On behalf of our client, we are seeking an experienced Legal Aid Costs Co-ordinator to join their busy team and take responsibility for managing and maximising the legal aid billing processes.
The Role:
The successful candidate will play a key role in overseeing the submission and recovery of legal aid costs, ensuring compliance with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requirements. You will work closely with Lawyers to ensure efficient billing and cashflow.
What will you do?
* Prepare and submit claims for payment to the Legal Aid Agency to include: –
o Claim 1/1a for escape and hourly rate claims
o Fixed Fee CCMS bills
o High-cost case plans
o Legal Help claims including preparing EC-Claim 1 for escape cases
* Monitor claims progress and liaise with the LAA to resolve any issues or delays, including preparing appeal submissions if necessary and submitting within the time limits allowed.
* Monitor the LAA rejection Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure they remain compliant and challenge incorrect rejections.
* Preparing and submitting POAs for disbursements and interim profit costs claims.
* Review and audit files to ensure billing is accurate and compliant with LAA regulations.
* Identify opportunities to improve billing efficiency and recoverability.
* Assist the lawyers in dealing with the allocation of counsel costs and processing expert invoices ensuring they are compliant with LAA rules.
* Work in collaboration with the firm’s designated Legal Aid Partner and assist with annual visits from the Legal Aid Agency’s Contract Manager.
* Keep up to date with LAA contract changes, guidance and cost rules.
* Support and provide advice to lawyers on legal aid billing procedures and best practice.
Skills and Experience required:
* The role is open to those who have experience in Legal Aid billing, preferably within a law firm setting and have a strong understanding of Legal Aid Agency processes.
* You will be committed to delivering an exceptional legal experience, consistently demonstrating the firm’s values and passion for excellence in legal service.
* You will have outstanding communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport at all levels.
* Strong time management and prioritisation abilities, ensuring deadlines are met while maintaining high-quality work.
* Exceptional attention to detail, applying a meticulous approach to case management.
* Able to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
* Develop and maintain strong relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.
* Thrive under pressure, managing competing priorities effectively while maintaining a high standard of work.
You will be part of a supportive and flexible working environment where you have the ability to further your career aspirations. The benefits package includes 5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays and an extended break over the Christmas period, you are also awarded a day off for your birthday and will be signed up to our Health Care Plan designed with wellbeing in mind.
Hybrid working available together with a competitive salary.
Please get in touch if you would like more information on this role or send us your CV below in complete confidence and we will get back to you.
Legal Southwest will never, without exception, send out your CV without your prior knowledge or consent so please be assured that we treat every application with the utmost confidentiality.
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