Legal Costs Negotiator Vacancy

Job Purpose

To negotiate settlement of Solicitors costs in compliance with the Negotiations Manual and to promote exceptional customer service to retain the firm’s clients.

KEY TASKS / JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Negotiating a settlement based on a Bills of Costs utilising any other documentation prepared in support.

Liaising with Solicitors

  1. Contacting our client once a week with an update as to progress of the case.
  2. Informing our client of offers received from Defendant’s insurers/solicitors;
  3. Obtaining an authority from our client at the outset of a case to enable negotiations to be prompt and less time consuming;
  4. Providing a break down of the fees PIC incurs when advising on offers and also a final breakdown of PIC fees at settlement of a case along with returning our client’s file of papers within 24 hours.
  5. Preparing reports to our clients detailing current position and offers on a weekly/biweekly basis.
  6. Attending Client meetings at their offices when asked/required.

Liaising with Defendants

  1. Liaising with Defendants with a view to co-ordinating prompt negotiations and settlements;
  2. Reviewing offers made and considering whether to accept or reject offers received;
  3. Formulating offers for counter proposals;
  4. Reviewing documentation received from the Defendant to consider the effects on costs and reviewing our position further.

Liaising with Court and Advocates

a)      Issuing Court Proceedings, serving the Notice of Commencement, serving Replies to Points of Dispute and requesting a Detailed Assessment Hearing/Provisional Assessment Hearing;

b)      Responding to Court Proceedings and complying with Orders received from the Court;

c)       Preparing all Court documentation and Bundles ensuring they are served on all correct Parties;

d)      Preparing Instructions and Briefs to Counsel where appropriate.

e)      Assisting Advocacy where information is required relating to any particular matter.

f)        Preparing statement of costs in advance of a provisional or Detailed assessment hearing.

Administration

Negotiators are responsible for undertaking all of their own administration work to include taking telephone calls and preparing letters and e-mails. All negotiators must keep their own diary which can be reviewed by any other member of staff when required. Covering colleagues work during holidays or absence. Negotiators must also comply with the audit process implemented at certain times throughout the negotiations process.

Training and Development

Keeping up to date with new rules and case law. Attending internal training sessions when possible. If attendance is not possible training documentation should be reviewed and notes taken as to effects on Costs.

Ensure service level agreements are met

Deal with client queries within agreed Service level agreements

Provide a professional and courteous service to both internal and external stakeholders at all times

Undertake any other reasonable duties designated by their immediate or ultimate supervisors from time to time to meet business needs.

 

Experience Required

  • Intermediate/Advanced IT Skills
  • Good Organisational and communication skills
  • Level 3 Qualification or above or equivalent
  • 8+ Years Legal Costs Experience
  • Proven experience of handling a caseload of 60-100 files / 40+ high value caseload
  • Ability to contribute to eshots, blogs, social media and people development if required
  • Proven Experience of handling Multi Track and Catastrophic Cases
  • Proven experience in handling Clinical negligence cases
  • Proven Understanding/Experience of CPR and CPD

Overview:

To be responsible for Cost Drafting and Negotiations of Bills of Costs (where applicable) and to prepare and submit claims for costs for assessment and payment in accordance with The Civil Procedure Rules. To ensure that the maximum costs are recovered within a timely manner for the Client and provide guidance and support to other members of staff in respect of Costs issues.

We offer a competitive salary dependent upon experience with no individual WIP or billing targets.  Our Head Office is based in Doncaster and we have office locations in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester, however we usually offer the opportunity to work from home, as well as flexible hours to help you balance your career and family life along with many other benefits and excellent career progression.

Vacancy Information:

  • Location: Doncaster HQ, Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester & homebased
  • Salary range: Competitive & Dependant on Experience
  • Job type: Permanent
  • Experience: See Person Specification
  • Working Hours: Full time, Flexible working considered

If you’re interested in becoming part of our dynamic and ever growing team, please send your CV to our HR Officer, Paul Haywood, who is available at paul.haywood@pic.legal 

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