Senior Staff Counsel - MO and KS

Applicants must have current authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Attorney is licensed to practice law in KS and MO. The Senior Staff Counsel supports and acts in lieu of the State Managing Attorney (SMA) as needed and is skilled in all aspects of the SMA’s role.  The Senior Staff Counsel is an attorney with significant experience in debt collection law practice who assists on special global projects within the business unit and/or enterprise level.  This role promotes efficiency and uniformity in collection litigation at the state and national level.  This role also provides legal support for the Legal Collections’ business unit as requested by the SMA.  This role also provides legal advice in connection with the Company's business operations and supports corporate compliance with laws and regulations governing debt collection and related activities.  The Senior Staff Counsel may also manage, train, develop and support personnel (Bands 2-6) within the state-level office, as directed by the SMA.  License in MO and KS required; additional licenses preferred but not required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Create, review, direct and resolve collection litigation matters cost-effectively by working with business clients and legal support staff; conduct research.  

Assist with special projects for Internal Legal, Legal Outsourcing or to develop state or global efficiencies.  Ability to measure project results, reporting progress and outcomes to managers and subordinates.  

Maintain and enhance company reputation with courts, vendors, outside counsel, and consumers. Limit company exposure through effective advocacy on behalf of the Company in hearings, trials, and mediations. Negotiate with opposing counsel, conduct and respond to discovery, and prepare and attend hearings and trials.  

Support the SMA and/or Managing Staff Counsel and the legal production team; monitor monthly production goals, report production metrics to senior management, and backfill for the SMA when said SMA is absent from the office.  

Manage, develop and train personnel in the state-level office, as directed by the SMA.  

Review standard operating procedures and assist in the review or creating of job aids.  

Provide legal advice to the Company to support compliance with federal, state and local laws.  

Ensure adherence to Consumer Bill of Rights by enforcing relevant company policies. Determine appropriate settlements with consumers experiencing temporary or permanent hardships and communicate with consumers and counsel to encourage financial recovery.  

Perform other duties, as assigned.  

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:  Master's or Advanced                           FIELD OF STUDY:  Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school

EXPERIENCE:  Minimum 5 years’ experience practicing debt collection law

CERTIFICATION(S):  Licensed to practice in at least 1 state in the United States where Internal Legal Department has footprint

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES:

• Extensive knowledge of state and federal debt collection laws
• Strong execution skills; highly accurate in both written and verbal communication
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Demonstrated people management skills
• Ability to innovate
• Ability to make sound judgment and exercise discretion on legal matters
• Experience in legal operations
• Strong business acumen
• Self-motivated and capable of acting as SMA, when necessary
• Skilled in basic inventory management

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:  Master's or Advanced                           FIELD OF STUDY:  Juris Doctorate

EXPERIENCE:  7 years’ experience practicing debt collection law

CERTIFICATION(S):  Active bar membership in the state in which the position is located

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES:

• Experience with ILMS, Cogent or similar systems
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Experience with legal case management software.
• Cross-licensing in multiple states
• Experience managing other legal professionals

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If you are wondering why you should work for us, here is something to help you decide:

• Pay and Bonuses: Earn a competitive salary. All employees are eligible for