Senior Staff Counsel - MO and KS

Midland Credit Management, an Encore Capital Group Company•Kansas City, MO

20d

About The Position

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.

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

Nice To Haves

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

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.

Benefits

Pay and Bonuses: Earn a competitive salary. All employees are eligible for monthly incentives or annual bonus.
Career Progression: Grow at MCM with paid training and development programs – including our very own MCM Academy – as well as a promote-from-within philosophy.
Reward and Recognition: We are committed to honoring great results – ranging from informal accolades to formal company-wide awards and prizes like all-inclusive vacations.
Tuition Assistance: Pursue a degree or coursework related to your current role, or the role you are striving for.
Healthcare Insurance: Take advantage of comprehensive healthcare plans and options to ensure your continued health, plus fitness membership reimbursements, weight watchers, our wellness rewards Program and more.
Volunteering Opportunities: Enjoy up to eight hours of paid time off each year to volunteer. We also offer volunteer grants and matching financial donations, up to US$ 2,500 per employee annually.
Retirement Savings: Build a strong financial foundation and reach your goals for the future. With all the effort you invest in us, we’re proud to invest in you.
New Family Support: Celebrate your new arrival with company paid leave, new parent flex time, and child back-up care options.
Team-building: Enjoy experiences that inspire bonds with your colleagues through a wide range of company-sponsored team-building events, such as holiday celebrations and department outings.
Work-Life Balance: Enjoy paid and floating holidays, as well as generous paid-time-off.