Associate Attorney, Litigation

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce LLC•Woodbridge Township, NJ

18d•$95,000 - $135,000

About The Position

The Associate Attorney, Litigation represents mortgage servicer and investor clients in residential and commercial foreclosure, title, and general real estate litigation, including consumer claims brought directly against the firm’s clients. The role handles routine and contested court appearances, incoming litigation review and case strategy, document drafting, discovery, trials and evidentiary hearings, state and federal appeals, and settlement negotiations. The position may be in-office, hybrid, or fully remote depending on the successful candidate’s qualifications. The attorney manages a caseload of contested foreclosures, defensive litigation, and ancillary matters; analyzes loan files, title reports, and other client documents; and communicates with clients, including through their online portals. The role also collaborates with support staff and partners, prepares matter budgets, obtains client fee approvals, and tracks billable and non-billable time. Supervisory responsibilities may be required. A J.D. and an active New Jersey bar license in good standing are required, as is working knowledge and experience with New Jersey Mortgage Foreclosure Law and practice. At least two years of relevant litigation experience is preferred, although candidates with less experience may be considered if otherwise qualified. Additional bar admission in New York, Pennsylvania, and/or Connecticut is a plus. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; the employer does not provide employment visa sponsorship or immigration support. The work is performed under normal office conditions with quiet to moderate noise. The role frequently involves sitting, talking, and hearing, and occasionally involves standing, walking, handling objects, reaching, stooping, kneeling, or crouching, and lifting or moving up to 25 pounds. Compensation includes a salary commensurate with experience and accomplishments.

Requirements

J.D. degree.
New Jersey bar license in good standing.
Working knowledge and experience with New Jersey Mortgage Foreclosure Law and practice.
Effectively manage time and priorities.
Maintain confidentiality.
Strong writing skills.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently and in a group or team setting.
Maintain a high level of professionalism amid challenges.
Ability to interact and communicate effectively with clients, staff, peers, and management at all levels.
Ability to maintain a positive attitude.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future; employment sponsorship or immigration support is not available.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of relevant litigation experience is preferred, though less experience may be considered for an otherwise qualified candidate.
Bar license in New York, Pennsylvania, and/or Connecticut.

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of contested foreclosures, defensive litigation, and ancillary matters for mortgage servicers and investors.
Analyze loan files, title reports, and other client documents.
Draft motions, pleadings, settlement agreements, discovery demands, and discovery responses.
Appear in state and federal court for settlement conferences, case management conferences, motion arguments, trials, hearings, and appeals.
Review incoming litigation and develop case strategy.
Conduct discovery, trials, evidentiary hearings, appeals, and settlement negotiations.
Communicate with clients to ensure quality representation and implement client directives, including through client online portals.
Collaborate with support staff to prepare and execute documents for client signature, court filing, internal reporting, or client reporting.
Research and analyze difficult client cases and collaborate with partners on client advice and potential resolution.
Create matter budgets and seek client fee approval as required.
Track billable and non-billable time.
May undertake supervisory responsibilities.