Costs Draftsman
5 days ago
Finchley
Please send your CV and cover letter to About GN Law GN Law is an independent law firm with a committed team of solicitors, paralegals and support staff. We represent clients locally in North London, and more widely across London and England. Our specialist areas of law include: ● Family – public and private Children Act proceedings and financial proceedings within divorce ● Court of Protection – safeguarding the rights and interests of vulnerable individuals ● Mental Health – supporting and representing patients detained under the Mental Health Act ● Claims Against Police & Public Authorities – challenging misconduct and abuses of power ● Wills, Trusts & Probate – helping clients plan for their future and the future of their families About the Role: We are looking for an experienced Costs Draftsman to deal with all aspects final billing for publicly funded proceedings. This will include the preparation of final claims for costs for all types of publicly funded cases, the completion of Outcome submissions to the Legal Aid Agency, the submission of final claims and the uploading of supporting documents, to assessing Assessment Notifications and considering and preparing any Appeals considered necessary in relation to any fees or disbursements disallowed on assessment. It will be of considerable advantage if the prospective candidate is familiar with Costsmaster software for the preparation of claim documentation. Main Responsibilities of the Role: • Report directly to Finance Manager, • Drafting Electronic Bills, • Providing technical / costs guidance to fee earners where required, • Assist junior members of the team to complete post –assessment work, with training and ad hoc queries, • Maintaining accurate time costing procedures, • Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly meetings ensuring that these are dealt with promptly, • Ensuring compliance with file management, • Internal training and reviewing the ongoing costs management process. Key Skills Required: • A strong academic background, • Experience as a Costs Draftsman, • Minimum of 2 years legal experience of costs drafting for publicly funded bills, • Worked in a litigation environment and have relevant legal experience within a Costs team, • Experience of handling your own costs caseload from start to finish, • Up to date knowledge of LAA Costs Assessment Guidance, • IT literate including knowledge of using legal case management systems, office 365 and document management skills, • Strong attention to detail, • Committed team player and adapt well to new challenges, • Previous proven supervisory experience an advantage but not requirement, • Professional with a pro-active approach; excellent client care skills and ability to deal with other professionals and court services, • Excellent analytical and organizational skills, • Ability to use own initiative and sound judgment Essential • Valid right to work in the UK, • A conscientious, organised, and team-focused approach Employment Terms: Responsible to: The Directors Salary: Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience + entry to bonus scheme Pension: Enrolment into GN Law’s pension scheme Contract: Permanent, subject to 6-month probation Hours: 37.5 hours per week Base: GN Law office, Lodge Lane, North Finchley (hybrid-working available) Annual leave: 25 days (plus public holidays) Maternity/shared parental leave: Enhanced package available Notice period: 3 months following probation Benefits • The opportunity to be part of a team of enthusiastic and supportive individuals who enjoy and excel at what they do, • Excellent internal training and support to access external training, • Hybrid working, • 25 days annual leave, • An employee assistance programme delivered by Health Assured, an award-winning wellbeing provider, • Pension scheme, • Enhanced maternity/parental leave package, • A cycle-to-work scheme, • Quarterly and annual bonus scheme Application Process • You must demonstrate how you meet all essential criteria., • Applicants are encouraged to complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form via our Careers page. This is not used in the selection process., • Two-stage interview process: online then in-office, • References requested only after a provisional offer is made., • Unsuccessful applicants will be informed by email.