Preparation of pleadings, motions and correspondence relating to judicial foreclosures, mediations, foreclosure-related litigation, loss-mitigation, bankruptcy, post-foreclosure evictions, and surplus proceeds cases. May be required to attend court hearings, mediations, and depositions. Supervise paralegal staff in preparation of work-product relating to foreclosure-related litigation, loss-mitigation, bankruptcy, post-foreclosure evictions, and surplus proceeds cases. Manage all actions and act as prime contact for clients and staff. Must be familiar with foreclosure work. Title background, to include post-sale marketable title, is also desirable. Travel may be required for court appearances and other in-person meetings.
What You'll Do
- Efficient management of multiple files in various stages of progression: litigation issues, foreclosures, bankruptcy, evictions, excess proceeds, deeds in lieu, replevins, sales, probate, and other litigation matters as assigned.
- Research and analytical skills sufficient to review, digest, and adjust business to new regulatory demands.
- Timely preparation of high quality letters, emails, documents, pleadings, motions, discovery, disclosure, and appellate briefs as assigned.
- Reviews, audits, and edits legal work product of department staff.
- Provides guidance, feedback, and approval on legal work product.
- Maintains a high level of ethical standards, including but not limited to case load management, communications, and timeliness.
- Excellent communication skills, with particular emphasis on client communications and correspondence.
- Attend court hearings, sales, mediations, trials, and oral arguments as required.
- Ability to learn and effectively use internal case management systems (CMS) and client shared platforms to keep files moving forward, maintain accurate and up-to-date records, complete tasks and events, and keep firm personnel and clients apprised of case status.
- Works well with others, communicates effectively, collaborates with colleagues, and contributes as a team player.
- Self-starter who can work independently to ensure work is completed timely, efficiently, and accurately.
- Initial intake and preparation of strategy analysis of new cases assigned.
- Research law and facts applicable to assigned cases.
- Accurate recording of billable and non-billable work performed.
- Provides excellent customer service to clients.
- Commitment to continued education/learning by attending CLEs, etc.
- Assist with other tasks as assigned by Managing Attorney.
Qualifications
- This position requires a Juris Doctorate, New Mexico Bar license in good standing.
- Other skills required:
- Possess relevant technology competencies such as Westlaw and time-billing software.
- 5 years of experience as an associate attorney.
- Background in real property, foreclosure, and title preferred.
- Dual licensure in New Mexico and one or more of the following states preferred: Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, or Colorado.
- Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
- Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events; resilient.
- Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures.
- Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
- Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments.
- Delegation - Delegates work assignments; matches the responsibility to the person; gives authority to work independently; sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; provides recognition for results.
- Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
- Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things, contributing team member, respectful of others.
- Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions.
- Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; accepts feedback from others; gives appropriate recognition to others.
- Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; measures self against standard of excellence; takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
- Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings.
Physical Demands And Work Environment
- Required to work in an office setting, including operating a computer, printer, or other standard office equipment.
- The work may be performed in a traditional office environment or remotely.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
- Virtual appearances, client meetings, presentations, training, and other remote proceedings may be required.
- Travel may be required for court appearances and other in-person meetings.