Costs Paralegal

To undertake a variety of tasks assisting members of the Costs Team in the progression of their cases, supporting the delivery of client SLAs, KPIs and MI requirements, facilitating the proactive resolution of costs on a range of RTA, EL / PL, Fraud and Credit Hire claims. The Costs Paralegal 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 Paralegal 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. The Head of Costs is Howard Dean; Technical Director is Elaine Pitt; and Business Unit Director is Amanda Nuttall. This role is in the Motor & Casualty team managed by Francesca Cox. Key Accountabilities Supporting Costs team members with file handling tasks to ensure the proactive management of files and adherence to client SLAs and KPIs. Tasks include: Liaising with parties involved in costs claims, such as Counsel, Clients, Insurers, Court and colleagues from instructing teams Diary management to ensure SLAs are achieved; Court deadlines met; and cases progressed At the request of team members, provide appropriate support dealing with straightforward queries, telephoning or corresponding with clients, opponents and the court Making requests for payment of costs and taking proactive steps to ensure costs are paid on time Completion of file allocation processes for new and transferred files, including conflict checks Marshalling the internal file transfer process from other business units for files to be reviewed within the team Assisting with the closing of files, completing MI, billing queries and file closure checks Collection of weekly and monthly performance stats for new instructions and transferred files; settlements achieved; caseload levels; and performance against targets of team members To ensure compliance with SRA standards and 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. Experience, Skills and Qualifications Degree and/or LPC and/or ALCD Previous experience of working in a legal environment is preferred Previous experience of client/customer liaison - taking instructions and providing advice both verbally and in writing Knowledge of the Detailed Assessment process and the relevant CPR provisions relating to costs 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 Benefits Davies Incentive Plan 25 days holiday per year which increases with level of service (opportunity to buy & sell 3 days) 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 – after 1 years’ service 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