Law firm needs a bright, motivated individual for a Community Association Collections Paralegal. Collection experience and particularly Community Association collection experience a plus, but not required for the right candidate.

This position is for someone seeking to work independently within the support of a team environment with proven communication skills. A positive can-do attitude with a willingness to learn is a must!

Must be comfortable in a fast paced and dynamic environment.

SUMMARY:

This position will support our practice by providing paralegal support for attorneys according to established policies and procedures, prepare legal documents, and organize and maintain files and updating client accounts and ledgers. This position may also act as a liaison between clients and homeowners. This role will eventually expand, and additional training and duties will be assigned.

This position must maintain positive and proactive contact with clients, attorneys, supervisor and staff. Observance of confidentiality of client matters is essential.

To be successful in this role, this individual will need to be proficient with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and Outlook. The individual will also need to be able to multitask effectively and thrive in a team-oriented environment. Computer and technical knowledge to conduct legal research, analytical, communication and organizational skills is necessary. This position also requires courtesy and commitment to providing attentive support for internal and external parties and ensuring consistent and efficient operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Complies with applicable laws and firm policies, including Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. Further follows the ethical requirements governing attorneys as set forth by the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State of Georgia. Observes confidentiality of attorney-client relationship.
• Organize, maintain, and track documents in paper and/or electronic filing systems- open and update client files in Applega.
• Support Attorneys, prepare legal documents, organize and maintain files, updating client accounts and account ledgers, as assigned.
• Works with firm templates to prepare letters, memos, pleadings, and other legal documents, using appropriate legal terminology and templates. Proofreads all work completely to ensure complete accuracy. Prepares and processes all documents once attorney has chance to review.
• Communicate with clients regarding status of collection files and prepare monthly reports.
• Handle and support client inquiries.
• Prepare payoff statements, when requested, for residential closings and refinancings.
• Bankruptcy processing, including obtaining bankruptcy filings/pleadings for attorney review, determining bankruptcy case status, preparing and filing proofs of claims and other motions and pleadings, and preparing correspondence to debtor attorneys.
• Perform search for assets for garnishments where judgments have been obtained.
• Garnishment processing, including locating assets, preparing and filing garnishment actions, processing service on garnishee and defendants, condemn funds packages, and defaults against the Garnishee.
• Act as a liaison between homeowner and clients, answering homeowner questions, and conveying account balances and settlement offers. If settlement reached, draft settlement paperwork and monitor payment plans as needed at all stages of litigation. Send default letters as needed.
• Receive homeowner disputes and prepare verifications of debt (VODs).
• Process liens and FIFAs, including releases and cancellations.
• Completes critical tasks within specified time limits.
• Other dues as assigned.
• Light overflow work as needed to support firm.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Excellent grammar, proofreading and editing skills (e.g., punctuation, spelling, formatting.
• Exceptional math skills to verify calculations in work product.
• Some knowledge and/or understanding of collections as a specialty area of law practice.
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize numerous tasks and complete all work assigned within prescribed deadlines and juggle conflicting deadlines.
• The capacity to communicate clearly and professionally, with clients, attorneys and other team members, both speaking and in writing.
• The aptitude to follow instructions effectively from a diverse group to include clients, attorneys and managers, and provide information in a courteous and considerate manner.
• The ability to maintain composure during periods when workload may increase due to influx of new clients.
• Position occasionally requires more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position; may require irregular hours at times.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree? Preferred, but not required.
• Years of experience will be considered in lieu of college level education.
• Experience working in a law environment, preferably as a paralegal or legal assistant.
• Experience organizing and coordinating a high volume of collection matters.
• Proven ability in communicating with debtors, clients, opposing counsel, and the court.
• Success in managing and calendaring a large number of litigation and collections deadlines.
• Expertise in drafting legal correspondence and documents including motion papers and complaints.
• Experience with filing documents with court and county offices and arranging for service of process.

NowackHoward is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are an equal opportunity employer and will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Travel requirement:

• No travel

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing to undergo a pre-employment background check and drug screen?
• What is your desired salary range?

Work Location: In person