Reference Code: | ACDSCD |
Location: | Leigh with a move to Wigan |
Main purpose of the job:
To assist in providing a costings service to the firm/client, which enables departments/client to have their files properly finished and billed and those bills submitted to the relevant bodies for payment.
Responsible to:
Department assistant manager
Main key result areas
- Provides support to departments/client in preparing claims for payment. Prepares costs schedules for negotiation, solicitor client bills and gross sum bills, schedules for summary assessment, costs estimates. Prepares and deals with bills for detailed assessment, points of dispute, points of reply, and all other steps/documents within the costs process or that a case may require.
- Ensures the firm/client gets paid the maximum amount possible on every file
- Work closely with the fee earner/client to effect swift and accurate payment/settlement
- Ensures that files are satisfactorily finished, where necessary disbursements paid and files closed/returned according to procedures laid down in the department/client.
- Ensures that payments are allocated to the correct file/matter when funds are received.
- Ensures firm/client instructions and requirements are followed and KPI’s met.
Person specification
Qualifications | |
Minimum qualifications - 5 G.C.S.E’s or equivalent at grade C, including maths and english, (relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative) | Essential |
Experience | |
Experience of working as a costs drafter | Essential |
Experience of drafting bills/schedules of costs | Essential |
Experience of drafting points of reply | Essential |
Experience of costs management to include preparation of budgets and budget discussion reports. | Essential |
Experience of negotiating/evaluating offers | Essential |
Experience of providing advice on costs issues | Essential |
Experience of researching costs law | Essential |
Experience of dealing with clients/obtaining instructions | Essential |
Experience of working in a solicitor’s office | Desirable |
Member of ACL | Desirable |
Experience of drafting LSC bills, claim 1’s, claim 1A’s, points of dispute | Desirable |
Experience of attending hearings | Desirable |
Knowledge and skills | |
Demonstrates ability to prioritise work to ensure agreed service levels of maintained. | Essential |
Numeracy, literacy | Essential |
Good standard of I.T. literacy and keyboard skills | Essential |
Influencing skills | Essential |
Good communication skills both face to face and over the telephone. | Essential |
Organisational/time management skills | Essential |
Accuracy and attention to detail | Essential |
Working to deadlines | Essential |
Ability to work productively amidst frequent interruptions | Essential |
Personality / Other Qualities | |
Pleasant, approachable, patient and polite | Essential |
Ability to work in a highly confidential environment | Essential |
Smart and tidy appearance | Essential |
Ability to work as part of a team | Essential |
Adaptability and flexibility | Essential |
Ability to work without close supervision/ on own initiative | Essential |
Ability to hit the ground running | Essential |
Ability to draft a bill of costs, points of reply, budgets and other costs documents without supervision | Essential |
Confidence in influencing over the telephone | Essential |
Please do not send enquiries to the department manager of the specific team.