Senior Inter Partes Costs Draftsman / Costs Lawyer

About the role

This senior position joins Duncan Lewis Solicitors' national team of experienced Costs Lawyers and Costs Draftsmen. You will manage the full lifecycle of billing and recovery for a diverse legal client base, with a focus on inter partes costs and legal aid matters.

Key responsibilities

• Draft and prepare inter partes bills of costs, budgets, points of reply/dispute and legal aid elements.
• Produce Claim1, Claim1a and VHCC/HCCP case documents.
• Prepare cost estimates for Allocation Questionnaires and Pre‑Trial Checklists.
• Negotiate bills and attend CCMC hearings.
• Oversee issuance of Notices of Commencement and related documentation.
• Attend Detailed Assessment Hearings when required.
• Provide technical cost guidance to fee earners and support junior team members.

Required profile

• Senior‑level professional with strong technical expertise in costs law.
• Proven experience drafting inter partes bills and handling legal aid cases.
• Confident negotiator able to work to tight deadlines.
• Willingness to attend hearings and mentor junior staff.

Required skills

• Inter partes costs drafting
• Costs budgeting
• Legal aid billing
• Negotiation of costs bills
• Preparation of Claim1 and Claim1a documents
• VHCC/HCCP case drafting
• Allocation Questionnaire preparation
• Pre‑Trial Checklist drafting

What we offer

• Hybrid working model within a paperless, technology‑enabled firm.
• Access to continuous professional development and training.
• Inclusive, award‑winning workplace culture.