Junior Costs Draftsperson

To pursue the settlement of legal costs as soon as practicably possible on a range of Property, Risks & Coverage claims through drafting budgets, points of disputes, bills, schedules of costs and other formal documents.A Junior Costs Draftsperson should be able to proactively review cases; formulate an initial costs strategy and settlement parameters; provide comprehensive advice to clients; commence early telephone negotiations with opponents; and liaise, as required, with Insurers throughout the life of the file.The Junior Costs Draftsperson should be able to establish strong working relationships within the Costs team; the wider Keoghs business; and with our clients through use of excellent oral skills and succinct written communications.The Junior Costs Draftsperson will be expected to attain their Objectives as well as Client SLAs and KPIs. Support and mentoring with their Personal Development Plan will be provided to enable technical development and career progression.The Head of Costs is Howard Dean; Technical Director is Elaine Pitt; and Business Unit Director is Amanda Nuttall. This role is in the Costs Recoveries and PRC team managed by Darren Lee with support from Lead Lawyer, Matthew Luckhurst.Key AccountabilitiesYou will be responsible for your own caseload, progressing each file from receipt of papers from the insurer client and/or Keoghs Property, Risks & Coverage team to resolution of costs. The role will include:Proactively reviewing cases to formulate an initial costs strategy and settlement parametersPreparing costs schedules; bills to proceed through costs litigation; points of dispute; and considering repliesIdentifying and documenting strengths and weaknesses of own case and opponent’s caseUsing the telephone to discuss; put forward meritorious arguments; and negotiate settlement of costsUpdating reports to clients of progress made in resolving costs claimedDealing with correspondence and telephone calls received within SLAsUndertaking periodic reviews of files in line with client requirementsSettlement of costs within agreed negotiation parametersInstructing counsel and attending conferences; detailed assessment hearings; and mediations, remotely and in personAttending court for application hearings; detailed assessment hearings and mediations remotely and in person to conduct own advocacyDelivery of agreed performance targets; Keoghs quality standards; and client’s SLAs, KPIs and MI requirementsDelegate assigned tasks to a Paralegal and be fully engaged in their development in terms of technical ability and achievement of objectivesTo ensure compliance with the SRA Standards & RegulationsWorking HoursMonday – Friday 9am – 5pm with 1 unpaid hour for lunch.Primary location for this role is Bolton Office.Essential Skills and AttributesDegree and/or LPC and/or ALCDPrevious experience of client liaison - taking instructions and providing advice both verbally and in writingGood telephone negotiation skillsAn understanding of current cost case law and insurance litigation practice and processAbility to use own initiative and make decisionsAbility to plan and prioritise workloads and to remain calm under pressureExcellent listening and verbal communication skillsAbility to act as part of a teamProficient IT skills in Microsoft packagesBenefitsDavies Incentive Plan25 days holiday per year which increases with level of service (opportunity to buy & sell 3 days)Simply Health Care Cash PlanWeCare – 24/7 online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing covering a whole host of topics to do with health, mental health, wellbeing & healthy living and financial & legal wellbeingDeath In Service – after 1 years’ servicePension Contribution based 5% Employee / 3% EmployerEmployee Resource GroupsEmployee Volunteering ProgrammeCycle to Work Scheme*Tech Scheme*Season Ticket Loan*Gym Flex*Access to Online Discount SitesDiscounted Gourmet Society MembershipDiscounted Tickets for Merlin Attractions nationwideDiscounts at local retail outlets*after successfully completing probation