Junior Paralegal- Bankruptcy Litigation

Company Description

Benderson Development is a real estate company that has achieved impressive growth through innovation, insight, and determination. Founded over 70 years ago, we have built a diverse portfolio of over 1,000 properties across 40 states, totaling over 55 million square feet. As one of the largest privately-held real estate companies in the country, we house best-in-class retailers, thriving grocers, leading companies, destination restaurants, and award-winning hotels. By offering exceptional experiences, we continue to engineer growth and success.

Paralegal- Bankruptcy & Litigation

Junior collections paralegal supporting attorneys with managing delinquent commercial real estate property accounts and handling documentation for legal proceedings for defaulted lease accounts and evictions. Reporting to senior paralegal with direction from in-house and outside counsel, accounting director, and finance director. Also works closely with collection account representatives.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

COMMERCIAL BANKRUPTCY – CHAPTER 11 AND 13

• Assist with filing preparations: Gather and organize lease documents and financial documents in support of proof of claim.
• Prepare draft and finalize proof of claim.
• File electronically proof of claim via agent website site or ECF and ensure all submissions comply with federal and local court rules.
• Maintain case files electronically and keep organized and up to date with all relevant documentation.
• Manage timelines: Track critical deadlines, such as Meeting of Creditors, Bar Dates, Court Hearings; Rejections and Assumptions, and Plan approval and Plan Effective Dates.
• Draft communications with retained counsel and or correspondence to Debtor’s counsel regarding stub rent, cure amounts or post-petition amounts due.

COMMERCIAL COLLECTIONS

• Coordinate high volume of collection matters, manage tenant defaults for payment and or eviction with outside counsel.
• Maintain case files electronically and keep organized and up to date with all relevant documentation. Maintain calendar for hearings, deadlines, and mediation.
• Perform research and background checks on individuals, current tenants, and companies to investigate collectability. Analyze information and prepare reports and spreadsheets necessary for collections.
• Assist with collection of leasing documents, ledger accounts, and discovery related items for outside counsel.
• UCC due diligence: conduct research for UCC liens against property left behind in demised property space. Issuance of lien holder interest letters. Coordinate with secure lenders for removal or storage of property from locations.
• Perform accounting related functions necessary to collections. Reconcile attorney bills. Ensure appropriate billing and proper charge back to property.
• Prepare credit memos for any open account receivable items on settled and judgment accounts.
• Track tenant or former tenant payments periodically to ensure settlement or payment plans are timely.
• Communication with current and former tenants regarding payment plans, settlement payments, and general ledger questions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 4- year degree preferred, minimum 2-year degree and minimum (3) years’ experience in a law firm or commercial collections with knowledge of bankruptcy, judgments, and collections civil litigation relative to commercial real estate, and landlord-tenant matters.
• Knowledge in preparing and processing of all documents used in civil litigation, as well as legal forms related to bankruptcy collections.
• Ability to work independently with thoroughness and accuracy in challenging environment.
• Excellent organizational skills, prioritizing tasks and efficient productivity.
• Experience in computer software, including MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Communication skills for interacting with various parties, tenants, outside counsel, and internal employees.

Pay Range: $30.00 - $35.00 Hourly

**Please note that the final offer amount will be dependent on geographic location, applicable experience and skillset of the candidate.