Senior Costs Draftsperson / Costs Lawyer, Birmingham

Senior Law Costs Draftsman - Inter Partes Costs specialist

Gemini Recruitment are currently partnering with a large and established law firm. Our client serves corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 practice areas from offices throughout London and across England and Wales.

Our client, a prestigious Legal 500 law firm and one of the UK’s largest providers of Legal Aid services is seeking an accomplished Senior Law Costs Draftsman to join its high‑performing Billing & Costs Department. With a team of 30+ experienced costs professionals, this is a standout opportunity to step into a senior role where your expertise will genuinely shape the department’s success.

As a senior member of the team, you’ll handle complex, high‑value costs matters, lead on drafting and negotiating, support strategic litigation decisions, and act as a trusted technical authority within the department. You’ll also play a key role in mentoring junior colleagues and driving best practice across the team.

If you’re a seasoned costs specialist looking for a role with influence, progression, and the chance to work within a respected national practice, this position offers an exceptional platform for your next career move.

Main Responsibilities of the Role

• Reporting directly to the Manager and contributing to team-wide performance
• Drafting / preparing inter partes bills of costs, costs budgets; and points of reply/dispute
• Drafting inter partes bills with Legal Aid element
• Drafting Claim1’s, 1a’s and VHCC/HCCP case
• Drafting of estimates of costs to accompany Allocation Questionnaires and Pre‑Trial Checklists.
• Conducting negotiations on bills, including attendance at CCMCs
• Overseeing the Issuing of the Notice of Commencement and associated documents
• Working to deadlines
• Attendance upon Detailed Assessment Hearing as and when necessary
• Providing technical / costs guidance to fee earners where required
• Assist junior members of the team to complete post –assessment work, with training and ad hoc queries
• Maintaining accurate time costing procedures
• Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly meetings ensuring that these are dealt with promptly
• Ensuring full compliance with file management and internal quality standards
• Contributing to internal training and the ongoing development of costs management processes

Key Skills Required

• Costs Law Expertise — 3+ years’ experience drafting Inter Partes and Legal Aid bills with strong CPR knowledge.
• Bill & Budget Drafting — Skilled in IP bills, LAA 3‑ & 6‑column bills, costs budgets, schedules, and breakdowns.
• Negotiation & Replies — Confident negotiator with the ability to draft clear, persuasive Points of Reply.
• Assessment & Part 8 — Experienced in preparing matters for detailed assessment and understanding Part 8 procedure.
• Client Advice — Provides accurate, commercially focused advice with strong professional judgment.
• Advocacy — Advocacy experience desirable; own‑advocacy capability is an advantage.
• Technical Skills — Strong MS Excel and Office skills; Costs Master knowledge beneficial.
• Autonomy & Teamwork — Manages own caseload confidently while contributing effectively within a team.
• Target Driven — Works efficiently and consistently meets achievable performance targets.

On offer is a competitive salary, real opportunities for progression and a supportive team environment.

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