Job Description

ARC Costs are a Bolton based digital multi-disciplinary Costs Draftsman/Lawyer services provider, who assist Solicitors in both inter-partes and legal aid matters. We assist clients in recovering their legal fees, either in inter-partes matters through negotiations and the detailed assessment process, or via quantification of legal aid costs claims with the Legal Aid Agency.

We focus on providing our staff with a healthy work/life balance, which incorporates a relaxed office atmosphere, increased holiday allowances for your birthday and length of employment as well as the opportunity to work remotely 2 days per week once probation periods have been passed. The individual will also have the opportunity to join our 1%target incentive with rewards such as: 4-day work weeks for hitting weekly targets, monthly financial bonuses and pay-rises, and a prize for the top performers of the month.

Whilst part of the role can be on a remote-access/distance-role basis, the individual should be able to comfortably commute to our Bolton office.

We are recruiting for experienced Costs Draftsmen or Costs Lawyers in both inter-partes and legal aid roles in our Bolton office, and the successful candidate will have experience of, or be able to demonstrate expertise in the following areas (it is not expected a candidate will have both inter-partes and LAA experience, but will specialise in one aspect):

- Experience in preparing 3 column and electronic phased Bills of Costs;

- Settling Costs Budgets and anticipating future costs accurately;

- Engaging in negotiations, via phone and email, as well as conducting detailed assessment proceedings;

- Running matters to a provisional/detailed assessment hearing and being able to advise on risks of proceeding;

- Settling Points of Dispute and Points of Reply;

- Any experience of advocacy, either on CCMCs or at detailed assessment would be beneficial.

- Experience in preparing legal aid costs claims (fixed, exceptional and VHCCs in different aspects);

- Knowledge of CCMS processes and dealing with recovery of fees from the LAA from start to finish;

- Negotiating case plans with the LAA and securing increased costs limitations;

- A demonstrable knowledge of billing capabilities, timescales for processing claims and general recovery expectations on costs claims/enhancements.

The role offers significant progression opportunities, with pro-active pay reviews monthly as part of our 1% incentive and bonus scheme, supplemented by performance based reviews. Those who remain with us for in excess of a year will also be eligible to apply for part-subsidised Costs Lawyer study so that formal qualifications can be obtained to be regulated by the CLSB as a Costs Lawyer.

The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years' experience in one or both of legal aid/inter-partes areas of costs, and be able to demonstrate significant knowledge in their area of expertise during the course of any interview or work trial.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Enhanced maternity leave Free fitness classes Work from home
Work Location: In person