Costs Lawyer, Costs Draftsman, Costs Adviser

• Based in Leeds
• Full time, Permanent
• £28k - £38k depending on experience plus industry leading benefits package including up to 21% pension (including individual contributions), PMI & Cashplan.

Medical Protection Society (MPS) is the world’s leading protection organisation for doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals. We protect and support the professional interests of more than 300,000 members around the world, in countries as diverse as the United Kingdom, South Africa and Hong Kong.
We strive to be much more than a last line of defence by being at our members’ side at every step, offering support, advice and world-class defence. Membership provides access to expert advice and support together with the right to request indemnity for complaints or claims arising from professional practice.
We continue to invest in our team to ensure that we are delivering the best possible service for members. This was recognised in 2016 when we were awarded an Investors in People Silver award.

Our in-house experts assist with the wide range of legal and ethical problems that arise from professional practice. This can include clinical negligence claims, complaints, medical and dental council inquiries, legal and ethical dilemmas, disciplinary procedures, inquests and fatal accident inquiries.

In 2015 we built an in-house costs team which has embedded well into the MPS legal departments. Due to progression we are now looking for another Costs professional to join the team.

The successful candidate will work as part of a collaborative, co-located team including in-house Litigation Solicitors, doctors, assistants and support staff.

The claims concerned will be largely UK claims against MPS members but may also include claims in other jurisdictions against MPS members.

Key responsibilities:

• Preparation of Bills of Cost including Precedent Q, Points of Dispute and Points of Reply for fast track and multi track claims
• Advise on and make appropriate offers to settle costs
• Negotiate settlement of costs
• Utilise appropriate costs software
• Liaise with claims team to ensure full information is obtained in order to deal with costs effectively
• Manage Part 7 and Part 8 proceedings 

• Draft form H
• Provide advice to internal Litigation Solicitors on areas to dispute in Claimant Form H
• Attend CCMC where appropriate to deal with costs budgeting
• In conjunction with the team, investigate and analyse facts, law and quantum early, conduct communication with patient’s representatives; devise and implement effective strategies to move claims for costs to resolution. 
• Resolve each case in a way that serves the member’s interests
• Review of external legal service and other providers bills of cost as required to ensure MPS receives value for money, and costs are charged appropriately
• Liaise and negotiate with the other side in relation to potential costs budgets
• Attendance at detailed assessment hearings as required.

For this particular vacancy we will consider applicants with all levels of costs experience but we are particulary interested in speaking to candidates with budgeting experience. Defendant experience is ideal but we will consider claimant, clinical negligence experience is a must but we will consider high value/catastrophic PI.

In return, we offer a great working environment in conveniently located offices in the City Centre. We offer an exceptional benefits package, including a 12% pension scheme, 25 days paid holiday (in addition to public holidays), private medical insurance and a health care cash plan, childcare vouchers and an annual bonus scheme. 

You will be working alongside a team of experienced and motivated colleagues in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Due to the urgency of this role we may commence interviews prior to the closing date so please submit an application as soon as possible if you think this role is right for you.