Will Studying Business And Law Help Me Start My Career As A Law Costs Draftsman?#LawCostsDraftsman #law #llblaw #university
Have you always been interested in legal costs matters, but not sure if the academic path you’ve taken will lead you to the career point you dream of? Find out more about the Law Costs Draftsman profession. Convince yourself that you’ve made the right decision by choosing to study Business and Law.
Will your knowledge from studying Business and Law be useful when taking on the job of Costs Draftsman (Law Costs Draftsman; often interchangeably used with the name Costs Lawyer)? It will certainly be an excellent professional start at the beginning of your career. Check out what you need to know before taking on this job.
Law Costs Draftsman – what is this profession?
Those who work as Law Costs Draftsman are specialist lawyers who deal with the law and practice of legal costs. They are the gatekeepers to the correct billing between the lawyer and their client. The Costs Draftsman makes sure that there is no fraud on either side and that all legal costs are calculated in accordance with the law.
What exactly do employees in the position of Law Cost Draftsman do?
Draft bills and cost statements;
Drafting so-called points of dispute and responses to costs claims; assisting in the preparation of costs budgets and advising on costs budgets submitted by the opposing party
advising on maintenance and remuneration arrangements between clients and their legal advisers; advising on disputes between lawyers and their clients.
If you want to work as a Law Costs Draftsman, you need to be versed in virtually all areas of legal practice. Each case you deal with will be based on a variety of proceedings in which all knowledge of the law will be useful. Costs lawyers are the only branch of the legal profession that has detailed knowledge and experience of legal costs. Those in the position of Law Costs Draftsman are regulated by the Costs Lawyer Standards Board (CLSB). Education and qualifications to help you become a Law Costs Draftsman
If you want to work as a Law Costs Draftsman, you need to be patient and set yourself up for some hard academic work. So let’s start at the beginning.
To start studying towards becoming a Law Costs Draftsman, you must be at least 18 years old and have one of the following certificates or training (or equivalent):
GNVQ at intermediate or advanced level (if the communication skills element is included); four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths; two A levels and one GSCE, including English; successfully completed a written aptitude test set by ACL Training; three passed AS levels, including English or maths;
GNVQ at intermediate or advanced level (if the communication skills element is included); four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths; two A levels and one GSCE, including English; successfully completed a written aptitude test set by ACL Training; three passed AS levels, including English or maths;
Do I need a university degree to become a Law Costs Draftsman?
In theory, no – to work as a Law Costs Draftsman, you only need the courses and training described above and practical experience.
However, if you have completed a law degree or have a relevant legal qualification, you may be able to apply for exemption from some modules of the legal qualification course. This allows you to complete it in as little as 12 months, significantly reducing your study time and allowing you to work more quickly in your desired profession.
So to answer the question at the beginning of this article – yes, studying Business and Law can help you significantly in starting your career as a Law Costs Draftsman.
What industry can I find employment in as a Law Costs Draftsman?
If you want to apply for a Law Costs Draftsman position, you need to set your sights on working mainly in law firms. Occasionally, some companies create special divisions related to legal costs, so you can also try your hand at the business sector. Alternatively, there is always the option of setting up your own business and offering your services to others.
Law Costs Draftsman earnings – is it a lucrative profession?
Salaries for graduates and trainees typically range from £18,000 to £25,000 per annum. Law Costs Draftsman with up to five years’ experience can expect to earn between £25,000 and £45,000 per annum. Costs lawyers with five to 10 years’ experience can earn an average of £50,000 to as much as £80,000 a year.
Business firms often offer performance bonuses. There may also be additional benefits such as a gym pass, private medical care or life insurance. It is worth asking about additional benefits when applying for a job.
Who can become a Law Costs Dratfsman?
As well as the right qualifications and experience, you need to have the right qualities to help you get started and work as a Law Costs Draftsman. What skills will help you in this job? Quick numeracy and data analysis skills; the ability to prepare reports, written letters and conduct case law in court; negotiation skills; the ability to manage time and work to tight deadlines; the ability to work under pressure; the ability to prioritise and multi-task; knowledge of up-to-date information in the areas where you need to prepare a costs analysis; a constant desire to learn and develop new skills.
As you can see, the Law Costs Draftsman profession is an interesting career path with promising salaries. If you are studying Business and Law, maybe this direction would be right for you? Check it out!
