Cost Lawyer

Recruit Digital; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Costs Lawyer to lead complex cost matters. The ideal candidate will have a Law degree, CLSB qualification, and proven advocacy skills. Responsibilities include drafting legal documents, representing clients in court, and mentoring junior staff. This role offers a chance to join a dynamic team focused on providing outstanding client service.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in complex, high-value or multi-party costs matters.
• Confident advocate with experience in County Courts and/or SCCO.
• In-depth knowledge of CPR Parts 44-47 and relevant case law.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review Bills of Costs, Budgets, and Points of Dispute.
• Represent clients at detailed assessments and hearings.
• Deliver strategic advice on costs law and recent case law.
• Negotiate settlements and advocate for clients' best interests.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Advocacy

Client communication

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Law (LLB, LLM)

Qualified Costs Lawyer (CLSB regulated)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We’re looking for an experienced Costs Lawyer to join our dynamic and client-focused team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a qualified professional to take the lead on complex, high-value cost matters across a wide variety of legal disciplines.

You’ll combine your technical knowledge of costs law with strategic thinking, commercial insight, and outstanding client service. If you enjoy advocacy, mentoring others, and working with top-tier legal professionals, this is the role for you.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Draft and review Bills of Costs, Budgets (Precedent H), Precedent R, N260s, and Points of Dispute / Replies
• Represent clients at detailed assessments, CCMCs, and other hearings
• Deliver clear, strategic advice on costs law, procedure, and recent case law
• Draft retainers, funding arrangements, and accurate cost estimates
• Negotiate settlements and advocate for clients’ best interests
• Support and mentor junior team members
• Build strong working relationships with solicitors, barristers, and clients
• Help shape internal processes, templates, and policies
• Maintain meticulous time records and meet firm SLAs and KPIs

What We’re Looking For

• Degree in Law (LLB, LLM)
• Qualified Costs Lawyer (CLSB regulated)
• Proven experience in complex, high-value or multi-party costs matters
• Confident advocate with experience in County Courts and / or SCCO
• In-depth knowledge of CPR Parts 44-47, and relevant case law
• Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail
• Strong client communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including complex calculations and large data-sets)
• Organised, proactive, and commercially aware