Costs Advisor

DWF; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A global legal business in the UK is seeking a Cost Advisor to manage a caseload of Defendant and/or Claimant cost files. The role involves drafting points of dispute, negotiating cost offers, and assisting with fee earning queries. Ideal candidates will have strong experience in the insurance sector and excellent negotiation skills. This hybrid role offers opportunities for professional growth within an inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a case load of defendant and/or claimant costs files.
• Experience in costs case management including preparation of cost budgets.
• Ability to draft bills of costs, points of disputes, and draft schedules.

Responsibilities

• Manage a costs case load of Defendant and/or Claimant cost files.
• Drafting points of dispute and replies to costs claims.
• Negotiate on cost offers.

Skills

Experience of costs in the insurance sector

Detailed working knowledge of the Fixed Recoverable Costs regime

Advocacy experience

Ability to negotiate high value and complex matters

Excellent negotiation skills

Job description

Why join us?

DWF are currently hiring for a Cost Advisor to join their Costs functions.

As Costs Advisor you will be responsible to the Head of Insurance Business Services and will be line‑managed by one of the Costs Operations Managers.

You will manage your own case load principally of Defendant files to a high standard and in line with client service level agreements. You will liaise with internal and external clients and employees at all levels within DWF. You may also be required to assist more junior member of the team with fee earning queries or supervision.

Your file handling will be supervised in line with the DWF Costs supervision policy and you will need to ensure that all management information is accurate and in line with client SLA.

The role is hybrid and we are open to the successful individual working from any of our England based offices.

Responsibilities

• Manage a costs case load of Defendant and / or Claimant cost files
• All aspects of costs case management
• Drafting points of dispute and replies to costs claims
• Drafting Bills of Costs
• Negotiate on cost offers
• Advise and help on all aspects of third party claim for costs
• Draft Schedules of Costs

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential

• Experience of costs in the insurance sector including Road Traffic Accident; Employment and Public Liability; Industrial Disease and Clinical Medical Negligence
• Detailed working knowledge of the Fixed Recoverable Costs regime
• Advocacy experience, including attending interim applications, cost case management hearings and detailed assessment hearings
• Ability to negotiate high value and complex matters
• Experience in costs case management, including preparation of cost budgets and budgets discussion reports.
• Experience managing a case load of defendant and / or claimant costs files
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Experience drafting bills of costs, points of disputes and draft schedules

Desirable

• The ability to prioritise work and maintain activity on a number of files at one time
• Ability to work in a team or by yourself
• Ability to be adaptable and work to tight time frames

What we offer?

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.

We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About us

DWF is a global legal business providing Complex, Managed and Connected Services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.