“It’s a boring, numbers only job!” – I’m not sure I agree with that…
Written by Costs Lawyer, Kelly Line.
At first glance, being a Costs Lawyer might appear to be all numbers and spreadsheets, but, in fact, this is far from the truth. Some may think that being a Costs Lawyer means I sit in a dark room with a calculator fixating over an Excel spreadsheet for hours on end (which I am not denying has happened more than I would like to admit) but actually it’s more than just calculating time and rates. It is also about detailed legal analysis, negotiation, advocacy, strategic thinking and interpreting complex ever changing rules.
After spending 10 years as a legal assistant at a city firm, I had mastered the art of dealing with endless bundles, chasing barristers (nicely) and navigating the chaos of professional negligence claims. However, somewhere between the bundles and billing I discovered something unexpected – I actually enjoyed dealing with costs!
Working closely with Costs Lawyers opened my eyes to a more specialised path where I could have a direct role in shaping the outcome of a case. This curiosity led me to pursue the training and eventually qualify as a Cost Lawyer. Although, in hindsight, deciding to start training whilst pregnant might not go down as my wisest moment, as juggling work, exams and motherhood was not easy, however, it did teach me how to be focused, flexible and fiercely efficient. If you can prepare a costs budget and soothe a teething toddler in the same week, not much else feels daunting. I would not have made it through without the support of my incredible team who cheered me on, picked me up and never once made me feel like I had to choose between being a professional and being a parent.
Now, 5 years qualified, I bring that experience into everything I do. I am proud of how far I have come, excited of where I am headed, and profoundly aware that success is never a solo journey. I value the independence and responsibility the role offers – whether advising clients, preparing a Bill of Costs or ensuring compliance with ever evolving costs rules. It’s a challenging yet rewarding role that continues to grow in importance as the legal industry modernises.
To anyone who would love to dive into the glamourous world of cost law, here is my advice:
- Learn to love rules – once you’ve embraced the CPR, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it.
- It’s all about the detail – if the thought of hunting down a rogue 6-minute time entry fills you with joy, you are in the right place.
- Stay calm – when your client records a 7-hour bulk entry for “various tasks” your superpower will be turning vague chaos into a fully coded masterpiece.
- Finally, be ready to explain your job….forever!!
Would I ever change being a Costs Lawyer – yes, usually in the moment when someone says, “Anyone can draft a Bill of Costs, it’s just paperwork”. In these moments I’ve fantasised about moving to a hot country, opening a dog rescue center and living a life free of deadlines and the indemnity principle. But honestly, I wouldn’t change it. It’s niche, it’s complex and incredibly rewarding to be at the heart of the legal system and I am genuinely excited to see how the role of a Costs Lawyer will evolve over the next decade, especially as technology and innovation reshape the legal landscape.
