Senior Law Costs Draftsman - Inter Partes Costs specialist
Gemini Recruitment are currently partnering with a large and established law firm. Our client serves corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 practice areas from offices throughout London and across England and Wales.
Our client, a prestigious Legal 500 law firm and one of the UK’s largest providers of Legal Aid services is seeking an accomplished Senior Law Costs Draftsman to join its high‑performing Billing & Costs Department. With a team of 30+ experienced costs professionals, this is a standout opportunity to step into a senior role where your expertise will genuinely shape the department’s success.
As a senior member of the team, you’ll handle complex, high‑value costs matters, lead on drafting and negotiating, support strategic litigation decisions, and act as a trusted technical authority within the department. You’ll also play a key role in mentoring junior colleagues and driving best practice across the team.
If you’re a seasoned costs specialist looking for a role with influence, progression, and the chance to work within a respected national practice, this position offers an exceptional platform for your next career move.
Main Responsibilities of the Role
* Reporting directly to the Manager and contributing to team-wide performance
* Drafting / preparing inter partes bills of costs, costs budgets; and points of reply/dispute
* Drafting inter partes bills with Legal Aid element
* Drafting Claim1’s, 1a’s and VHCC/HCCP case
* Drafting of estimates of costs to accompany Allocation Questionnaires and Pre‑Trial Checklists.
* Conducting negotiations on bills, including attendance at CCMCs
* Overseeing the Issuing of the Notice of Commencement and associated documents
* Working to deadlines
* Attendance upon Detailed Assessment Hearing as and when necessary
* Providing technical / costs guidance to fee earners where required
* Assist junior members of the team to complete post –assessment work, with training and ad hoc queries
* Maintaining accurate time costing procedures
* Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly meetings ensuring that these are dealt with promptly
* Ensuring full compliance with file management and internal quality standards
* Contributing to internal training and the ongoing development of costs management processes
Key Skills Required
* Costs Law Expertise — 3+ years’ experience drafting Inter Partes and Legal Aid bills with strong CPR knowledge.
* Bill & Budget Drafting — Skilled in IP bills, LAA 3‑ & 6‑column bills, costs budgets, schedules, and breakdowns.
* Negotiation & Replies — Confident negotiator with the ability to draft clear, persuasive Points of Reply.
* Assessment & Part 8 — Experienced in preparing matters for detailed assessment and understanding Part 8 procedure.
* Client Advice — Provides accurate, commercially focused advice with strong professional judgment.
* Advocacy — Advocacy experience desirable; own‑advocacy capability is an advantage.
* Technical Skills — Strong MS Excel and Office skills; Costs Master knowledge beneficial.
* Autonomy & Teamwork — Manages own caseload confidently while contributing effectively within a team.
* Target Driven — Works efficiently and consistently meets achievable performance targets.
On offer is a competitive salary, real opportunities for progression and a supportive team environment.
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