Costs Lawyer

Role Overview

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.

As a Costs Lawyer with approximately 1–2 years' PQE, you will join our established Law Costs Team and provide specialist costs advice and support to fee earners across the firm, as well as to external clients where required. 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, with exposure to a diverse range of contentious and non-contentious costs matters.

Key Responsibilities

• 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, budgeting, management, recoverability and risks
• 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 in 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
• Supporting the continued growth and development of the firm's costs offering

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• 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, drafting and communication skills
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong commercial awareness and a client-focused approach

Desirable

• 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, insurance disputes, construction disputes, group litigation, arbitration or international disputes

Personal Attributes

• Excellent attention to detail
• A proactive and solution-focused approach
• Confidence in dealing directly with partners, senior fee earners and clients
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Professionalism, discretion and integrity
• Strong relationship-building skills and a positive, collaborative attitude
• Commitment to delivering high standards of client service
• A genuine desire to develop technical expertise and progress your career

What 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

Essential

• 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

• 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