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Legal Aid Costs Co-ordinator

The Opportunity…

We are seeking an experienced Legal Aid Costs Co-ordinator to join our busy team and take responsibility for managing and maximising our legal aid billing processes.

You will be part of a supportive and flexible working environment where you have the ability to further your career aspirations. Our benefits package includes 5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays and an extended break over the Christmas period, you are also awarded a day off for your birthday and will be signed up to our Health Care Plan designed with wellbeing in mind. Furthermore, we organise social gatherings and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year for all our employees, enhancing our supportive and inclusive work culture.

We have recently received national recognition for our commitment to excellence; winning Silver at the UK Customer Experience Awards for the 2nd year running in the category of “Best CX for Vulnerable Customers” and winning “Excellence in Client Care” at the 2023 LawNet Awards. These awards are alongside our continued presence in the Times Best Law Firms list – why not come and be a part of our success?

We are proud to have been recognised for our dedication to fostering a compassionate workplace environment. We were the first firm in Plymouth to be awarded the title of Compassionate Workplace by St Luke’s Plymouth, and more recently achieved the bronze award for the Wellbeing at Work programme facilitated by Livewell Southwest, with ongoing efforts towards obtaining our silver award.

The Role:

The successful candidate will play a key role in overseeing the submission and recovery of legal aid costs, ensuring compliance with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requirements. You will work closely with our Lawyers to ensure efficient billing and cashflow.

What will you do?

  • Prepare and submit claims for payment to the Legal Aid Agency to include:-
    • Claim 1/1a for escape and hourly rate claims
    • Fixed Fee CCMS bills
    • High cost case plans
    • Legal Help claims including preparing EC-Claim 1 for escape cases
  • Monitor claims progress and liaise with the LAA to resolve any issues or delays, including preparing appeal submissions if necessary and submitting within the time limits allowed.
  • Monitor the LAA rejection Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure they remain compliant and challenge incorrect rejections.
  • Preparing and submitting POAs for disbursements and interim profit costs claims.
  • Review and audit files to ensure billing is accurate and compliant with LAA regulations.
  • Identify opportunities to improve billing efficiency and recoverability.
  • Assist the lawyers in dealing with the allocation of counsel costs and processing expert invoices ensuring they are compliant with LAA rules.
  • Work in collaboration with the firm’s designated Legal Aid Partner and assist with annual visits from the Legal Aid Agency’s Contract Manager.
  • Keep up to date with LAA contract changes, guidance and cost rules.
  • Support and provide advice to lawyers on legal aid billing procedures and best practice.

You will be based at our offices on North Hill with potential to work from home part of the week subject to training and business need.

What do you offer?

The role is open to those who have experience in Legal Aid billing, preferably within a law firm setting and have a strong understanding of Legal Aid Agency processes.

You are committed to delivering an exceptional legal experience, consistently demonstrating the firm's values and passion for excellence in legal service.

Skills & Attributes

You have:

  • Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport at all levels.
  • Strong time management and prioritisation abilities, ensuring deadlines are met while maintaining high-quality work.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, applying a meticulous approach to case management.

You are able to:

  • Handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.
  • Thrive under pressure, managing competing priorities effectively while maintaining a high standard of work.

Mindset & Approach

You:

  • Take ownership of your work, contributing to the firm’s success and driving positive outcomes.
  • Are adaptable and embrace change, demonstrating a solutions-focused mindset.
  • Show a collaborative approach, supporting the development of colleagues and the wider firm.
  • Commit to ongoing learning and development, attending courses, webinars, and industry events to stay at the forefront of legal practice.

Applications will officially close on 30 April 2025.

We are keen to talk to suitable candidates at the earliest possible opportunity and will close the vacancy to new applications once conversations reach an advanced stage to avoid a delay. We would therefore urge candidates who are interested in this vacancy to get in touch ASAP and discuss the opportunity with us.