Costs Lawyers are experts in the law and practice of legal costs, a vital yet often overlooked area of the legal profession. On 27 November, we hosted a highly engaging webinar, ‘Career Growth in Costs Law’, in partnership with Clayton Legal, designed to help aspiring professionals explore this growing field. If you missed it, don’t worry—here’s a comprehensive recap of the webinar, plus details on how you can embark on this exciting career path.

What is a Costs Lawyer?

Costs Lawyers are regulated legal professionals specialising in all aspects of legal costs, from budgeting and cost recovery to advocacy in court. Their expertise is essential across many areas of litigation, including personal injury, commercial law, legal aid, and more. The demand for Costs Lawyers is growing, driven by increasing scrutiny on legal costs and the need for regulated professionals to ensure fair outcomes for clients and firms.

Key Highlights from the Webinar

1. Why Choose a Career in Costs Law?

During the webinar, our panellists shared their experiences of transitioning into Costs Law. Amy Dunkley, Senior Costs Lawyer at Bolt Burdon Kemp explained how, encouraged by a Costs Lawyer mentor, she moved from civil litigation to costs work. While Amna Aziz, a current CLPQ student, discussed how she found the profession to be a more accessible and fulfilling career path than traditional legal routes, like becoming a solicitor.

2. The Costs Lawyer Professional Qualification (CLPQ)

The CLPQ, delivered by ACL Training, is the only accredited qualification for aspiring Costs Lawyers. Designed to fit around full-time work, the course is flexible, part-time, and primarily online. Here’s what you need to know:

• Duration - Two years (or one year with exemptions)
• Exemptions - Law graduates (LLB, GDL, or LPC) may qualify for exemptions from the first year
• Delivery - Weekly tutorials via webinars, supplemented by online coursework and resources
• Assessments - Coursework throughout the course, alongside exams held twice a year (January and June)
• Advocacy Training - A unique feature of the CLPQ, providing essential skills for courtroom representation.

More information is available here >>>  www.acltraining.co.uk.

3. Balancing Work and Study

The webinar addressed a common concern: managing the CLPQ alongside full-time work. Amy shared practical tips, such as setting aside focused study time on weekends and planning coursework deadlines in advance. Amna highlighted the benefits of dedicating one day each week to studying, which has helped her balance work and professional development. The course structure and assessment calendar is available upfront, allowing you to plan ahead.

4. The Value of Regulation

As regulated professionals, Costs Lawyers have distinct advantages over Paralegals and Costs Draftspeople. Our panellists discussed how regulation ensures professional accountability, supports career progression, and aligns with the legal market’s growing focus on consumer protection. Costs Lawyers are required to hold professional indemnity insurance, ensuring greater trust and security for their clients.

5. Future Career Prospects

The outlook for Costs Lawyers is bright - with Matt Walwyn, Regional Manager at Clayton Legal, suggesting Costs Lawyers are needed in all areas of litigation and so it is a role that will continue to grow in demand. The legal profession increasingly values regulated experts in costs law, and courts are showing greater scrutiny of unregulated professionals. With opportunities in advocacy, budgeting, and client representation, the profession offers a diverse and rewarding career path.

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Join the Profession

The Costs Lawyer profession is at a pivotal moment. With rising demand for expertise in legal costs and a clear qualification pathway, now is the ideal time to start your journey. Whether you’re a recent law graduate or looking to transition from a related role, the CLPQ offers a practical, flexible, and highly rewarding route into this growing field.

Ready to Begin Your Career in Costs Law?

Applications for the February 2025 intake of the CLPQ are open now, closing on Friday 31st January 2025. To learn more about the qualification, exemptions, and potential scholarships, visit www.acltraining.co.uk.

Don’t miss this opportunity - apply today and take the first step towards becoming a Costs Lawyer.