Costs Lawyer

About The Position

Our client is looking to engage a costs solicitor to assist the firm primarily in managing its developing costs practice. In undertaking this work, you will liaise with either or both of the directors and other staff to advise and to act in relation to costs assessments (within the New South Wales costs assessment system), taxations of costs (within various federal courts) including in commencing those proceedings but also advising in relation to reviews and appeals from those decisions at first instance.

In addition to advising both solicitors and clients concerning their rights of recovery, you may also be required to assist in the conduct of legal proceedings instituted by the law practice for the recovery of costs, or to advise clients faced with a claim and having to defend a costs recovery. Your particular costs-related experience, as well as your experience in general practice will be used to assist in obtaining strategic outcomes in a timely fashion.

Part of the role will also require an understanding of various procedures necessary to enforce determinations made, as well as a working knowledge of the processes provided by the Bankruptcy Act 1966 and Part 5.4 of the Corporations Act 2001.

Please note this position may be offered as a flexible hybrid model. Allowing you to work remotely and in-office

Key Responsibilities

• Preparation of Cost Statements and Bills of Costs
• Drafting and preparing detailed cost statements and bills of costs for party-party and solicitor-client assessments or taxations, as the case may be.
• Ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant legislation, court rules, and practice directions.
• Costs Assessments and Reviews
• Preparing either solicitor-client assessment applications or applications for the assessment of ordered costs, as well as applications for review.
• Drafting narratives included in the front of bills or itemisations of costs for assessment applications which will involve examining and analysing legal files, invoices, and disbursements in order to set out contextual information a costs assessor might require to know to advance the assessment in either a Costs Applicant's or Costs Respondent's interests - including with reference to the statutory criteria and how the material considered in the assessment meets any or all of those criteria.
• Preparing submissions for the purposes of costs assessments, reviews and compiling the "record" as the evidence relied upon in any appeal proceeding taken from the decision of a review panel.
• Negotiation and Settlement of Costs
• Engaging in negotiations with opposing parties to reach amicable settlements on costs matters.
• Using your knowledge and experience in general practice, providing strategic advice to clients and legal teams on cost recovery and cost liability issues.
• Court Appearances and Advocacy
• Representing clients in costs-related proceedings, including applications for cost orders and taxation hearings.
• Advocating on behalf of clients during costs hearings and providing clear, persuasive arguments to support cost claims.
• Advising on Costs Law and Procedure
• Offering expert advice to solicitors and clients on all aspects of costs law, including the implications of recent legal developments.
• Assisting legal teams in understanding cost implications and strategies for cost-effective litigation.
• Compliance and Ethical Standards
• Ensuring compliance with professional conduct rules and ethical standards in all costs-related activities.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of costs law, regulations, and court rules in NSW.
• Preparation of Submissions, Pleadings (where required)
• Liaising with Accounts department and Chief Financial officer in firm related legal costs recovery matters.
  
  

Skills And Qualifications

• Legal Knowledge and Expertise
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in costs law or legal costs assessment
• Current practising certificate
• In-depth knowledge of costs law, including the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules (UCPR), Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW), and relevant case law.
• Familiarity with the processes and procedures for costs assessments and court determinations.
• Analytical and Research Skills
• Strong analytical abilities to assess and interpret complex legal documents and financial information.
• Proficiency in legal research to stay informed about changes in costs law and practice.
• Communication and Negotiation Skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for drafting detailed cost statements and engaging in negotiations.
• Effective advocacy skills for representing clients in court and during costs assessments.
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy
• High level of attention to detail to ensure precise and accurate cost calculations and documentation.
• Commitment to thoroughness in reviewing legal files and preparing cost claims.
• Organisational and Time Management Skills
• Strong organisational skills to manage multiple cases and deadlines efficiently.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work under pressure to meet court timelines and client expectations.