Law Costs Accountant

DWF; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global legal business is seeking an experienced Law Cost Accountant to join their team in Scotland. The role involves managing cost cases, drafting objections, negotiating claims, and advising on expense claims. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office. This position offers a supportive environment with opportunities for training and development, encouraging candidates to apply even if they don't meet every requirement.

Benefits

Industry-leading training

Collaborative team environment

Inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• High proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word.
• Strong analytical skills to apply the law pragmatically to cases.
• Excellent written and oral communication for reports and submissions.
• Negotiation capability to challenge costs claimed and resolve contentious issues.
• Logical problem-solving and accurate numeracy.
• Process-driven with excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Resilience and ability to multitask.

Responsibilities

• Manage a costs caseload of Defender and/or Pursuer expenses files.
• Draft points of objection and responses to accounts claims.
• Negotiate offers received on accounts.
• Advise and support on all aspects of third-party expense claims.
• Draft accounts of expenses.
• Progress cases to satisfactory conclusions for clients.
• Maintain management information in line with client SLAs.

Skills

High proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word

Strong analytical skills

Excellent written and oral communication

Negotiation capability

Logical problem-solving

Attention to detail

Effective time management

Resilience under pressure

Knowledge of current trends in costs

Ability to work autonomously and as a team player

Professional attitude

Job description

Why join us?

The DWF Costs team are currently seeking an experienced and motivated Law Cost Accountant to join their team in Scotland.

This role also offers the chance to develop your knowledge of legal costs in Scotland. At DWF Costs, we take a proactive approach to cost management and lead the way in using innovative technology to produce high-quality management information. This enables us to deliver robust, strategic recommendations for third‑party cost negotiations.

You’ll be joining a supportive, collaborative team with access to industry‑leading training. At DWF, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to legal services, working alongside market leaders and top professionals, all within an environment that values teamwork and shared success.

Responsibilities

• Manage a costs caseload of Defender and/or Pursuer expenses files.
• Draft points of objection and responses to accounts claims.
• Negotiate offers received on accounts.
• Advise and support on all aspects of third‑party expense claims.
• Draft accounts of expenses.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders.
• Progress cases—under supervision where required—to effective and satisfactory conclusions for clients.
• Maintain management information in line with client SLAs.
• Maintain and progress files using a case management system.
• Keep up to date with best practice and mandatory compliance training.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential:

• High proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word.
• Strong analytical skills to apply the law pragmatically to cases.
• Excellent written and oral communication for reports and submissions.
• Negotiation capability to challenge costs claimed and resolve contentious issues.
• Logical problem‑solving; accurate numeracy and comfort with data.
• Process‑driven with excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective time management, ability to meet deadlines and prioritise.
• Resilience under pressure; ability to multitask.
• Knowledge of current trends in costs/expenses.
• Able to work autonomously and as a team player.
• Initiative to solve issues as they arise; adaptable across multiple activities.
• Professional, approachable, “can‑do” attitude with strong stakeholder interaction skills.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.

Desirable:

• Working in Costs Law of a minimum of 2 years’ experience of cost cases in:
  • The Insurance Sector
  • Road Traffic Accidents
  • Employment Liability and Public Liability

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.