Senior Costs Draftsman

Liberationrecruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £45-£55,000

Exceptional bonus structure

Supports study for ACL

Job summary

A leading costs consultancy in the UK is seeking a Senior Costs Draftsman to manage complex bills of costs and guide junior staff. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience and strong negotiation skills. This full-time position offers competitive salary and opportunities for hybrid or remote work.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience as a law costs draftsman or costs lawyer.
• Track record in drafting bills of costs.
• Confidence in client-facing situations.

Responsibilities

• Draft complex bills of costs.
• Prepare Precedent H and R documents.
• Negotiate settlements and advise on strategies.
• Attend and advocate at costs-related hearings.
• Supervise junior costs draftsmen.

Skills

Drafting complex bills of costs

Strong negotiation skills

Client-facing communication

Knowledge of CPR and case law

Mentoring junior team members

Job description

Senior Costs Draftsman

Remote

Greater Manchester

Job Ref: 100055

The Firm

A leading costs consultancy and specialist legal costs practice who work with solicitors, barristers, insurers, and private clients across the UK, offering expert advice and representation in costs litigation. Their services include costs budgeting, preparing bills of costs, negotiations, detailed assessments, and advocacy at costs hearings. They pride themselves on accuracy, efficiency, and providing exceptional client service.

Salary £45-£55,000 + Exc. Bonus (poss. negotiable for the right candidate)

and regular salary reviews (Part of bonus structure)

Supports study for ACL

The Role

The Senior Law Costs Draftsman will take responsibility for drafting complex bills of costs, preparing and negotiating costs budgets, and representing clients at hearings and detailed assessments. You will be expected to manage your own caseload while also providing guidance and support to junior members of the team. This is a client-facing role requiring excellent drafting ability, strong negotiation skills, and an in-depth knowledge of the CPR and case law relating to costs. The role is offered on a full-time basis, with opportunities for hybrid or fully remote working depending on individual preference.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting complex and high-value bills of costs, including inter partes, solicitor-client, and legal aid matters
• Preparing Precedent H and Precedent R documents for use in costs budgeting and Case Management Conferences (CCMCs)
• Negotiating settlements with opposing parties and advising clients on strategy outcomes
• Attending and advocating at detailed assessments, CCMCs, and other costs-related hearings
• Preparing Points of Dispute, Replies
• Supervising and mentoring junior costs draftsmen to develop their technical skills and knowledge

Requirements

• Strong track record in drafting bills of costs and conducting detailed assessments
• Proven ability to draft, negotiate, and settle costs budgets (Precedent H)
• Confidence in client-facing situations, with a focus on building long-term professional relationships
• Advocacy experience at costs hearings and assessments (desirable but not essential)
• A minimum of 3–5 years’ experience as a law costs draftsman or costs lawyer