Law Cost Team Leader

Description Senior Costs Lawyer – LONDON Firm Introduction About the Firm Pinsent Masons is the 25th largest law firm in the world, with over 3,000 staff and 24 international offices throughout the UK, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. We have a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality legal advice rooted in a deep understanding of the sectors and geographies in which our clients operate. Our global reach ensures that we are well-placed to advise on complex multi-jurisdictional matters across a full range of legal disciplines. Awards Pinsent Masons has achieved more tier 1 rankings in The Legal 500 UK guide than any other firm, won the “Law Firm of the Year Award 2018 – The Lawyer” and is recognised among the most innovative law firms in Europe by the Financial Times. The firm has significant international credentials in the financial services, global energy, infrastructure, real estate, and advanced manufacturing and technology sectors. Services provided across these sectors include asset management and investment funds, corporate and M&A, commercial, competition, litigation and arbitration, banking, restructuring, insurance, regulatory, construction, projects, pensions, property, planning and environmental, procurement, outsourcing, employment, share plans and incentives, technology and tax advice. Pinsent Masons stands out in particular for its innovative approach to service delivery. For example, the firm operates a hub of freelance lawyers, called Vario. In 2017, Pinsent Masons has acquired a global Diversity and Inclusion consultancy, Brook Graham which further enhances the firm’s innovative and market leading offering. Pinsent Masons operates an agile working scheme, which offers staff flexibility in terms of where they work. Position / experience required QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Senior Costs Lawyer (minimum 8 years PQE Association of Costs Lawyer Required expertise in substantial commercial disputes and claims for costs: including UK and international court, arbitration and tribunal, proceedings, adjudication and other ADR procedures Non contentious costs disputes Solicitor and client costs SUMMARY OF ROLE Leading and managing PM bespoke law costs team and ensuring that the highest levels of technical skill and professionalism are achieved by the law costs team. Preparing and advising on costs submissions (liability for costs) in court, arbitration and tribunal proceedings; including preparing notes for counsel in respect of Skeleton Arguments and submissions on liability for costs, and costs related applications Attending at court (e.g. TCC and Commercial Court) with counsel and PM lawyers on costs management/budgeting hearings and determination of liability for costs hearings. Leading PM law costs team in respect of claims for costs and the assessment of costs between parties (court, arbitration and tribunal proceedings); including summary and detailed assessment of costs preparation of claims and bills of costs dealing with opponent’s claims and bills of costs; including Points of Dispute and Replies preparation of and advice on written costs submissions advocacy in assessment/determination of costs proceedings Leading between the parties’ costs negotiations in claims for costs in court, arbitration (domestic and international), and tribunal proceedings Analysing and providing summary advice at an early stage on the potential outcome of claims for costs (quantum) Court costs management/budgets; including preparing of costs budgets in proceedings reviewing opponents budgets ‘budget discussion reports’ costs management hearings ‘Without prejudice’. ‘without prejudice save as to costs’ and CPR Part 36 offers to settle; including settling offer letters and advising on legal issues and strategy. Advice in respect of indemnity basis costs applications for security for costs discontinuance of proceedings proportionality and costs interest on costs vat non party costs orders wasted costs orders Solicitor and client retainers and fee disputes Support to Partner or Legal Director (litigation cost risk transfer and funding) in relation to issues arising in respect of litigation risk transfer (CFAS, DBAs, insurance and third party funding) Counsel fee negotiation Maintaining and enhancing law costs knowhow page and information on intranet Providing costs know-how and advice on costs law and authorities and related issues in all contentious and non contentious scenarios Internal seminars to PM lawyers Leading and managing PM bespoke law costs team and ensuring that the highest levels of technical skill and professionalism are achieved by the law costs team. Reporting to designated partner