Associate Attorney, Litigation

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Associate Attorney will report directly to the Managing Partner of Litigation South. The right candidate must be licensed and in good standing in the State of Texas and should have a minimum of two (2) years as a practicing attorney. New graduates or recently licensed candidates will not be considered. Candidates licensed in either GA, AL, or MS (in addition to Texas, which is required) will be strongly preferred. The Associate Attorney will focus on title review and title curative responsibilities, as well as judicial and nonjudicial foreclosure tasks throughout the state of TX. As such, experience in real estate law, title review/clearance and/or creditors rights is preferred. This role includes handling both routine and contested matters, making appearances in court, developing case strategies, drafting pleadings, and negotiating resolutions. The position requires substantial coordination with staff, clients, and other attorneys. This position is designated as hybrid or remote based on experience level and geographical location. If position is remote some in-person/in-office training may be required initially and periodically. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Manage case load of contested and uncontested matters on behalf of residential and commercial mortgage lenders and investors.
• Appear in court and argue motions necessary to the successful completion of both routine and contested foreclosure, eviction, title disputes, HOA/COA disputes and other matters. 
• Communicate with clients regularly for updates and case resolution.
• Analyze loan files, title reports and other client documents. Draft motions and prepare written discovery and responses.
• Accurately and thoroughly review title examinations within 24-48 hours of receipt, identify title issues, and make full recommendations on how to cure title issues to the client. 
• Execute recommendations by curing simple and complex title issues in a timely manner. 
• Review pleadings, loan documents, and foreclosure documents to evaluate, provide legal opinions, and rectify file level issues. 
• Review documents related to the judicial and non-judicial foreclosure process for accuracy and compliance. 
• Communicate effectively with insurers and other outside parties on a regular basis. 
• Create, review, and edit reports, opinions, correspondence, and other documents. 
• Create, review, and edit all documents related to the foreclosure and title clearance process. 
• Effectively monitor and move forward an independent caseload. 
• Interpret, evaluate and apply independent judgment and decision-making regarding file level legal and compliance issues.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with insurers, vendors, and other team members to create a partnership that yields success, predictable results and credibility. 
• Update internal and external case management systems timely and accurately.
• Communicate clearly with clients and update timely in client systems 
• Will perform other duties and responsibilities as needed.

EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE:

•  J.D. degree, licensed in Texas and in good standing with the Texas Bar 
• Experience in Texas default servicing and foreclosure litigation a plus
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws
• Knowledge of Texas Title Standards preferred
• Knowledge of Texas Mortgage Foreclosure Law preferred
• Minimum 2 years of related real estate and title review/curative. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Effectively manage time and priorities.
• Manage a portfolio of files for clients.
• Strong writing skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate, written and oral.
• Ability to work independently or in a group/team setting.
• Ability to maintain high level of professionalism.
• Ability to interact and communicate well with clients, staff, peers and management of all levels.
• Ability to navigate through jurisdictional requirements, as well as title standards.
• Ability to courteously and professionally communicate with clients, vendors, team members, clerks or Judges in various counties as well as borrowers and defense attorneys.
• Must provide excellent customer service (internally and externally).
• Communicate with internally and externally in a professional and personable manner 
• Work effectively and congenially with a team of employees supporting the department. 
• Work effectively and congenially with attorneys and other departments; promote interdepartmental cooperation. 
• Ability to exercise professionalism and courtesy when faced with adversarial conversations and situations. 
• Must be a self-starter and possess good time-management abilities.
• Balance team and individual responsibilities; Contribute to building a positive team spirit.
• Demonstrate high levels of accuracy and thoroughness.
• Must possess exceptional organizational skills.
• Must have the ability to multi-task and be adaptable to change.
• High-level proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Proficiency in internet research activities.
• Familiarity with case and document management software.
• Good understanding of policies and procedures of law.
• Ability to delegate, follow-up, and monitor tasks to completion. 
• Ability to operate computer, scanner, photocopier, and telephone.
• Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in client systems is strongly preferred (BKFS, Tempo, etc.)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, or crouch The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job: Normal office working conditions, with quiet to moderate noise level within the work environment.

We offer a comprehensive compensation package, which includes a salary commensurate with experience and accomplishments.

If you possess the requisite qualifications and are seeking the challenge of working in a growing firm, please submit your resume in confidence.

All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be authorized to work in the United States.

• Please note: No employment sponsorship or support will be given for this position. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP will not consider any employment immigration sponsorship or support. This means that McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, nor sponsor in any NIV category (including TN, E-3, H-1B, O-1), or submit the position in the H-1B Registration; or
• Visa sponsorship nor immigration support is not available. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future. The company does not provide visa sponsorship or any immigration support (including STEM OPT training plan) for this position.

Because of the high volume of calls received, only qualified candidates will be contacted for consideration.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.