Costs Negotiator – Clinical Negligence Claims

About the role

Keoghs LLP is seeking a Costs Negotiator to manage the settlement of legal costs on clinical negligence claims. You will work closely with the Costs team, insurers and clients to develop cost strategies and achieve timely resolutions.

Key responsibilities

• Review each case to devise an initial costs strategy and settlement parameters.
• Prepare points of dispute, assess strengths and weaknesses, and document them.
• Conduct telephone negotiations, present arguments and negotiate settlements within agreed parameters.
• Update clients on progress, manage correspondence and meet service level agreements.
• Instruct counsel, attend conferences, detailed assessment hearings and mediations both remotely and in person.
• Represent the firm in court applications, detailed assessment hearings and mediations.
• Delegate tasks to a paralegal and support their development.
• Ensure compliance with SRA standards and internal quality requirements.

Required profile

• Minimum 12 months experience in costs negotiation or a similar legal role.
• Strong analytical ability to identify case strengths and weaknesses.
• Excellent oral communication and concise written skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with the wider team.
• Commitment to meeting client SLAs, KPIs and performance targets.

Required skills

• Proficiency in telephone negotiation and advocacy.
• Experience preparing legal cost documentation and points of dispute.
• Familiarity with SRA standards and regulations.

What we offer

• Full‑time role (28‑35 hours per week) based in our Bolton office.
• Support and mentoring through a Personal Development Plan.
• Opportunities for technical development and career progression within a leading law firm.