Costs Lawyer/Costs Draftsman (6505)

Irwin Mitchell; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days' holiday (28 with role level)

Annual pay and bonus review

Health and wellbeing support

Competitive pension

Volunteer days

Employee discounts

Job summary

Irwin Mitchell is seeking an experienced Costs Draftsperson to join our growing national team. You will prepare Bills of Costs for Detailed/Provisional Assessment and manage litigation of bills through the Court process, with opportunities to advocate at Court as needed.

You will interact with clients, provide advice and take instructions, support fee earners, and help train junior colleagues. A minimum of two years’ experience in costs drafting is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years’ experience in costs drafting, either in-house or with an external supplier.
• Basic knowledge of legal procedures.
• Proven experience with IT systems and time recording procedures.
• Flexible to changing priorities; strong communication and professional telephone manner.
• Ability to communicate clearly with stakeholders across the business.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Desirable: ACL qualification or CILEX Part 1 Year 1.
• Desirable: Experience in one or more legal departments.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of Bills of Costs for Detailed/Provisional Assessment.
• Litigate bills through the Court process.
• Advocate at Court if required.
• Provide technical support to fee earners.
• Train junior team members.
• Interact with clients and take instructions.

Skills

Costs drafting

Legal procedures

IT systems

Time recording

Communication

Stakeholder management

Teamwork

ACL qualification

CILEX Part 1 Year 1

Legal department experience

Job description

As one of the UK’s leading law firms, we’re here for the people and businesses who rely on us at life’s important moments - made possible by our colleagues who bring the expertise, judgement and care that makes the difference.

Our colleagues bring Irwin Mitchell to life every day, so it matters that you feel valued from the very first day and are trusted with the responsibility, in the right culture, to do the best work of your careers. Everyone’s path here is different, but we share a desire to help our business make a real impact.

Where possible we will support our colleagues to work in a way that works for them, for us and most importantly our clients. Please speak to a member of our Recruitment and Onboarding team for more information.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ambitious individual to join a growing national team. You’ll be involved in the preparation of Bills of Costs for Detailed/Provisional Assessment as well as litigation of bills through the Court process. You may be involved in advocacy at Court if required and as agreed with the Costs Partner. As part of your role you will interact with clients, providing advice and taking instructions throughout the case. You will also provide technical support to fee earners, and you may be involved in training of junior members of the team. Ideally, you’ll have minimum two years’ experience working either in house or for an external supplier of costs drafting services.

• Experience either in house or for an external supplier of Costs
• Basic knowledge of legal procedures
• Proven experience with IT systems and time recording procedures
• A flexible approach enabling you to respond to changes in priorities
• Excellent communication skills and professional telephone manner
• Ability to communicate clearly with stakeholders across the business
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Desirable: financial or legal qualifications e.g.: ACL qualification, CILEX Part 1 Year 1
• Desirable: Experience in one or more legal departments
• 25 days’ holiday as standard, rising to 28 days depending on role level, plus bank holidays and the option to purchase additional leave.
• Opportunities to share in our success through annual pay and bonus review processes for eligible colleagues.
• Health and wellbeing support, including Westfield Health and Digital GP access.
• Competitive pension arrangements to help you plan for the future.
• Two paid volunteering days every year to support causes that matter to you.
• Access to a range of colleague discounts and lifestyle benefits to support you both inside and outside of work.

We also offer a wide range of well-being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace and to make sure you’re fully supported.

In 2026, Irwin Mitchell was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work guide and was the only law firm included in the 'Very Big' organisation category

Our responsible business programmes are fundamental to who we are and our purpose. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish, and we have established a number of inclusion network groups across our business to support this aim.

Our commitment to Social Responsibility, community investment activity and tackling climate change is a fundamental part of who we are. It’s made up of four strands: Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Pro Bono.

We want every candidate to have a positive, fair and transparent recruitment experience. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please speak to a member of our Recruitment & Onboarding team or contact [e-mail]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common part of modern working life. If you choose to use AI tools as part of your application or interview preparation, please review our AI in Recruitment Candidate Guidance AI Candidate Guidance

As part of joining the Irwin Mitchell Group, all successful applicants are required to complete our employment screening process. We carry out pre employment screening to establish your eligibility to work in the UK, and understand any criminal records or adverse financial history.

Our onboarding processes are designed to help us maintain the high standards of trust, integrity and professionalism expected by our colleagues, to protect the interests of the Group, clients, partners and other stakeholders.

Checks are conducted by trusted 3rd parties and the employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws.

Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.