Talbots Law are looking for an individual who genuinely enjoys structure, accuracy and problem‑solving — someone who wants to play a key role in keeping our Legal Aid work running smoothly, compliantly and to the highest standards.

You will act as an Assistant to our Head of Costing, and become a trusted specialist in Legal Aid contracts, costing and compliance, helping us deliver high‑quality, accountable services across our Family Care and Criminal departments.

If you thrive in a role where detail matters, deadlines motivate you, and contract requirements bring out your best, this is an opportunity to grow your expertise in a highly valued, specialised area.

Who are Talbots Law?

An employee-owned, full-service law firm built on a rich heritage dating back to 1828.

Today, we operate across 18 offices in the West Midlands, Staffordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire, delivering expert legal services to individuals, families and businesses.

We deliver legal services in conveyancing, wills and probate, and family law, through to commercial law, employment, litigation and more. As an employee-owned firm, every member of our team has a stake in our success, which fosters a culture of collaboration, ownership and client-centred service.

At Talbots, our employees belong to an inclusive and supportive community where everyone has a voice. They contribute their skills and expertise to meaningful work that makes an impact. They thrive in an environment that fosters growth, innovation and wellbeing.

What do we offer?

• Competitive salaries with annual review
• Annual tax-free* profit-share
• 25 days holiday + birthday + ex-gratia day + UK Bank Holidays + long service awards
• Company salary-sacrifice pension scheme (4% from Talbots: 4% from employees)
• Group Life Insurance (3 x annual salary)
• Enhanced Company Sick Pay
• Salary Extras benefits scheme
• Medicash Health Cash Plan
• Financial Health & Wellbeing Provision
• Bank of Talbots (Annual employee credit for legal fees)
• Salary Sacrifice schemes

What does the job involve?

LAA Contract Management

• Support the Head of Costing in managing all LAA contracts across the Family and Criminal departments.
  • Communicate new LAA regulations and contractual updates to ensure teams remain fully compliant.
  • Monitor contractual performance, targets and billing expectations linked to LAA frameworks.

Legal Aid Costing & Claims Submission

• Prepare and submit all Legal Aid claims — fixed fees, line‑by‑line assessments, Legal Help, VHCC and criminal billing.
• Ensure all submissions meet LAA requirements, deadlines and evidential standards.
• Maintain accurate costing records, calculations and audit trails.

Compliance, Audit & Quality Assurance

• Support preparation for annual LAA audits, Peer Reviews and contractual compliance checks.
  • Ensure files, ledgers and billing procedures fully align with LAA rules, SRA obligations, Lexcel, QMS standards and SARs.
  • Respond promptly to actions or queries from LAA Contract Managers, ensuring timely and compliant resolutions.
  • Conduct ledger reviews with lawyers to ensure files are compliant and billing‑ready.

Process & Contractual Governance

• Assist with reviewing and improving costing and compliance processes within the department.
  • Support the preparation and submission of LAA tenders and contractual documentation.
  • Contribute to internal controls that sustain contract compliance and operational efficiency.

What do you need?  

• Proven background in contracts and compliance within a professional services environment
• Meticulous attention to detail, high level of accuracy with numbers and calculations and effective interpersonal skills, sensitivity, tact and diplomacy
• Excellent administrative, planning, organisation and time management as well as being proficient in a variety of IT software, including all MS Office applications.
• UK driving licence & access to vehicle for community and business use, local and commutable to the Company’s offices across the region.
• To ideally have at least 6 months experience in a public law department, with knowledge of legal aid within in an administration function.