Legal Assistant/Costs Draftsman

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to join our Costs Team.  Based at our Canterbury office with a hybrid working policy offering a flexible combination of office and home working, after an initial settling in period.

The Costs Team is responsible for maximising recovery of legal costs across several teams within the Firm, adopting a multifaceted approach with those Teams including Vulnerable Client, Dispute Resolution, Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Teams.

The successful candidate will be responsible for Court of Protection costs claims within the Senior Courts Costs Office.  You will therefore be responsible with the preparation and filing of electronic bills of costs for assessment by the Court for our clients working closely with our Vulnerable Client Team and external clients.  We also offer opportunities for professional development and advancement for the right candidate.

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills and ability to build and maintain positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Excellent numeracy and analytical skills and a high degree of attention to detail.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage own caseload.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules; experience with CostsMaster drafting software and experience filing via CE-File (HM Courts & Tribunals E-Filing Service) an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Preparation of Deputyship Reports and liaising with the Office of The Public Guardian;
• Drafting and filing of electronic bills of costs for assessment at both County Court and Senior Courts Costs Office levels.
• Preparation of documents for assessment, to include preparation of e-bundles.
• Undertaking post assessment processes, to include advice on/preparation of assessment appeals.
• Identify and apply changes in rules/law in the above processes.
• Providing support to the Costs Team as and when required.