Hays
Costs Lawyer

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An established and highly regarded national law firm is seeking an experienced Costs Lawyer to join its specialist Costs Team.
The team plays a key role in supporting a broad range of contentious and non-contentious practice areas, delivering strategic costs advice and maximising costs recovery across a diverse caseload.
This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified Costs Lawyer to join a collaborative and well-resourced environment, working on matters ranging from routine costs issues through to complex, high-value litigation. The role offers exposure to a wide variety of legal disciplines and the chance to work alongside experienced litigators and legal professionals across the business.
Your new role
You will manage your own varied caseload and provide specialist costs support to fee earners and clients across multiple practice areas. The position combines traditional costs litigation work with strategic costs management, budgeting and advisory responsibilities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing a caseload of costs matters across fast-track, multi-track and complex high-value litigation.
- Preparing and negotiating Points of Claim, Replies and Points of Dispute.
- Conducting costs negotiations and settlement discussions with opponents.
- Advising lawyers and clients on costs strategy, recovery prospects and commercial considerations.
- Drafting costs budgets, budget discussion reports and supporting documentation.
- Assisting with Costs Case Management Conferences (CCMCs).
- Monitoring costs budgets throughout proceedings and advising on variances and amendments.
- Preparing detailed Bills of Costs across a range of litigation matters, including commercial disputes, housing, employment, construction, probate and healthcare-related claims.
- Providing day-to-day technical costs support to fee earners across the firm.
- Delivering internal training on costs issues and developments.
- Supporting client-facing training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Contributing to business development and enhancing the firm's market profile within the costs arena.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What you'll need to succeed
Applications are welcomed from qualified Costs Lawyers with strong technical expertise and a proactive, commercial approach.
You will ideally have:
- Qualification as a Costs Lawyer (ACL).
- At least four years' experience within a dedicated costs environment.
- Strong experience handling multi-track and high-value costs litigation.
- Excellent drafting skills across Bills of Costs, budgets, Points of Dispute, Replies and costs advice.
- Detailed knowledge of the CPR and costs procedures.
- The ability to independently manage complex and technically challenging matters.
- Strong negotiation and advocacy skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Experience using legal costs drafting software and related technology.
- A collaborative approach and desire to contribute to a successful team environment.


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What you'll get in return
This is an excellent opportunity to join a recognised legal practice offering:
- High-quality and varied work across multiple disciplines.
- Exposure to complex and high-value matters.
- Genuine hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- Strong opportunities for career development and progression.
- A supportive and collaborative culture.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
If you are an experienced Costs Lawyer looking to broaden your expertise within a dynamic and growing team, please apply for a confidential discussion.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Alternatively, email or call us now on 0161 228 7770.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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