Junior Costs Negotiator

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively reviewing cases to formulate an initial costs strategy and settlement parameters
• Preparing points of dispute and considering replies
• Identifying and documenting strengths and weaknesses of own case and opponent’s costs claimed
• Using the telephone to discuss;put forward meritorious arguments;and negotiate settlement of costs
• Updating reports to clients of progress made in resolving costs claimed
• Dealing with correspondence and telephone calls received within SLAs
• Undertaking periodic reviews of files in line with client requirements
• Settlement of costs within agreed negotiation parameter
• Instructing counsel and attending conferences;detailed assessment hearings;and mediations, remotely and in person.
• Attending court for application hearings;detailed assessment hearings and mediations remotely and in person to conduct own advocacy
• Delivery of agreed performance targets;Keoghs quality standards;and client’s SLAs, KPIs and MI requirements
• Delegate assigned tasks to a Paralegal and be fully engaged in their development in terms of technical ability and achievement of objectives
• To ensure compliance with the SRA Standards & Regulations

• 28 - 35 hours per week Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm with 1 unpaid hour for lunch
• Primary location for this role is Birmingham Office

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Ideally will have performed a similar junior costs role, either for claimant or defendant, handling own caseload. Full training and supervision will be provided to any candidate without this experience.
• Degree and/or LPC and/or ALCD
• Previous experience of client/customer liaison - taking instructions and providing advice both verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of the Detailed Assessment process and the relevant CPR provisions relating to costs
• Good telephone negotiation skills
• An understanding of current cost case law and insurance litigation practice and process.
• Ability to use own initiative and make decisions
• Ability to plan and prioritise workloads and to remain calm under pressure
• Excellent listening and verbal communication skills
• Ability to act as part of a team
• Proficient IT skills in Microsoft packages

• Team commitment:Values others perspective
• Resilience:Demonstrates self-control
• Passion for growth and improvement:Systematically improves performance
• Embracing Change:Responds positively to change

• Client Care:Works to add value for the client
• Decision Making:Operates within formal authority
• Negotiation, Influence and Persuasion
• Commercial Insight:Considers some commercial implications
• Monitors own performance against objectives set by Team Leader

Job Benefits

• Davies Incentive Plan
• 25 days holiday per year which increases with level of service (opportunity to buy & sell 3 days)
• Simply Health Care Cash Plan
• WeCare – 24/7 online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing covering a whole host of topics to do with health, mental health, wellbeing & healthy living and financial & legal wellbeing
• Death In Service – after 1 years’ service
• Pension Contribution based 5% Employee / 3% Employer
• Employee Resource Groups
• Employee Volunteering Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme*
• Tech Scheme*
• Season Ticket Loan*
• Gym Flex*
• Access to Online Discount Sites
• Discounted Gourmet Society Membership
• Discounted Tickets for Merlin Attractions nationwide
• Discounts at local retail outlets