Costs Draftsman / Lawyer

Douglas Scott Ltd; West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Douglas Scott Ltd is seeking an experienced Costs Draftsman / Lawyer to join a specialist costs practice on a permanent basis. The role combines technical drafting with legal knowledge to advise on costs matters, prepare schedules, and advocate in costs disputes and negotiations.

You will handle end-to-end costs documentation, draft bills of costs, and provide strategic guidance to clients while maintaining precision and commercial awareness in a busy environment.

Qualifications

• Qualification and experience in costs drafting and costs law.
• Strong knowledge of civil procedure rules and costs rules.
• Ability to manage multiple matters, meet deadlines, and explain costs issues clearly.

Responsibilities

• Combine costs drafting expertise with legal knowledge to handle complex costs matters end-to-end
• Prepare detailed costs schedules, bills of costs, and supporting documentation to the highest standards
• Advise clients on costs strategy, negotiate settlements, and represent their interests in costs disputes

Skills

Costs drafting

Costs law expertise

Civil procedure rules

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Law degree (LLB or equivalent)

Costs Lawyer qualification

Membership of professional body (e.g. ACL)

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Costs Draftsman / Lawyer to join their team on a permanent basis. This is an opportunity to work in a specialist legal costs practice, combining technical drafting expertise with legal knowledge to advise clients on costs matters, prepare detailed costs documentation, and represent clients' interests in costs disputes and negotiations. The successful candidate will bring both costs draftsman and costs lawyer capabilities to a role that demands precision, commercial awareness, and strong advocacy skills.

• Combine costs drafting expertise with legal knowledge to handle complex costs matters end-to-end
• Prepare detailed costs schedules, bills of costs, and supporting documentation to the highest standards
• Advise clients on costs strategy, negotiate settlements, and represent their interests in costs disputes

Preferred Requirements

• Proven experience as a costs draftsman with a strong track record of preparing accurate, detailed costs documentation
• Qualified as a costs lawyer or equivalent legal qualification with demonstrable costs law expertise
• Sound knowledge of civil procedure rules, costs rules, and the principles governing recoverable costs
• Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously, meet tight deadlines, and maintain meticulous attention to detail
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex costs issues clearly to clients and opposing parties

Preferred Qualifications

• Law degree (LLB or equivalent) with admission to the legal profession
• Costs Lawyer qualification or equivalent specialist accreditation in costs law
• Membership of a relevant professional body such as the Association of Costs Lawyers