Job Description

Costs Lawyer

London (1-2 PQE)

Work at the forefront of Costs Law, advising on sophisticated advisory, litigation and arbitration matters while building your expertise within a friendly, collaborative and market-leading in-house team.

The Firm

We are a leading City law firm with a strong reputation across commercial litigation, dispute resolution, insurance, banking, tax, construction, property, intellectual property, arbitration and regulatory matters.

Our clients range from FTSE-listed companies, financial institutions and insurers through to professional services firms and high-net-worth individuals. We are recognised for providing commercially focused legal advice and delivering exceptional client service across a broad range of complex and high-value matters.

Due to continued growth and natural progression within the team, we have an exciting opportunity for a talented and motivated Costs Lawyer with approximately 1-2 years' PQE to join our established Law Costs Team.

The Role

The successful candidate will provide specialist costs advice and support to fee earners across the firm, as well as external clients where required. This role offers exposure to a diverse range of contentious and non-contentious costs matters and presents an excellent opportunity to develop technical expertise within a highly regarded specialist team.

Working alongside partners, fee earners and clients, you will support complex litigation and arbitration matters throughout the entire costs lifecycle, from budgeting and costs management through to detailed assessment proceedings and costs recovery.

This position is ideally suited to a Costs Lawyer seeking high-quality City work within a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Drafting Costs Budgets (Precedent H) and Budget Discussion Reports.
• Attending Costs and Case Management Conferences where appropriate.
• Preparing electronic and traditional Bills of Costs.
• Drafting Points of Dispute and Replies.
• Managing Detailed Assessment proceedings from commencement through to resolution.
• Negotiating settlements and costs recoveries.
• Preparing and advising on Part 36 Offers and other settlement proposals.
• Advising fee earners and practice groups on costs strategy, costs budgeting, costs management, costs recoverability and general costs-related risks and opportunities.
• Conducting legal research and preparing technical costs advice.
• Liaising directly with clients, counsel, opposing costs representatives and court officials.
• Supporting fee earners on costs issues relating to complex litigation and arbitration matters.
• Monitoring developments in costs law, procedure and practice.
• Maintaining and developing internal costs know-how resources.
• Delivering internal training sessions on costs-related topics and procedural developments.
• Supporting the continued growth and development of the firm's costs offering.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Qualification as a Costs Lawyer.
• Approximately 1-2 years' post-qualification experience.
• Strong experience in costs budgeting, costs management and detailed assessment proceedings.
• Sound understanding of the Civil Procedure Rules and costs-related case law.
• Experience drafting: Bills of Costs, Costs Budgets, Points of Dispute and Replies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong drafting and written communication abilities.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Strong commercial awareness and a client-focused approach.
• Exceptional verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

Desirable

The following skills and experience would be advantageous:

• Experience advising on the costs implications of litigation funding arrangements.
• Experience gained within a City, national or recognised specialist costs practice.
• Familiarity with Excel and electronic billing software.
• Experience supporting commercial litigation matters.
• Experience supporting insurance disputes.
• Experience supporting construction disputes.
• Exposure to group litigation, arbitration proceedings and international disputes.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Excellent attention to detail.
• A proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Confidence in dealing directly with partners, senior fee earners and clients.
• The ability to work independently whilst contributing effectively within a team environment.
• Professionalism, discretion and integrity.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• A positive and collaborative attitude.
• Commitment to delivering a high standard of client service.
• A genuine desire to develop technical expertise and progress their career within a specialist costs practice.

What We Offer

In return, we offer:

• Exposure to high-value, complex and market-leading litigation matters.
• The opportunity to work alongside recognised specialists and experienced practitioners.
• A supportive, collaborative and inclusive working environment.
• Clear opportunities for career progression and professional development.
• Ongoing training and technical development.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• City-quality work across a diverse range of practice areas.
• The opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of a highly regarded Costs Team.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and every individual is treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion or belief, marital status, socio-economic background or any other protected characteristic.

We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities throughout the recruitment process and during employment.

How to Apply:

1. Apply below or contact our in-house Lateral Recruitment Advisor Jules Grieve who can discuss the role and requirements.
2. Contact details: 
3. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jules-grieve-94a731b4/
4. Jules.Grieve@pinsentmasons.com