Costs Draftsperson

Thompsons Solicitors; West of England; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

£4,000 car allowance in addition to a£

Job summary

Thompsons Solicitors LLP in Bristol is expanding its national Costs Department, seeking an experienced Costs Lawyer to manage high-value PI multi-track cases from cost budgets to bills of costs. You will negotiate budgets and bills, attend Costs CMCs and Detailed Assessments, and work with PI Lawyers, junior and senior counsel, providing coaching within the Costs team.

Qualified Costs Lawyers or Chartered Legal Executives/Solicitors encouraged to apply; flexible and agile working options

Qualifications

• Wealth of experience in high value multi-track personal injury matters.
• Experience preparing Costs Budgets (Precedent H) and Statements of Costs (N260s).
• Ability to prepare Formal Bills of Costs and negotiate budgets and bills.
• Willingness to attend Costs CMCs and Detailed Assessments.

Responsibilities

• Manage full caseload from budget to bill of costs.
• Negotiate costs and settle claims on favorable terms.
• Provide day‑to‑day coaching within the Costs team.

Skills

Costs budgeting

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Communication

Organisational skills

Education

Chartered Legal Executive

Solicitor

Tools

Costs Master

Outlook

Word

Job description

Costs Lawyer

Application Deadline: 17 September 2026

Department: Costs

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Bristol

Compensation: £44,364 - £47,693 / year

Description

We are expanding and building on our already established and dynamic National Costs Department at Thompsons Solicitors LLP with experienced and Law Costs professionals looking to make a significant impact. This is an opportunity for a highly skilled costs professional to join one of our expert specialist costs teams across our national structure, managing a diverse caseload of high value costs matters often of significant value and wider public importance. The role involves handling PI Multi Track cases, including Serious Injury, Asbestos, Clinical Negligence, and high-cost matters, from the preparation of cost budgets through to the preparation and negotiation of bills of costs during the detailed assessment process.

We are keen to hear from applicants based across the UK, with the opportunity to be based in any of our Thompsons Solicitors LLP branch locations plus there is the benefits of both our agile and flexible working policies.

More about the role...

In this role, you will have a full caseload of some of the more high-profile matters in the firm and will be responsible for a case from preparing Costs Budgets (Precedent H), Statements of Costs for Summary Assessment (N260s), Estimates, to the preparation of the Formal Bills of Costs. You will also be responsible for negotiating costs budgets and bills of costs, settling claims for costs on the best possible terms. You will have the opportunity to attend a variety of hearings to include Costs CMCs, Detailed Assessment hearings and application hearings. You will work closely with PI Lawyers and will form part of the legal team, advising on live claims and in more complex and technical costs matters you will liaise and work alongside with both Junior and Leading Counsel. Alongside managing all aspects of your own caseload in line with Costs Department protocols and service standards, you will lead by example and play a key role in supporting colleagues by providing day-to-day coaching and technical guidance as a "Supervision Buddy".

More about you...

We are looking for an experienced, confident and organised individual who can work independently while also contributing effectively within a team. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to demonstrate persuasive advocacy, confident negotiation and a professional telephone manner. You will have excellent attention to detail, strong file management and organisational skills, and be comfortable using standard IT packages such as Outlook and Word. Experience of Costs Master would be beneficial.

We welcome applications from experienced Law Costs professionals who are looking to join our collaborative and forward-thinking Costs Department. Whilst qualified Costs Lawyers are preferred, we would also welcome applications from Chartered Legal Executives and Solicitors. Ideally, you will have significant experience in a wide range of high value Multi Track personal injury matters and a good understanding of the CPR.

What we offer you...

The Costs Department at Thompsons Solicitors offers a clear incremental grading structure and progress pathway with regular training to enable and promote development. Other firm benefits are listed below which include:

Benefits

• £4,000 car allowance in addition to base salary
• Permanent health insurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan (MediCash)
• Life assurance
• Contributory pension scheme
• Generous annual leave allowances that increase with service (in addition to bank holidays)
• Additional discretionary leave over Christmas and Christmas shut down benefits
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Cycle to work scheme
• Disability Confident Employer
• Organised sports and social club supported by the firm
• Annual travel and parking loans
• Financial assistance for professional development