We are seeking a highly motivated and detail oriented Law or Business graduates to join our legal team as a Costs Litigation Assistant. Don’t worry you don’t need to have experience in Costs Law or even general Law!
We provide full training on all aspects of the role. You will learn how to use our cost drafting software: Cost Master, and our case management system: Proclaim. You will learn how to review a client file of papers accurately in order to bill all the client’s legal work and disbursements. Training will be given in new starter groups and one to one at your desk (both in person and over MS Teams). You will have a work Buddy and work closely with your Line Manager.
You will get involved in:
- Preparation of costs schedules for trial.
- Counting and drafting breakdowns of costs at case conclusion, to assist with recovery of costs from between the parties to litigation and to assist with calculating client charges.
- Liaising with service providers to our clients such as barristers to ascertain final fees and fee estimates.
- Preparation of risk assessments.
- Making telephone calls to progress cases in terms of costs negotiations and payments on account of cost.
- Assisting with the preparation of cost budgets.
- Reviewing the work done for the client and preparing chronologies and descriptions of the steps taken.
We offer a Salary is £28,500 per annum, as well as a monthly commission of £200 if targets are achieved.
We have a cohort of Costs Litigation Assistants starting on Monday 2nd November 2026. If you are available to start full time from then, we would love to hear from you.
We set you up to succeed
We provide full training through our Costs Training Programme on all aspects of the role. A Costs Litigation Assistant works with the costs team and solicitors to manage the financial side of legal cases. This includes preparing, checking and negotiating costs, bills and schedules (which are lists of expenses). They also help make sure the firm recovers the money it’s owed.
Training will be given in new starter groups and one to one at your desk (both in person and over MS Teams).
We are committed to providing our employees with the guidance and resources they need to succeed in their roles and advance their careers.
We deliver on progression
This role has great career progression routes such as:
- Trainee Costs Draftsperson: A tailored in-house training programme rotating throughout the three different costs roles (file handling, technical bill drafting and budgeting)
- Trainee ACL lawyer, which is a formal qualification from the Association of Cost Lawyers for those who haven’t completed a law degree.
- Solicitors Training Contract to qualify as a Solicitor for those who have completed a law degree.
Sadikur Rahman
The training provided was comprehensive and hands-on, helping me build a solid foundation in cost management while also giving me real-world experience. The learning environment was supportive, with mentors and peers alike always willing to share their knowledge and insights. The best part is how well the role aligns with my skills and interests, allowing me to grow professionally while contributing meaningfully to the team and business.
Sheraz Hussain
The foundation of my professionalism has been built with the continuous support received in my first corporate graduate role. Starting as a Cost Litigation Assistant has truly provided me with an abundance of knowledge, skills and a strong work ethic to thrive in my career.
Sam Ryan
My journey at Express Solicitors began as a Costs Litigation Assistant, and through the firm’s dedication to my growth, I’ve advanced in my training and am now a qualified Costs Lawyer. Not many firms truly invest in their people, but Express Solicitors has consistently supported my educational and career development. In the Costs department, we’re fortunate to foster strong working relationships across the firm, which creates a collaborative and supportive environment that allows us to thrive together.
What are we looking for?
- A degree such as Finance, Business or other similar degree.
- GCSE Maths & English at C grade or above.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- The ability to produce work that is highly accurate with excellent attention to detail.
- The ability to assess and analyse both numerical and written information.
- Be highly motivated, with the ability to work under pressure.
- The ability to work under your own initiative.
- Have a working knowledge of IT systems like Microsoft Office packages.
Where are we?
Resolution House
317-319 Palatine Road
Manchester
M22 4HH
Recruitment process
The interview process will consist of a Video Interview, and if successful a MS Teams interview with Carly Schofield (Partner).
