Costs Lawyer

• Leeds (hybrid)
• Full time
• Permanent
• £40,020.10-£62,888.73 plus excellent benefits package

Join a thriving legal team where collaboration, expertise and professional respect are at the heart of how work gets done. You will be part of a supportive and highly skilled group dedicated to delivering a trusted legal costs service that protects the careers, reputations and financial interests of our members worldwide. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where people share knowledge, work together to solve complex problems and take genuine pride in achieving the right outcomes.

As a Costs Lawyer in our team, you will manage a varied and intellectually engaging caseload while working alongside experienced colleagues who value quality, thoughtful decision-making and continuous improvement. The team operates in a professional, cooperative atmosphere where expertise is recognised, ideas are welcomed and individuals are trusted to take ownership of their work.

This role offers the opportunity to apply your technical costs expertise in a setting that values balance, professional development and long-term impact. You will play an important part in resolving complex costs disputes, influencing strategy and delivering fair, well-considered outcomes that truly make a difference for our members.

As part of a global organisation, you will also have the opportunity for exposure to legal costs processes across different jurisdictions, working with colleagues and stakeholders internationally.

Role Responsibility

• Manage a caseload of legal costs claims at various stages, prioritising effectively to ensure timely resolution.
• Prepare Costs Budgets, Budget Discussion Reports and statements of costs, managing all aspects of Costs Management.
• Investigate and analyse facts, law and quantum early in claims to develop effective strategies for cost resolution.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure cases are handled efficiently and in members’ best interests.
• Support efforts to internalise legal costs work and reduce reliance on external costs experts and counsel.
• Contribute to the reduction of claimant costs and external legal spend while maintaining high-quality outcomes.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legal costs law, procedure and CPR developments, supporting continuous improvement across the team.
• There may be opportunities to undertake advocacy in costs proceedings in the future for those who wish to develop this aspect of their practice.

The Ideal Candidate

• Qualified Costs Lawyer regulated by the CLSB with rights of audience in costs proceedings.
• Strong experience handling legal costs disputes, including multi-track and fast track matters.
• Proven experience preparing Costs Budgets and Points of Dispute.
• Demonstrable expertise in defendant clinical negligence costs disputes.
• Excellent negotiation, legal drafting and legal research skills.
• Strong analytical and numerical capability with the ability to interpret complex cost data.
• Confident managing your own caseload and using case management systems and IT tools effectively.
• Working knowledge of the CPR and the litigation process.