Costs Lawyer – Complex Paying Party Costs – Birmingham

An experienced costs lawyer is sought to join a well-established complex paying party costs team within a highly regarded national law firm. The team handles costs claims of the highest value and complexity, routinely dealing with matters where claimed costs exceed £100,000 and often more than £1 million.

The team forms part of a larger costs offering of over 50 lawyers, including solicitors, chartered legal executives, costs lawyers and paralegals, divided into distinct teams covering paying party, complex claims and receiving party work. The underlying disputes are varied and include catastrophic personal injury, commercial and cross-border matters, aviation, accidents abroad, cyber, multi-party claims including formal group litigation orders, judicial review and clinical risk.

This role reports directly to the legal director leading the complex paying party team. The successful candidate will handle a caseload of complex paying party claims, draft points of dispute, advise on likely assessed outcomes, and support the team's operations and service delivery. There is scope to develop technical expertise on high-value matters and contribute to business development and growth.

• Ideally at least ten years' experience in paying party costs, including drafting points of dispute and challenging costs; candidates with less experience who can demonstrate suitable competency will also be considered
• Experience handling costs claims of £100,000+ in value, often exceeding £1 million
• Ability to manage a complex caseload with strong financial and quality control, including compliance with client SLAs and internal protocols
• Technical leadership capability preferable
• Advocacy experience an advantage but not essential
• Track record of strategic thinking and strong client liaison with a customer service ethos
• Qualified Costs Lawyer ideal, though extensive relevant experience without formal qualification will be considered
• Commitment to a minimum budgeted 1,440 chargeable hours per year (full time)