Costs Negotiator

Keoghs; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Keoghs in Birmingham is looking for a junior costs negotiator to manage a range of Legacy claims. Responsibilities include formulating costs strategies, negotiating settlements, and preparing dispute points. The ideal candidate will have a degree or related qualifications, with training provided for those without experience. Proficiency in Microsoft packages and strong communication skills are essential. The role offers flexible working hours of 28-35 per week, Monday to Friday.

Qualifications

• Ideally has performed a similar junior costs negotiator role, either for claimant or defendant.
• Previous experience of client/customer liaison – taking instructions and providing advice both verbally and in writing.
• Understanding of current cost case law and insurance litigation practice and process.

Responsibilities

• Proactively review cases to formulate an initial costs strategy and settlement parameters.
• Prepare points of dispute and consider replies.
• Use the telephone to discuss and negotiate settlement of costs.

Skills

Telephone negotiation skills

Excellent listening and verbal communication skills

Proficient IT skills in Microsoft packages

Ability to use initiative and make decisions

Knowledge of the Detailed Assessment process

Education

Degree and/or LPC and/or ALCD

Job description

To pursue the settlement of legal costs as soon as practicably possible on a range of Legacy (industrial disease) claims.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively review cases to formulate an initial costs strategy and settlement parameters
• Prepare points of dispute and consider replies
• Identify and document strengths and weaknesses of own case and opponent’s costs claimed
• Use the telephone to discuss, put forward meritorious arguments, and negotiate settlement of costs
• Update reports to clients of progress made in resolving costs claimed
• Deal with correspondence and telephone calls received within SLAs
• Undertake periodic reviews of files in line with client requirements
• Settle costs within agreed negotiation parameters
• Instruct counsel and attend conferences, detailed assessment hearings, and mediations, remotely and in person
• Attend court for application hearings, detailed assessment hearings and mediations remotely and in person to conduct own advocacy
• Deliver agreed performance targets, Keoghs quality standards, and client’s SLAs, KPIs and MI requirements
• Delegate assigned tasks to a Paralegal and be fully engaged in their development in terms of technical ability and achievement of objectives
• Ensure compliance with the SRA Standards & Regulations

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Ideally has performed a similar junior costs negotiator role, either for claimant or defendant, handling own caseload. Full training and supervision will be provided to any candidate without this experience.
• Degree and/or LPC and/or ALCD
• Previous experience of client/customer liaison – taking instructions and providing advice both verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of the Detailed Assessment process and the relevant CPR provisions relating to costs
• Good telephone negotiation skills
• Understanding of current cost case law and insurance litigation practice and process
• Ability to use initiative and make decisions
• Ability to plan and prioritise workloads and to remain calm under pressure
• Excellent listening and verbal communication skills
• Ability to act as part of a team
• Proficient IT skills in Microsoft packages
• Personal Effectiveness – See below
• Business Focus – See below

Personal Effectiveness

• Team commitment: values others' perspective
• Resilience: demonstrates self-control
• Passion for growth and improvement: systematically improves performance
• Embracing Change: responds positively to change

Business Focus

• Client Care: works to add value for the client
• Decision Making: operates within formal authority
• Negotiation, Influence and Persuasion
• Commercial Insight: considers some commercial implications
• Monitors own performance against objectives set by Team Leader

Working Hours

28 – 35 hours per week; Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm with 1 unpaid hour for lunch. Primary location for this role is Birmingham Office.