Department: Legal
Location: Liverpool
Description
To pursue the settlement of legal costs as soon as practicably possible on a range of RTA, EL, PL, Legacy, Abuse, Marine, Clinical Negligence and Professional Negligence claims. A Costs Negotiator should be able to proactively review cases; formulate an initial costs strategy and settlement parameters; provide comprehensive advice to clients; commence early telephone negotiations with opponents; and liaise, as required, with Insurers throughout the life of the file.
The Costs Negotiator should be able to establish strong working relationships within the Costs team; the wider Keoghs business; and with our clients through use of excellent oral skills and succinct written communications. The Costs Negotiator will be expected to attain their Objectives as well as Client SLAs and KPIs. Support and mentoring with their Personal Development Plan will be provided to enable technical development and career progression.
The Head of Costs is Howard Dean; Technical Director is Elaine Pitt; and Business Unit Director is Amanda Nuttall.This role is in the Legacy, Abuse & Corporate Risks team managed and led by Paul Edwards.
Key Responsibilities
You will be responsible for your own caseload, progressing each file from receipt of papers from Keoghs Motor, Casualty, Legacy, Marine, Clinical Negligence and Professional Negligence teams to resolution of costs. The role will include:
Proactively reviewing cases to formulate an initial costs strategy and settlement parameters
Preparing points of dispute and considering replies
Identifying and documenting strengths and weaknesses of own case and opponent's costs claimed
Using the telephone to discuss; put forward meritorious arguments; and negotiate settlement of costs
Updating reports to clients of progress made in resolving costs claimed
Dealing with correspondence and telephone calls received within SLAs
Undertaking periodic reviews of files in line with client requirements
Settlement of costs within agreed negotiation parameters
Instructing counsel and attending conferences; detailed assessment hearings; and mediations, remotely and in person.
Attending court for application hearings; detailed assessment hearings and mediations remotely and in person to conduct own advocacy
Delivery of agreed performance targets; Keoghs quality standards; and client's SLAs, KPIs and MI requirements
Delegate assigned tasks to a Paralegal and be fully engaged in their development in terms of technical ability and achievement of objectives
To ensure compliance with the SRA Standards & Regulations
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
12 months experience as a minimum in a similar costs negotiator role, either for claimant or defendant, handling own caseload.
Degree and/or LPC and/or ALC
Previous experience of client liaison - taking instructions and providing advice both verbally and in writing
Experience of the Detailed Assessment process including preparing Points of Dispute and considering replies.
Good telephone negotiation skills
An understanding of current cost case law and insurance litigation practice and process.
Ability to use own initiative and make decisions
Ability to plan and prioritise workloads and to remain calm under pressure
Excellent listening and verbal communication skills
Ability to act as part of a team
Proficient IT skills in Microsoft packages
Personal Effectiveness
Team commitment:Values others perspective
Resilience:Demonstrates self-control
Passion for growth and improvement:Systematically improves performance
Embracing Change:Responds positively to change
Business Focus
Client Care:Works to add value for the client
Decision Making:Operates within formal authority
Negotiation, Influence and Persuasion
Commercial Insight:Considers some commercial implications
Monitors own performance against objectives set by Team Leader
Benefits
25 days holiday per year which increases with level of service (opportunity to buy & sell 3 days)
Family Cover Private Medical Insurance ( Bupa) - will automatically be at single cover level but can opt into family option within first month of joining.
Simply Health Care Cash Plan
WeCare – 24/7 online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing covering a whole host of topics to do with health, mental health, wellbeing & healthy living and financial & legal wellbeing
Death in Service
Critical Illness Cover
PHI/Income Protection ( Private health insurance)
Pension Contribution based 5% Employee / 3% Employer
Cycle to Work Scheme*
Tech Scheme*
Season Ticket Loan*
Gym Flex*
Access to Online Discount Sites
Discounted Gourmet Society Membership
Discounted Tickets for Merlin Attractions nationwide
Discounts at local retail outlets
*after successfully completing probation
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