Senior Costs Draftsman

Liberation Rec; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading costs consultancy in Greater Manchester is seeking a Senior Costs Draftsman. In this full-time role, you will draft complex bills of costs and represent clients at hearings. Strong negotiation skills and 3-5 years of relevant experience are required. The position offers a salary of £45-£55,000 plus a bonus and the flexibility of hybrid or remote work.

Benefits

Exceptional bonus structure

Study support for ACL

Regular salary reviews

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience as a law costs draftsman or costs lawyer.
• Strong track record in drafting and negotiating costs budgets.
• Ability to build long-term professional relationships.

Responsibilities

• Draft complex and high-value bills of costs.
• Prepare Precedent H and R documents for budgeting.
• Negotiate settlements and advise clients on strategy.

Skills

Drafting bills of costs

Negotiation skills

Client relationship management

Advocacy experience

Job description

Senior Costs Draftsman

Remote

Greater Manchester

Job Ref: 100055

The Firm

A leading costs consultancy and specialist legal costs practice who work with solicitors, barristers, insurers, and private clients across the UK, offering expert advice and representation in costs litigation. Their services include costs budgeting, preparing bills of costs, negotiations, detailed assessments, and advocacy at costs hearings. They pride themselves on accuracy, efficiency, and providing exceptional client service.

Salary £45-£55,000 + Exc. Bonus (poss. negotiable for the right candidate) and regular salary reviews (Part of bonus structure)

Supports study for ACL

The Role

The Senior Law Costs Draftsman will take responsibility for drafting complex bills of costs, preparing and negotiating costs budgets, and representing clients at hearings and detailed assessments. You will be expected to manage your own caseload while also providing guidance and support to junior members of the team. This is a client-facing role requiring excellent drafting ability, strong negotiation skills, and an in-depth knowledge of the CPR and case law relating to costs. The role is offered on a full-time basis, with opportunities for hybrid or fully remote working depending on individual preference.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting complex and high-value bills of costs, including inter partes, solicitor-client, and legal aid matters
• Preparing Precedent H and Precedent R documents for use in costs budgeting and Case Management Conferences (CCMCs)
• Negotiating settlements with opposing parties and advising clients on strategy outcomes
• Attending and advocating at detailed assessments, CCMCs, and other costs-related hearings
• Preparing Points of Dispute, Replies
• Supervising and mentoring junior costs draftsmen to develop their technical skills and knowledge

Requirements

• Strong track record in drafting bills of costs and conducting detailed assessments
• Proven ability to draft, negotiate, and settle costs budgets (Precedent H)
• Confidence in client-facing situations, with a focus on building long-term professional relationships
• Advocacy experience at costs hearings and assessments (desirable but not essential)
• A minimum of 3–5 years’ experience as a law costs draftsman or costs lawyer