Costs Draftsperson

To pursue the settlement of legal costs as soon as practicably possible on a range of Property, Risks & Coverage claims through drafting budgets, points of disputes, bills, schedules of costs and other formal documents. A Costs Draftsperson should be able to proactively review cases; formulate an initial costs strategy and settlement parameters; provide comprehensive advice to clients; commence early telephone negotiations with opponents; and liaise, as required, with Insurers throughout the life of the file. The Costs Draftsperson should be able to establish strong working relationships within the Costs team; the wider Keoghs business; and with our clients through use of excellent oral skills and succinct written communications. The Costs Draftsperson will be expected to attain their Objectives as well as Client SLAs and KPIs. Support and mentoring with their Personal Development Plan will be provided to enable technical development and career progression. Key Responsibilities You will be responsible for your own caseload, progressing each file from receipt of papers from the Property, Risks & Coverage team to resolution of costs. The role will include: Proactively reviewing cases to formulate an initial costs strategy and settlement parameters Preparing costs schedules; bills to proceed through costs litigation; points of dispute; and considering replies Identifying and documenting strengths and weaknesses of own case and opponent’s case Using the telephone to discuss; put forward meritorious arguments; and negotiate settlement of costs Updating reports to clients of progress made in resolving costs claimed Dealing with correspondence and telephone calls received within SLAs Undertaking periodic reviews of files in line with client requirements Settlement of costs within agreed negotiation parameters Instructing counsel and attending conferences; detailed assessment hearings; and mediations, remotely and in person Attending court for application hearings; detailed assessment hearings and mediations remotely and in person to conduct own advocacy Delivery of 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 To ensure compliance with the SRA Standards & Regulations Working Hours 28 - 35 hours per week Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm with 1 unpaid hour for lunch. Primary location for this role is Bolton Office (1 day a week). Skills, Knowledge & Expertise 2 years’ experience as a minimum in a similar costs draftsperson role, either for claimant or defendant, handling own caseload Degree and/or LPC and/or ALCD Previous experience of client liaison - taking instructions and providing advice both verbally and in writing Experience of the Detailed Assessment process including preparing Bills, Schedules of Costs, Budgets, Points of Dispute and considering replies Good telephone negotiation skills An understanding of current cost case law and insurance litigation practice and process Ability to use own 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 Job Benefits Davies Incentive Plan 25 days holiday per year which increases with level of service (opportunity to buy & sell 3 days) Family Cover Private Medical Insurance (Bupa) - will automatically be at single cover level but can opt into family option within first month of joining. Simply Health Care Cash Plan WeCare – 24/7 online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing covering a whole host of topics to do with health, mental health, wellbeing & healthy living and financial & legal wellbeing Death in Service Critical Illness Cover PHI/Income Protection (Private health insurance) Pension Contribution based 5% Employee / 3% Employer Employee Resource Groups Employee Volunteering Programme Cycle to Work Scheme* Tech Scheme* Season Ticket Loan* Gym Flex* Access to Online Discount Sites Discounted Gourmet Society Membership Discounted Tickets for Merlin Attractions nationwide Discounts at local retail outlets * after successfully completing probation