Costs Lawyer

Oculus Legal Group; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Westfield Health membership

Aviva Digital GP access

Two volunteering days per year

Flexible hybrid working

Job summary

Oculus Legal Group in Manchester seeks an experienced Costs Draftsman/Costs Lawyer to join a busy national costs team. You will draft Court of Protection Bills of Costs, advise clients, and support broader costs drafting across the firm.

The role focuses on delivering accurate, timely costs work within a collaborative, supportive environment with development opportunities for junior colleagues and strong emphasis on quality and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience in costs drafting (in-house or external supplier background).

Responsibilities

• Drafting and preparing Court of Protection Bills of Costs for assessment.
• Providing clear, practical advice and taking instructions from clients throughout the process.
• Supporting wider costs drafting requirements across the business, including inter partes Bills of Costs where required.
• Offering technical guidance and support to fee earners.
• Contributing to the development of junior team members through mentoring or training (where appropriate).

Skills

Costs drafting

Legal procedures

Time management

Communication

Education

ACL qualification or equivalent (CILEX)

Job description

About the Company

We're working with a leading Legal 500 ranked national law firm with a strong reputation in claimant work. With a genuinely people focused culture and a commitment to high-quality, meaningful legal work, they are continuing to grow their specialist costs team.

About the Role

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Costs Draftsman / Costs Lawyer to join a busy and expanding national team based in Manchester. You'll be part of a supportive, collaborative environment where your expertise is valued and your development actively encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and preparing Court of Protection Bills of Costs for assessment
• Providing clear, practical advice and taking instructions from clients throughout the process
• Supporting wider costs drafting requirements across the business, including inter partes Bills of Costs where required
• Offering technical guidance and support to fee earners
• Contributing to the development of junior team members through mentoring or training (where appropriate)

This role offers exposure to a varied and evolving caseload within a highly regarded national costs function.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience in costs drafting (in-house or external supplier background)

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of legal processes and costs procedures
• Experience using IT systems and time recording tools
• Ability to manage a busy caseload and competing deadlines with strong attention to detail
• A proactive and adaptable approach to changing priorities
• Excellent communication skills with a confident, professional manner

Preferred Skills

• ACL qualification or equivalent legal qualification (e.g. CILEX)
• Exposure to multiple legal departments or wider costs disciplines

Pay range and compensation package

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with option to purchase additional leave)
• Competitive, flexible pension scheme
• Two paid volunteering days per year
• Westfield Health membership with medical cashback and Aviva Digital GP access
• Strong focus on wellbeing and mental health support
• Flexible hybrid working through a 'Flexible by Choice' approach (role dependent)

Equal Opportunity Statement

This is a chance to join a growing Legal 500 firm with a strong claimant focus, where collaboration, development, and quality of work genuinely matter. You'll be part of a team that values expertise, encourages progression, and supports a healthy work-life balance.