flow.

Responsibilities

• Assist in drafting bills using cost management software (e.g., Costmaster).
• Prepare claims for assessment by the LAA or court as required.
• Ensure all concluded matters are promptly and properly costed.
• Maintain accurate records of billing stages and progress.
• Verify attendance notes and supporting evidence for non-routine claims.
• Ensure adherence to LAA guidelines, Civil Aid cost regulations, and LASPO requirements.
• Liaise with the Finance Department for reconciliation of disbursements.
• Liaise with Counsels’ Clerks regarding fee payments.
• Provide support to fee earners on billing queries and cost compliance.

About You

• Previous experience in Legal Aid billing, costs drafting, or a similar legal finance role.
• Strong understanding of Legal Aid Agency (LAA) funding rules and billing requirements.
• Knowledge of Civil Contract Specifications and relevant costs regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and legal billing/case management systems.
• Excellent numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and compliance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with fee earners, finance teams, and external stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple billing deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Please note that although the role is remote, there is an expectation to attend in person meetings every so often as a part of training and team building.

What We Offer

• Discretionary annual bonus scheme
• Working Hours: 9:00am-5:30pm, Monday-Friday
• Remote and Hybrid Working
• 23 days holiday a year, plus Bank Holidays
• On-site parking
• Shuttle service provided
• Discounted gym membership
• Free tea, coffee and snack when working on-site