Costs Litigation Executive/Paralegal

Costs Litigation Executive: Fixed Costs

Location: Manchester, Liverpool or Leeds

Hybrid – 1 day per week office attendance

Permanent

About HF

People. Not just lawyers

About the Role

We’re not your typical law firm – we’re people with a passion for helping our clients and each other achieve the best possible outcomes. We are leading legal advisers to the insurance and commercial sectors across the UK & Ireland, known for our innovation, client focus, and long-lasting relationships. We do things differently, with a forward-thinking approach built around our clients’ needs, supported by cutting-edge technology and a culture built around people from a wide range of backgrounds who are taking an equally wide range of routes to building their careers in law.

HF's Costs Department handles costs disputes across the full range of civil litigation, from fixed recoverable costs through to complex, high-value claims, and commercial litigation. The team acts for paying and receiving parties and combines technical costs expertise with pragmatic, commercially focused advice.

You can find out more about Costs Team here: Costs - HF

What our Team says;

“This is the most supportive work place I have worked at. There is always someone you can talk to, you never feel alone.” – Litigation Executive – Costs Department.

“I’ve worked in costs for 20 years and I’ve never worked at a firm where the company policies make you feel as valued as a person. The compassionate leave I received when my grandparents passed away was generous and really allowed myself to grieve and return to work fully focused.

The costs department is a really good mix of people. There is smart knowledge and leadership in place and even though most people work remotely, there is still a sense of togetherness as a unit.”- Associate Team Leader – Costs Department.

Role Purpose

As a Costs Litigation Executive, you will manage a caseload of fixed recoverable costs and lower-value costs disputes, taking responsibility for the matter from initial review through negotiation and, where required, proceedings. The role is intended to provide genuine case ownership and a clear route to developing specialist expertise in costs litigation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of fixed recoverable costs and lower-value costs matters in accordance with client requirements, procedural deadlines and internal standards.
• Review the underlying claim, procedural history and supporting material to identify the applicable costs regime and the issues in dispute.
• Prepare, consider and respond to Precedent U and associated schedules, evidence and submissions.
• Assess and challenge claims for fixed costs, disbursements, uplifts and other sums claimed, where appropriate.
• Conduct negotiations, make clear settlement recommendations and progress matters towards proportionate resolution.
• Draft applications, witness statements, written submissions and other procedural documents appropriate to the matter and level of experience.
• Manage fixed costs proceedings, including compliance with directions, evidence, hearing preparation and liaison with the court and other parties.
• Identify matters requiring technical or strategic escalation and seek supervision at the appropriate stage.
• Prepare focused briefs and instructions to counsel, including where an outcome is to be challenged or further advice is required.
• Provide clear, concise and timely advice to clients and substantive case handlers.
• Maintain accurate file records, financial and management information, compliance with service standards, and achieve agreed performance targets, including billing hours and fee income objectives.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and provide assistance or cover where reasonably required.

What do I need?

Essential Skills And Experience

• Experience in costs, civil litigation, insurance claims or another relevant legal environment.
• Strong written and analytical skills, with close attention to detail.
• Ability to organise a caseload, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines.
• Confidence in questioning claims, evidence and assumptions in a constructive and professional way.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to give practical advice.
• Sound judgement, personal responsibility and willingness to escape issues appropriately.
• A collaborative approach together with the ability to work independently.

Desirable But Not Essential

• Experience of fixed recoverable costs or another area of legal costs.
• Familiarity with Precedent U, Part 45 or costs-only proceedings.
• Experience of legal drafting, negotiation, client reporting or case management systems.
• A relevant legal or costs qualification (Solicitor, CILEX or Costs Lawyer)

What’s in it for you?

Apart from the competitive salary you’d expect, our package of benefits reflects our values of partnership, innovation, and being real people. We’re committed to creating a dynamic workplace where everyone feels supported, empowered, and part of our success.

You’ll Enjoy

• 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 with service) + Holiday Buy Scheme
• Life Insurance & Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance & Healthcare Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme & Digital GP services
• Pension Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Adoption Leave
• Hybrid & Flexible Working Options
• Discounted Gym Membership & Employee Discount Hub
• Flu & Eyecare Vouchers – and more!

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