Costs Lawyer / Costs Draftsperson

Hodge Jones & Allen; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Volunteer leave

Pension scheme

Life insurance

Income protection

Maternity/paternity pay

Wellbeing support

Cycle to work

Referral bonus

Employee discounts

Eye care

Office fruit

Job summary

Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors in London is seeking an experienced Costs Lawyer / Costs Draftsperson to join our dedicated team. You will manage costs, draft detailed bills and budgets, and advise on costs implications to support clients through legal proceedings.

The role requires strong knowledge of CPR costs, excellent negotiation and communication skills, and the ability to work independently across multiple cases. A comprehensive benefits package and supportive environment are offered.

Qualifications

• Qualified Cost Lawyer or extensive experience in costs law.
• Strong understanding of the CPR relating to costs.
• Experience drafting bills of costs and costs budgets.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple cases.
• Proficient with CostsMaster and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Draft detailed bills of costs and cost budgets.
• Advise on costs implications and strategy in proceedings.
• Negotiate costs and settlements with opposing parties.
• Manage costs recovery and ensure compliance with procedures.
• Stay updated on costs law and procedural changes.
• Liaise with solicitors and barristers to achieve outcomes.

Skills

Negotiation

Independent working

Analytical thinking

Written & verbal communication

Client advocacy

Education

Qualified Cost Lawyer or extensive costs law experience

Tools

CostsMaster

Microsoft Office

Job description

Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors, a leading firm with over four decades of experience representing ordinary people during extraordinary events, is seeking an experienced Costs Lawyer / Costs Draftsperson to join our dedicated team. We pride ourselves on providing first-class legal assistance driven by a commitment to our strong ethical values. Our team works diligently to ensure that individuals and organisations receive the utmost support and guidance through their legal challenges. As a Costs Lawyer / Costs Draftsperson, you will play an essential role in our commitment to excellence, managing costs effectively to support our clients' needs and ensuring transparency in legal billing. If you have a strong background in costs litigation and a passion for client advocacy, we want you to join us in our mission to uphold justice and provide exceptional service to our clients. This is not just a job, but a chance to make a meaningful impact in the legal field, where your skills will contribute to the ongoing success of our clients and the firm as a whole.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and preparing detailed bills of costs and cost budgets
• Advising on costs implications and strategy in legal proceedings
• Conducting costs negotiations and settlements with opposing parties
• Managing costs recovery and ensuring compliance with legal cost procedures
• Keeping up to date with relevant costs law and procedural changes
• Liaising with solicitors and barristers to achieve the best possible outcomes

Requirements

• Qualified Cost Lawyer or extensive experience in costs law
• Strong understanding of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) relating to costs
• Experience in drafting bills of costs and costs budgets
• Preparation of Points of Reply to Points of DisputePreparation of costs budgets
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple cases efficiently
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in legal costing software (CostsMaster) and Microsoft Office applications
• Representing clients at detailed assessment hearings and other cost-related proceedings (desirable)

Benefits

We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, work-life balance and professional development, including:

• Generous annual leave (22-27 days depending on role), plus Christmas shutdown and additional birthday leave
• Extra paid leave for volunteering, moving house and study (up to 5 days)
• Long service recognition leave at 10, 15 and 20 years
• Pension scheme (3% employer contribution, 5% employee, with salary sacrifice option)
• Life assurance (2x salary) and Group Income Protection (up to state pension age)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay (subject to qualifying service)
• Wellbeing support, including Mental Health Champions, First Aiders and an Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan (post-probation)
• Employee referral bonus scheme
• Discounted legal services and access to an extensive Employee Benefits Portal (gym membership, health plans, private medical insurance, dental, cinema and retail discounts)
• Eye care contributions
• Complimentary office fruit deliveries twice weekly
• On-site social space with pool table and subsidised bar