Head of Legal Aid and Billing

About the role

This role will provide leadership and management for CCLC particularly focused on the Legal Practice Unit’s legal aid billing operations. Through systematic and efficient management, the post-holder will play a pivotal role in CCLC’s financial and operational sustainability. The role will be accountable for maximizing the unit’s legal aid billing in controlled work, certificated work, and inter-parties costs and will hold responsibility for the unit’s billing systems. It will also be responsible for private fees billing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the smooth running of legal aid billing including through line management of the billing team.
• Work very closely with legal, operations, and administrative staff.
• Act as a key point of contact for a range of internal and external stakeholders including Coram’s central finance team who will support the role with grant fund management and overall accounting functions for CCLC.
• Support the Managing Director of Legal Practice and Children’s Rights and department heads in the successful maintenance of our relationship with the Legal Aid Agency. Where appropriate, they will be deputizing for the Managing Director on legal aid and financial matters.

Requirements

The role would suit a highly organized and efficient legal, or a finance or billing professional with solid experience of legal practice and a deep understanding of the challenges of legal aid. Whilst candidates with direct experience of legal billing (and more specifically civil legal aid billing) are welcomed, we recognize that this is a highly specialized and niche field. As such, this role could suit a highly experienced solicitor who appreciates the important role developing sustainable businesses plays in ensuring access to justice and who therefore wishes to move into practice and financial management. They will need an aptitude for processing large amounts of data, developing and managing spreadsheets, and improving organizational systems. However, they will be well supported through training, an enthusiastic and competent junior billing team, the central finance team, and an outsourced legal cashiering company, as well as a friendly and collaborative management team including the Managing Director and the Heads of Education Law, Community Care Law, and Immigration and Asylum Law.

Qualifications

No specific qualifications are required for this role, but a relevant degree or equivalent experience in law, finance, or a related field is preferred. A solid understanding of legal aid billing processes and systems is essential.

Skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Experience in legal aid billing and financial management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Benefits

CCLC offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Flexible working arrangements, including remote and hybrid options.
• Professional development opportunities through training and mentoring.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Access to a range of employee benefits, including health insurance, pension schemes, and wellness programs.

Pay

The salary range for this role is £40,000 - £50,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

The role is primarily office-based in central London, with occasional travel to Colchester. Some remote or hybrid working may be possible depending on the candidate's experience and preferences.