Jonathan Mussington’s Career Journey
We interviewed Jonathan Mussington, Senior Costs Lawyer, to find out about what led him to his career at BBK.
- What is your current role at BBK?
I’m a Senior Costs Lawyer in the Legal Costs Department at BBK.
2. What was your first role at BBK?
I began my career at BBK as a Junior Costs Draftsperson in 2018.
3. What further training or further exams did you need to complete after school or university to achieve this?
To qualify as a Costs Lawyer and obtain a practising certificate, you must complete the accredited Costs Lawyer qualification and undertake a minimum of two years qualifying experience. As a Costs Lawyer, you are required to demonstrate your continued learning within the field by attending conferences and seminars in relation to legal costs throughout the year.
4. What attracted you to your chosen career?
Honestly, pure chance!!! Following the completion of my undergraduate degree, I considered opportunities in both traditional and alternative legal positions. Legal costs was an area which was presented to me as a potential career choice and after considering the potential prospects in this area of law; I commenced my career.
5. How long did it take/will it take for you to ‘qualify’?
I qualified after 10 years in the Costs industry; however the ACL course took 2 years to complete. The valuable experience I gained at BBK and at my previous role, enabled me to complete the course with the knowledge I had previously acquired.
6. What did you study at university?
Law with Business (LLB Hons) from the University of Brighton. When considering which degree course to enrol in, I was unsure whether I wanted to do a law degree or business degree. This qualification allowed me to do both and provided the perfect balance. This has also helped in my current role, as I’m able to identify the business needs of the firm as well as the needs of the clients.
7. What is the most satisfying part of your role?
The variety of tasks which are undertaken including (but not limited to):
- Preparing a Bill of Costs,
- Advising on litigation funding,
- Preparing costs budget and;
- Undertaking advocacy at Court.
Costs lawyers are required to have knowledge of various elements of legal practice to ensure that the needs of the business and clients are met. As such you’re required and encouraged to continue learning and developing in your role as a Costs Lawyer.
8. What advice would you give to someone considering the same career route as you?
It is important to explore all options when considering a career in the legal profession. We all possess different skill sets which can be beneficial to many different areas. Ultimately, you will feel rewarded for discovering the legal career route which best suits you.
