The Opportunity

A leading Legal 500 national firm is seeking an accomplished Costs Team Leader to join its established and high-performing national Costs function. This is a standout opportunity for an experienced professional to take ownership of a dynamic team, driving performance, quality, and operational excellence within a fast-paced and evolving environment.

You will lead, mentor, and develop a team of Trainees, Law Costs Draftspersons, and Costs Lawyers, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality work across a varied and complex caseload. Acting as a key interface with senior stakeholders, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining service excellence, aligning outputs with business objectives, and strengthening the firm’s reputation for quality and expertise.

The position offers broad exposure across the full spectrum of costs work. You will oversee the preparation and supervision of Bills of Costs and associated court documentation, provide technical leadership, and embed best practice across your team. Alongside this, you will drive continuous improvement initiatives, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute to the wider strategic direction of the Costs function.

This role also provides the opportunity to operate at a senior level, representing the team in key internal and external forums and deputising for senior leadership where required.

The Candidate

Applications are invited from experienced Costs professionals with a strong technical foundation and a proven ability to lead and inspire teams within a legal or professional services environment.

Key requirements include:

• Demonstrable experience in a leadership or supervisory role, ideally within a Costs or legal services setting
• Strong operational management capability, with experience leading hybrid teams and driving engagement and performance
• A background as a Law Costs Draftsperson or in a closely related role
• The ability to manage competing priorities and stakeholder expectations in a demanding environment
• Excellent organisational skills and a high level of attention to detail
• Confidence in engaging with senior stakeholders and contributing to strategic discussions
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to provide clear direction, feedback, and technical guidance
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving capability, with a focus on delivering practical solutions
• Solid working knowledge of Civil Procedure Rules, legal aid frameworks, and costs processes
• Familiarity with time recording systems and costs management tools

Desirable:

• A relevant professional qualification (e.g., ACL, CILEX, or equivalent)
• Experience in process improvement, optimisation, or implementing best practice standards

Benefits:

25 days holiday + BH (option to buy more)

Generous pension scheme

Hybrid working - 1 day per week in the office

Health membership, including medical cashback

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a highly regarded Legal 500 firm and play a key role in shaping the continued success of a nationally recognised Costs team.