Job Purpose To manage, negotiate, and settle legal costs on behalf of defendant clients, ensuring cost effective outcomes. The role involves analysing claimant cost claims, preparing counter arguments, negotiating settlements and providing strategic advice to insurers to minimise costs liabilities and maximise efficiency. Key Responsibilities Review and analyse bills/schedules of costs received from Claimant parties Prepare points of dispute and detailed counter arguments Negotiate settlement of costs with claimant representatives (fixed and standard costs) Liaise with solicitors, insurers and clients to provide updates and strategic advice Handle a caseload of cost claims from cradle to grave Dealing with Part 8 and Part 23 fixed costs applications (FCD applications) Instruct Counsel to attend costs assessment hearings if required Experience & Knowledge Previous experience in a defendant costs negotiator role, strong working knowledge of CPR and case law relating to fixed costs Ability to deal with third party solicitors and insurers on a day-to-day basis Able to maintain the highest client care standards Experience with working within a team environment Ability to prioritise workloads Good knowledge of IT and competent in with Word and Excel Excellent communication and negotiation skills Commercial awareness Knowledge of case management systems desirable but full training will be provided Here at Carpenters group diversity and inclusion matters, it is integral to our culture and we welcome applications from everyone. We celebrate difference and believe in equal opportunities for all. About us Here at Carpenters Group, we’ve been providing legal and insurance services across the UK for over 30 years. We’ve grown from a small law firm into a 1500 people strong team made up of insurance professionals, legal experts and best in class corporate services, working across seven office locations. We work in partnership with household name insurers to deliver a variety of fully outsourced claim solutions. We also represent individuals who need expert legal support. As a great place to work our core values underpin how we behave. Our working environment is positive and informal, and we encourage people to work together to perform at their best. We understand that our success as a business depends on the success of our people, which is why we invest in your training, development and social projects, helping everyone to connect and grow. No matter what stage of your career, at Carpenters Group there is a place for you to achieve your potential. Benefits Minimum 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays Hybrid working model Holiday buy and sell 2 x Volunteering days to support charitable initiatives Matched Giving – up to £250 matched for personal charity fundraising for a registered charity Medicash cash plan – claim back dental / physio / optical appointments My Medicash App – including access to rapid digital physiotherapy and skin cancer screening assessments plus fitness videos and wellbeing tools Discounts and cash back on travel and shopping through Medicash extras Life Assurance Scheme (4 x salary) Pension scheme Active network of Wellbeing Champions – providing mental health support Training and development opportunities Funded social events to connect with your colleagues Dress for your day policy