Senior Costs Manager

London Law Firm

£100-£120,000 + 15 % Bonus

Job Ref: 100079

The Firm

One of the UK’s largest litigation only law firms that act for corporate and individual clients in high-value and complex disputes.  Each of their departments has an international reputation for excellence and they are top-ranked in both The Legal 500 and Chambers.

 The role

• Primary responsibility for the provision of costs services to one or more fee-earning groups with annual budgets exceeding £5 million.
• Advising on cost and litigation funding issues where appropriate
• Advising on the drafting of retainer and other funding documents when necessary
• Preparing internal and external cost budgets/estimates
• Undertaking active costs management and monitoring budgets through Cosine Software
• Assisting the Risk and Funding Committee and Senior Cost Analyst with the delivery of reporting, analysis and advice.
• Drafting formal bill of costs, statement of costs and assisting with the detailed assessment process
• Advising on inter partes costs and solicitor own client issues
• Monitor and manage the financial performance of Cost Associates and Cost Paralegals, ensuring consistent achievement of departmental KPIs.
• Draft and maintain costs-related information documents, quick reference guides (QRGs), templates and best-practice resources.
• Taking lead in internal and external training initiatives.
• Strengthen the profile of the Costs Department both internally and externally.
• Represent the firm through seminars, conferences, training events and industry forums. Produce thought leadership material, including journal articles, guidance notes and technical publications
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the department’s business plan Team working with other Cost Lawyers, Cost Draftsmen and Litigation fee earners Undertaking any other reasonable duties as requested

General skills:

• Commercially minded and solutions-focused.
• Well organised, uses initiative, prioritises appropriately, applies self, shows attention to detail, manages own workload and meets deadlines Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills (respectful, positive, articulate, professional and sympathetic)
• Delivers helpful internal services with a “can do” approach, shows commercial awareness and represents the department/firm appropriately Shares information and ideas
• Accepts and follows instructions, listens, makes notes, questions appropriately, co operates
• Shows sound judgement and decision-making skills; acts within boundaries Shows commitment, passion and enthusiasm Is a respectful, reliable and supportive team player Reflects the firm’s culture

Qualification & Experience:

• Previous experience as a qualified Costs Lawyer
• Experience of dealing with commercial disputes (litigation, arbitration and competition appeals tribunal work) including group litigation.