Costs Draftsman

Costs Drafter (Defendant Focus)



Location: Greater Manchester (Hybrid)



Working Pattern: Hybrid | Full-Time (35 hours per week) | 30–35 hours considered



The Opportunity


We are working with a highly regarded law firm to recruit an experienced Costs Drafter to join its expanding Costs team.


This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established and supportive environment where you'll manage a varied caseload of predominantly defendant costs matters. The successful candidate will enjoy a high level of autonomy, hybrid working, and genuine opportunities for long-term career development.


The firm is committed to delivering high-quality legal services while maintaining a collaborative culture and strong work-life balance.



The Role


As a Costs Drafter, you'll be responsible for managing your own caseload of defendant costs matters from instruction through to conclusion.


Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing a caseload of predominantly paying party costs files.
• Reviewing and analysing claimant Bills of Costs.
• Drafting detailed and technically accurate Points of Dispute.
• Negotiating costs settlements with claimant representatives.
• Progressing matters through the detailed assessment process where required.
• Preparing files for Detailed Assessment Hearings.
• Liaising with fee earners, clients and external parties.
• Providing strategic advice on costs issues where appropriate.
• Ensuring files are progressed efficiently and accurately.
• Keeping up to date with developments in Costs Law and Civil Procedure Rules.

About You


Applications are welcomed from experienced Costs professionals who have a strong background in defendant costs and are confident managing their own workload.



Essential Experience

• Previous experience as a Costs Drafter and/or Costs Negotiator.
• Strong experience handling defendant (paying party) costs matters.
• Confident drafting detailed Points of Dispute.
• Experience reviewing claimant Bills of Costs.
• Proven negotiation experience.
• Good understanding of Costs Law and Detailed Assessment procedures.
• Excellent drafting, analytical and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage a busy caseload independently.
• Experience using legal case management and/or costs software.

Desirable

• Experience with complex or high-value costs disputes.
• Advocacy or Detailed Assessment Hearing experience.
• Exposure to both claimant and defendant costs work.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Hybrid working.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Genuine work-life balance.
• Excellent long-term career progression.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including enhanced family leave, pension, wellbeing initiatives, retail discounts and additional employee benefits.