Costs Lawyer / Costs Draftsperson

Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors, a leading firm with over four decades of experience representing ordinary people during extraordinary events, is seeking an experienced Costs Lawyer / Costs Draftsperson to join our dedicated team. We pride ourselves on providing first-class legal assistance driven by a commitment to our strong ethical values. Our team works diligently to ensure that individuals and organisations receive the utmost support and guidance through their legal challenges. As a Costs Lawyer / Costs Draftsperson, you will play an essential role in our commitment to excellence, managing costs effectively to support our clients' needs and ensuring transparency in legal billing. If you have a strong background in costs litigation and a passion for client advocacy, we want you to join us in our mission to uphold justice and provide exceptional service to our clients. This is not just a job, but a chance to make a meaningful impact in the legal field, where your skills will contribute to the ongoing success of our clients and the firm as a whole. ResponsibilitiesDrafting and preparing detailed bills of costs and cost budgetsAdvising on costs implications and strategy in legal proceedings.Conducting costs negotiations and settlements with opposing parties.Managing costs recovery and ensuring compliance with legal cost procedures.Keeping up to date with relevant costs law and procedural changes.Liaising with solicitors and barristers to achieve the best possible outcomesRequirements Qualified Cost Lawyer or extensive experience in costs law.Strong understanding of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) relating to costs.Experience in drafting bills of costs and costs budgets.Preparation of Points of Reply to Points of Dispute.Preparation of costs budgets.Excellent negotiation skillsAbility to work independently and manage multiple cases efficiently.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Proficiency in legal costing software (CostsMaster) and Microsoft Office applications.Representing clients at detailed assessment hearings and other cost-related proceedings (desirable).Benefits We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, work–life balance and professional development, including: Generous annual leave (22–27 days depending on role), plus Christmas shutdown and additional birthday leaveExtra paid leave for volunteering, moving house and study (up to 5 days)Long service recognition leave at 10, 15 and 20 yearsPension scheme (3% employer contribution, 5% employee, with salary sacrifice option)Life assurance (2x salary) and Group Income Protection (up to state pension age)Enhanced maternity and paternity pay (subject to qualifying service)Wellbeing support, including Mental Health Champions, First Aiders and an Employee Assistance ProgrammeCycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan (post-probation)Employee referral bonus schemeDiscounted legal services and access to an extensive Employee Benefits Portal (gym membership, health plans, private medical insurance, dental, cinema and retail discounts)Eye care contributionsComplimentary office fruit deliveries twice weeklyOn-site social space with pool table and subsidised bar