Junior Costs Negotiator
Department: Legal
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Bolton
Compensation: £23,000 - £26,000 / year
Description
This role involves assessing and settling claims for costs, managing all procedural aspects up to agreement or assessment.
It is essential that the job holder can quickly review files, formulate initial costs strategies, provide comprehensive advice to clients, initiate early telephone negotiations, and liaise with insurers throughout the case.
The successful candidate should be able to build strong working relationships within the Costs team and the wider business.
This is an exciting opportunity for a junior costs handler with basic knowledge of cost handling and negotiation, seeking to develop their career. Full training and supervision will be provided, so extensive costs experience is not required.
Key Responsibilities
* Setting strategies and negotiating costs up to £50K (expected FA £25K)
* Drafting documents such as:
* Chronology
* Costs Strategy Document
* Points of Dispute
* Interlocutory applications (basic)
* Part 18 requests
* Consent orders
Evidential Reviews and Assessments
* Reviewing files and preparing chronologies
* Assessing costs claims and setting strategies/reserves
* Assessing replies
* Reviewing disclosure and evidence
* Referral for supervision
* Assessing outcomes of Part 35 assessments
Reporting
* Drafting advice on NDA files for clients
* Preparing outcome reports post-case
* Providing case updates to clients and assisting lead
Settlement Negotiations
* Assessing Part 36 offers and settlement proposals
* Negotiating with third parties
* Completing MI, payment requests, and outcome reports
* Ensuring compliance with SRA Standards & Regulations
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
* English & Maths GCSE grade A-C / Level 5 or equivalent
* IT literacy (Microsoft Office)
* Organisational and multitasking skills
* Interpersonal and communication skills, including negotiation experience
* Customer service skills
* Teamwork and independent working ability
* Initiative and attention to detail, especially in drafting legal documents
* Understanding of client needs and litigation processes
* Proficient in case management systems
Desirable
* Legal office experience
* Experience with case management systems
* Degree or equivalent qualification/experience
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