Senior Legal Aid Costs Lawyer / Draftsman

Senior Legal Aid Costs Lawyer / Draftsman – Permanent

Our client is an established and respected legal practice with a strong presence across the region. They are looking to appoint an experienced Senior Legal Aid Costs Lawyer or Draftsman to join their specialist costs team on a permanent basis.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior costs professional with a strong background in legal aid costs to take responsibility for complex matters, work with an established team and further develop their specialist expertise.

The Role

• Manage legal aid costs matters from initial instruction through to assessment and resolution
• Prepare and review costs schedules, bills and supporting documentation
• Handle detailed assessments and costs-related disputes
• Advise on legal aid funding rules, regulations and billing procedures
• Negotiate costs matters with relevant authorities and other parties
• Manage a varied caseload independently while maintaining high standards of accuracy
• Work closely with fee earners and wider legal teams where required
• Ensure matters progress efficiently and within relevant deadlinesContribute technical expertise and support to the wider costs function

About You

• Proven experience working within legal aid costs
• Strong understanding of legal aid funding rules, regulations and billing procedures
• Experience with detailed assessment and preparation of costs documentation
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to produce clear and persuasive costs documentation
• Experience handling costs disputes and negotiations
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied caseload independently
• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of technical accuracy
• Previous experience working with legal aid-funded matters

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified Costs Lawyer, solicitor or experienced Costs Draftsman
• Relevant professional accreditation within costs would be advantageous
• Demonstrable experience within a legal aid environment
• Familiarity with legal costs software and case management systems
• Strong understanding of the processes surrounding legal aid costs recovery and assessment