Costs Negotiator

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively reviewing cases to formulate an initial costs strategy and settlement parameter
• 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 parameters
• 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 Working Hours  
  28 - 35 hours per week Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm with 1 unpaid hour for lunch. Primary location for this role is Bolton Office.  

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• 12 months experience as a minimum in a similar costs negotiator role, either for claimant or defendant, handling own caseload. 
• Degree and/or LPC and/or ALCD 
• Previous experience of client liaison - taking instructions and providing advice both verbally and in writing 
• Experience of the Detailed Assessment process including preparing Points of Dispute and considering replies.
• 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 
• Required Soft Skills:
  Personal Effectiveness
• 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