Costs Negotiator

Douglas Scott Ltd; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Douglas Scott Ltd in Greater Manchester is seeking an experienced Cost Negotiator to join the costs team. You will manage fixed costs disputes, negotiate settlements, and prepare bills, schedules, and submissions throughout costs proceedings.

The role requires 2–5 years’ experience handling costs matters, solid IT skills, and a professional approach. You will liaise with fee earners and management while contributing to the development of the costs function in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience handling costs matters and working towards targets.
• Experience preparing matters for costs hearings; advocacy desirable but not essential.
• Strong IT skills with costs management software.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Managing a caseload of fixed costs matters from initial review through to resolution.
• Reviewing and negotiating fixed costs disputes.
• Preparing Costs Schedules, Part 23 Applications, Part 8 Proceedings, skeleton arguments, and written submissions.
• Securing payments on account of costs where appropriate.
• Reviewing costs schedules and bills with a view to negotiating and settling costs claims.
• Preparing bills, Replies to Points of Dispute, and supporting documentation.
• Drafting Part 8 and Part 23 proceedings.
• Preparing cases for costs assessment hearings.
• Attending costs hearings where appropriate.
• Providing technical support on fixed costs disputes.
• Liaising with fee earners, management, and wider teams.
• Supporting colleagues and contributing to the continued development of the costs function.
• Maintaining high standards of client care and service delivery.

Skills

Fixed costs disputes

Negotiation

CPR costs procedures

Communication

Time management

Tools

Cost Master

Excel

Case management systems

Job description

Cost Negotiator

The Role

We are working with a leading legal client who is looking to appoint an experienced Cost Negotiator to join their established costs team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Cost Negotiator with experience in fixed costs disputes to join a supportive and progressive environment, handling a varied caseload and developing their expertise within costs.

The role will involve reviewing inter partes disputes, preparing persuasive arguments, negotiating settlements, and assisting with matters through to summary and detailed assessment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing a caseload of fixed costs matters from initial review through to resolution.
• Reviewing and negotiating fixed costs disputes.
• Preparing correspondence, Costs Schedules, Part 23 Applications, Part 8 Proceedings, skeleton arguments, and written submissions.
• Securing payments on account of costs where appropriate.
• Reviewing costs schedules and bills with a view to negotiating and settling costs claims.
• Preparing bills, Replies to Points of Dispute, and supporting documentation.
• Drafting Part 8 and Part 23 proceedings.
• Preparing cases for costs assessment hearings.
• Attending costs hearings where appropriate.
• Providing technical support on fixed costs disputes.
• Liaising with fee earners, management, and wider teams.
• Supporting colleagues and contributing to the continued development of the costs function.
• Maintaining high standards of client care and service delivery.

The successful candidate will have:

• A strong working knowledge of fixed costs claims and the wider costs process.
• Good understanding of CPR costs procedures, relevant Pre-Action Protocols, and case law relating to fixed costs disputes.
• 2–5 years’ experience handling costs matters and working towards targets.
• Experience preparing matters for costs hearings, with advocacy experience desirable but not essential.
• Strong commercial awareness and a professional approach.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and time management skills.
• Ability to manage workloads effectively and work under pressure.
• Strong IT skills, with experience using costs management systems such as Cost Master, Excel, and case management systems desirable.

The role offers excellent career development opportunities, including support towards professional qualifications and further progression within costs for the right candidate.

Salary: £30,000 - £40,000 depending on experience.