Costs Paralegal

• To undertake a variety of tasks assisting members of the Costs Team in the progression of their cases, supporting the delivery of client SLAs, KPIs and MI requirements, facilitating the proactive resolution of costs on a range of Clinical Negligence claims.
• The Costs Paralegal should be able to establish strong working relationships within the Costs team; the wider Keoghs business; and with our clients through use of excellent oral skills and succinct written communications.
• The Costs Paralegal will be expected to attain their Objectives as well as Client SLAs and KPIs. Support and mentoring with their Personal Development Plan will be provided to enable technical development and career progression.
• The Head of Costs is Howard Dean; Technical Director is Elaine Pitt; and Business Unit Director is Amanda Nuttall. This role is in the NHSR team managed by Jodie Lee with support from Lead Lawyer, Claire Kewin.

Key Accountabilities

• Supporting Costs team members with file handling tasks to ensure the proactive management of files and adherence to client SLAs and KPIs. Tasks include:
• Liaising with parties involved in costs claims, such as Counsel, Clients, Insurers, Court and colleagues from instructing teams
• Diary management to ensure SLAs are achieved; Court deadlines met; and cases progressed
• At the request of team members, provide appropriate support dealing with straightforward queries, telephoning or corresponding with clients, opponents and the court
• Making requests for payment of costs and taking proactive steps to ensure costs are paid on time
• Completion of file allocation processes for new and transferred files, including conflict checks
• Marshalling the internal file transfer process from other business units for files to be reviewed within the team
• Assisting with the closing of files, completing MI, billing queries and file closure checks
• Collection of weekly and monthly performance stats for new instructions and transferred files; settlements achieved; caseload levels; and performance against targets of team members

To ensure compliance with SRA standards and regulations

Working Hours

• 28 - 35 hours per week.
• Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm with 1 unpaid hour for lunch.
• Primary location for this role is Bolton Office.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications

Degree and/or LPC and/or ALCD

• Previous experience of working in a legal environment is preferred
• Previous experience of client/customer liaison - taking instructions and providing advice both verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of the Detailed Assessment process and the relevant CPR provisions relating to costs

Good telephone negotiation skills

An understanding of current cost case law and insurance litigation practice and process.

Ability to use own initiative and make decisions

Ability to plan and prioritise workloads and to remain calm under pressure

Excellent listening and verbal communication skills

Ability to act as part of a team

Proficient IT skills in Microsoft packages

Benefits

Davies Incentive Plan

25 days holiday per year which increases with level of service (opportunity to buy & sell 3 days)

Simply Health Care Cash Plan

WeCare – 24/7 online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing covering a whole host of topics to do with health, mental health, wellbeing & healthy living and financial & legal wellbeing

Death In Service – after 1 years’ service

Pension Contribution based 5% Employee / 3% Employer

Employee Resource Groups

Employee Volunteering Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme*

Tech Scheme*

Season Ticket Loan*

Gym Flex*

Access to Online Discount Sites

Discounted Gourmet Society Membership

Discounted Tickets for Merlin Attractions nationwide

Discounts at local retail outlets

*after successfully completing probation