Costs Lawyers/Draftspersons – SEO and HEO roles

The Government Legal Department is seeking Costs Lawyers/Draftspersons for SEO and HEO roles. The successful candidates will be part of the Litigation Directorate's Costs Team, which deals with adverse costs claims, recovery of costs, and budgeting. The team provides specialist advice on costs matters across various areas, including judicial review, personal injury, and commercial litigation.

The role involves managing a caseload of costs matters, providing practical written and oral advice to colleagues and clients, and prioritizing complex or urgent work. The post holders will be expected to have a good understanding of CPR and litigation process, as well as key case law and procedure commensurate to the grade.

The Government Legal Department offers a competitive salary of GBP 36,553 - 49,314 per year, a recruitment and retention scheme, and opportunities for professional development.

Responsibilities:

• Provide a good quality, professional, and cost-effective service that achieves client satisfaction
• Have a good understanding of CPR and litigation process as well as key case law and procedure commensurate to the grade
• Be accountable for each allocated case from outset to case completion
• Prioritize work and assume additional tasks such as assisting on larger, more complex, or urgent cases
• Comply with policies, standards, procedures, and service level agreements
• Provide advice and guidance to colleagues and clients on costs
• Contribute to delivery of the team's and litigation group's corporate objectives

Person Specification:

• Demonstrable track record of personally managing costs casework
• Experience of managing a varied costs caseload with appropriate supervision
• Experience of prioritizing complex or urgent work
• Good knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules, litigation process, costs procedure, and relevant costs case law
• Ability to prepare and/or review technical costs documents
• Negotiation skills and the ability to explain costs issues clearly to clients and non-specialists