Section Chief, Financial Recovery Section

DHRM•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The Section Chief of the Financial Recovery Section (FRS) oversees attorneys and non-attorney staff, provides strategic leadership, and represents the Commonwealth in collecting delinquent debt owed to Virginia agencies and institutions. The chief is the primary contact for represented agencies regarding collection policies, procedures, and client relations, and approves settlements and financial adjustments to collection files. The chief oversees five units: Administrative and File Intake, General District Court Litigation, Medical Collections, Complex Litigation/Fraud, and Judgment Enforcement. Each unit has a manager. The role assigns legislative bill reviews to FRS attorneys and signs all bill reviews completed by the section. It provides legal advice and representation to support the section’s mission of recovering funds through appropriate and cost-effective services. As needed, the chief may also handle attorney duties throughout the recovery process, from initial file review and analysis through litigation, post-judgment enforcement, and file closure. The position also provides mentorship and training to less experienced attorneys, backs up other attorney positions as needed, and participates in special projects.

Requirements

At least seven years of experience as a practicing attorney.
Current membership in the Virginia State Bar and admission to practice in all state and federal courts in Virginia.
Ability to draft pleadings, motions, supporting memoranda, and briefs; conduct all aspects of discovery; advise client agencies during litigation; and appear in court for motions, trials, and appeals.
Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to prioritize a large and diverse caseload, manage time effectively, and complete complex assignments independently and as a team member within prescribed deadlines.
Knowledge of general legal principles and ability to respond to inquiries from multiple client agencies, courts, and opposing counsel.
Ability to work well under pressure and quickly adjust priorities.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to travel as needed for day trips and occasional overnight trips.
Subject to a criminal background check.

Responsibilities

Oversee the attorneys and non-attorney staff of the Financial Recovery Section and provide strategic leadership.
Represent the section in interoffice collaborations and contribute to office management and success.
Serve as the primary contact for represented agencies regarding collections policies, procedures, and client relations.
Approve settlements and financial adjustments to collections files.
Oversee the section’s Administrative and File Intake, General District Court Litigation, Medical Collections, Complex Litigation/Fraud, and Judgment Enforcement units.
Assign legislative bill reviews to FRS attorneys and sign the section’s bill reviews.
Provide legal advice and representation to recover funds owed to Commonwealth agencies and institutions.
Handle attorney tasks across the recovery process as needed, including file review, litigation, post-judgment enforcement, and file closure.
Mentor and train less experienced attorneys.
Serve as a primary backup to other attorney positions as needed.
Participate in special projects as required.