Costs Negotiator

Greater Manchester – £20,000 - £30,000

Cost Negotiator – Fixed Costs

Our client is an established legal practice with a sizeable specialist costs team. They are looking to appoint an experienced Cost Negotiator to join their team on a permanent basis.

This is an excellent opportunity for a costs professional with experience in fixed costs disputes to take ownership of a varied caseload, develop their technical expertise and progress their career within a supportive specialist environment.

The Role

• Manage a caseload of fixed costs matters from initial review through to resolution
• Review inter partes disputes and develop persuasive arguments to negotiate settlement
• Prepare and negotiate costs schedules, bills and related documentation
• Draft Part 23 applications, Part 8 proceedings, replies to Points of Dispute, skeleton arguments and written submissions
• Prepare cases for summary and detailed assessment hearings
• Secure payments on account of costs at the earliest opportunity
• Liaise effectively with fee earners, management and other members of the costs team
• Provide technical support to colleagues on fixed costs disputes
• Attend costs hearings where appropriate
• Report on negotiations and agreed terms of settlement
• Maintain high standards of client care and quality throughout the caseload
• Work towards agreed caseload, WIP and fee targets

About You

• Good working knowledge of fixed costs claims and the wider costs process
• Strong understanding of CPR costs procedures, relevant Pre-Action Protocols and case law relating to fixed costs disputes
• Ideally 2–5 years' experience handling costs matters and working to targets
• Experience with advocacy at costs hearings would be advantageous but is not essential
• Strong commercial awareness and a professional approach
• Excellent communication, organisation and time-management skills
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and perform effectively under pressure
• Strong IT skills
• Experience with costs and legal software would be advantageous

Career Development

The role offers genuine progression opportunities for the right candidate, including potential support towards further professional development and the Association of Costs Lawyers (ACL) qualification.