Costs Technical Specialist

Irwin Mitchell; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Birmingham is seeking a Senior Costs Lawyer to provide technical support in costs management. You will advise multiple departments on complex funding matters and conduct training for the Costs Team. The ideal candidate will have a Law Costs Drafting qualification and proven experience in managing expectations across stakeholders. A commitment to fostering a positive work environment and supporting diverse and inclusive practices is essential. This role offers a flexible hybrid working model.

Benefits

25 days holidays plus bank holidays

Generous and flexible pension schemes

Volunteering days

Westfield Health membership

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a law costs draftsperson or in an associated position.
• Knowledge of time recording procedures and Civil Procedure Rules.
• Ability to meet and manage expectations of multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support on costs aspects of claims handling.
• Advise on complex funding and costs matters across departments.
• Conduct training within the Costs Team.

Skills

Technical expertise in costs management

Stakeholder management

Strong organization skills

Legal drafting experience

Collaborative skills

Education

Law Costs Drafting qualification

Job description

Your Role

and What You’ll Be Doing

We are looking for a technical (subject matter) expert with a leading, hands‑on role. You will operate as the “go to” referral point providing appropriate legal and tactical guidance and improving team knowledge levels.

Incorporating the latest developments in Costs case law and market challenges / changes, you will help to set objectives in relation to costs and funding litigation strategies that achieve the Costs strategic and financial goals through the sharing of knowledge and best practice.

You will be a highly experienced technical Costs Lawyer, or have equivalent experiences / qualifications, and will be proficient in preparing and advising in a variety of matters from case inception through to case conclusion. This will involve delivering expert support in specific areas of costs management, including complex funding arrangements, bill auditing / analysis, attending costs related hearings, costs ADR, costs assessments, costs budgeting, litigation and negotiation strategies. The role is likely to involve drafting of documents such as witness statements or funding documents.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide technical support to colleagues in relation to all costs aspects of claims handling including conduct of cases in accordance with Statute, the Court Rules and Practice Directions, evidencing claims, valuing / budgeting for claims and negotiations, and providing assistance where required
• Be a specialist in the National Team, keeping ahead of market changes and legal challenges, working with the Head of Costs Delivery to develop strategies and tactics to adapt accordingly
• Provision of complex costs training within the Costs Team to enable successful role performance and to meet individual learning needs. Training provision out to the wider IM group to educate, develop and upskill on complex matters across all departments
• Provide advice to all departments across the IM group on complex funding and costs matters
• Improve the technical capability of the Costs department across all locations
• Advocates at both Costs and Case Management Conferences and detailed assessments, as well as at any settlement meeting (by request)
• Provide expertise in recovering legal fees in civil and commercial cost matters to achieve an appropriate resolution
• Undertaking case audits as required ensuring sound costs advice is / was provided and compliance with the firm’s policies and procedures

About You

• A subject matter expert operating at a senior level
• Strong Costs technician, able to engage credibly across the group.
• Ability to meet with and manage expectations of multiple stakeholders and be resilient in the face of conflicting demands
• Proficiency in collaboration and delegation of duties
• Strong organisation skills and attention to detail
• Proven experience as a law costs draftsperson or associated position – a Law Costs Drafting qualification, other legal or financial qualification would be desirable
• Working knowledge of time recording procedures, Civil Procedure Rules and Legal Aid Regulations
• Develops talent and understanding through coaching
• Ability to work autonomously with limited supervision and also as part of a team
• Makes timely, confident decisions on day to day issues

If this sounds like you, we’d love to receive your application.

Our Benefits - What We Can Offer You

• 25 days holidays as standard plus bank holidays - You can ‘buy’ up to 35hrs of extra holiday too.
• Generous and flexible pension schemes.
• Volunteering days – Two days of volunteering every year for a cause of your choice (fully paid)
• Westfield Health membership, offering refunds on medical services alongside our Aviva Digital GP services.

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. This includes our Flexible by Choice programme which gives our colleagues more choice over a hybrid way of working subject to role, team and client requirements.

We have been ranked in the Best Workplaces for Wellbeing for Large Organisations for 2024!

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.