Costs Lawyer – Specialist Legal Aid Role

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Costs Lawyer to join a highly regarded specialist law firm in London. The role involves handling a diverse client base, including high‑net‑worth and international clients, across complex family‑law matters and legal‑aid cases.

Key responsibilities

• Draft legal‑aid claims, bills and High Cost Case Plans.
• Prepare inter partes bills of costs, schedules of costs, Points of Reply and Costs Budgets.
• Negotiate settlements of costs with the Legal Aid Agency.
• Support fee earners and billing teams on costs‑related queries.
• Deliver training, ensure compliance and manage file‑management procedures.

Required profile

• Minimum three years’ experience as a Costs Lawyer, either in‑house or in a specialist practice.
• Proven ability to manage both privately funded and legally aided matters.
• Strong knowledge of legal‑aid funding levels, fixed‑fee schemes and statutory charges.
• Experience preparing High Cost Case Plans and negotiating with the LAA.
• Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision.

Required skills

• Proficiency with CostsMaster drafting software.

What we offer

• A supportive, collaborative and friendly working environment.
• Opportunity to work within a respected specialist law firm.
• Exposure to high‑quality, varied costs work.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.