Costs Lawyer – Specialist Law Firm

About the role

A highly regarded specialist law firm is seeking an experienced Costs Lawyer to join its London team, working on complex family law matters for high‑net‑worth and international clients.

Key responsibilities

• Drafting a variety of legal aid claims and bills, including High Cost Case Plans.
• Preparing inter partes bills of costs and schedules of costs.
• Drafting Points of Reply and Costs Budgets.
• Negotiating settlements of costs.
• Providing support and guidance to fee earners and billing teams on costs‑related matters.
• Delivering training where required and assisting with compliance and file management procedures.

Required profile

• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Costs Lawyer, in‑house or specialist practice.
• Strong experience with privately funded and legally aided matters.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all levels of legal aid funding, from Legal Help to Full Certificates.
• Experience with fixed fee schemes, enhancements and legal aid rates.
• Proven expertise in preparing High Cost Case Plans and negotiating with the Legal Aid Agency.
• Knowledge of the statutory charge and up‑to‑date LAA Costs Assessment Guidance, CPR, legislation and case law.
• Ability to manage a full costs caseload independently from inception to conclusion.

Required skills

• Proficiency with costs drafting software such as CostsMaster.
• Excellent communication, organisational and IT skills with strong attention to detail.

What we offer

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