Costs Draftsperson / Costs Lawyer.

Preparing comprehensive costs documentation including bills of costs, electronic bills, schedules, N260 statements and points of reply across Legal Aid and Court of Protection matters. Drafting Legal Aid bills and supporting documentation, including CCMS claims and escape fee cases. Preparing SCCO assessment documentation for both fixed costs and detailed assessment routes, including annual management bills. Reviewing fee earner files to identify all recoverable items and applying current CPR, Costs Practice Directions and Legal Aid remuneration provisions. Advising clients on likely recovery, proportionality and optimal assessment routes. Managing Part 8 proceedings and detailed assessments as required. Building client relationships through proactive communication and commercially realistic advice.

Essential: solid experience in claimant legal costs with genuine exposure to Legal Aid and Court of Protection work; confidence drafting bills and supporting paperwork for publicly funded and protected party matters; good working knowledge of CPR, costs procedure, detailed assessment and relevant Legal Aid remuneration rules; experience negotiating and settling costs; sharp eye for detail with strong organisational skills; clear writing and straightforward client manner; competence with Microsoft Office and legal costs software. Desirable: CCMS and LAA assessment familiarity; SCCO and OPG experience; exposure to high value or complex publicly funded litigation; detailed assessment advocacy experience; Costs Lawyer qualification or clear progress towards it.