Costs Lawyer

Pinsent Masons is seeking a Costs Lawyer with approximately 1–2 years' PQE to join its established Law Costs Team in London.

The role provides an opportunity to work on sophisticated advisory, litigation and arbitration matters while developing specialist expertise within an established in-house costs team. The successful candidate will provide costs advice and support to fee earners across the firm and, where required, external clients.

The role covers both contentious and non-contentious costs matters and provides exposure to the full costs lifecycle, from budgeting and costs management through to detailed assessment proceedings and costs recovery.

The Firm

The firm has a strong reputation across commercial litigation, dispute resolution, insurance, banking, tax, construction, property, intellectual property, arbitration and regulatory matters.

Its clients include FTSE-listed companies, financial institutions, insurers, professional services firms and high-net-worth individuals. The firm advises on complex and high-value matters, with a focus on commercially focused legal advice and client service.

Key Responsibilities

The Costs Lawyer will work alongside partners, fee earners and clients on a broad range of costs matters.

Responsibilities include:

• Drafting Costs Budgets, including Precedent H, and Budget Discussion Reports.

• Attending Costs and Case Management Conferences where appropriate.

• Preparing electronic and traditional Bills of Costs.

• Drafting Points of Dispute and Replies.

• Managing Detailed Assessment proceedings from commencement through to resolution.

• Negotiating settlements and costs recoveries.

• Preparing and advising on Part 36 Offers and other settlement proposals.

• Advising fee earners and practice groups on costs strategy, costs budgeting, costs management and costs recoverability.

• Providing advice on general costs-related risks and opportunities.

• Conducting legal research and preparing technical costs advice.

• Liaising directly with clients, counsel, opposing costs representatives and court officials.

• Supporting fee earners on costs issues arising from complex litigation and arbitration matters.

• Monitoring developments in costs law, procedure and practice.

• Maintaining and developing internal costs know-how resources.

• Delivering internal training on costs-related topics and procedural developments.

• Supporting the continued growth and development of the firm's costs offering.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants must be qualified Costs Lawyers with approximately 1–2 years' post-qualification experience.

Candidates should have strong experience in costs budgeting, costs management and detailed assessment proceedings, together with a sound understanding of the Civil Procedure Rules and costs-related case law.

Experience drafting Bills of Costs, Costs Budgets, Points of Dispute and Replies is required.

The role also requires excellent analytical, problem-solving and drafting skills, together with strong written and verbal communication abilities. Candidates should be highly organised, able to manage competing priorities and comfortable working under pressure.

Commercial awareness and a client-focused approach are also important.

Desirable Experience

The following experience would be advantageous:

• Advising on costs implications arising from litigation funding arrangements.

• Experience in a City, national or recognised specialist costs practice.

• Familiarity with Excel and electronic billing software.

• Experience supporting commercial litigation matters.

• Experience supporting insurance disputes.

• Experience supporting construction disputes.

• Exposure to group litigation.

• Experience of arbitration proceedings and international disputes.

What the Role Offers

The position provides exposure to high-value and complex litigation matters and the opportunity to work alongside recognised specialists and experienced practitioners.

The successful candidate will benefit from a supportive and collaborative working environment, ongoing technical training and opportunities for career progression. The role also offers hybrid working, a competitive salary and benefits package, and the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of the firm's Costs Team.