Lead / Senior Attorney - Debt Recovery Litigation

Top Dog Recruiting; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

No billable hours

Competitive compensation

Training and support

Autonomy in practice

Job summary

Top Dog Recruiting partners with a prestigious California law firm to recruit an experienced, CA-licensed attorney for civil litigation and creditors' rights. The role blends courtroom appearances with document review, signing, case oversight, and settlement negotiations.

The ideal candidate handles high-volume filings, maintains independent litigation management, and collaborates with a skilled support team to achieve favorable case outcomes.

Qualifications

• Active California license to practice law.
• 5–7 years civil litigation experience; collections/creditors' rights preferred.
• Experience appearing in court and handling hearings independently.
• Strong understanding of civil litigation procedures, filings, and documentation.
• Ability to review and sign high volumes of documents accurately.
• Proven negotiation and settlement abilities.
• Experience coaching or mentoring colleagues or staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong research skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office and online legal research tools.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in court hearings and related civil litigation matters.
• Review, approve, and sign numerous pleadings and documents.
• Manage litigation matters complying with CA court rules.
• Review discovery materials and determine appropriate actions.
• Negotiate settlements with parties and counsel.
• Prepare and file legal documents; oversee timely filings.
• Communicate progress with Managing Attorney, clients, and staff.
• Conduct legal research and analyze potential outcomes.

Skills

Courtroom presence

Litigation management

Negotiation

Legal research

Document review

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Communication

Tools

MS Office

Online legal research tools

Legal software

Job description

We are partnering with an established law firm seeking an experienced California-licensed Attorney to join its civil litigation and creditors' rights practice. This position combines courtroom representation with legal document review, signing, case oversight, and settlement negotiations.

The ideal candidate is comfortable appearing in court, handling a high volume of legal filings, and independently managing litigation responsibilities while working with an experienced legal support team.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• No billable hour requirements – Focus on case outcomes and productivity rather than tracking billable time.

• Competitive compensation – Base salary with additional commission opportunities through attorney-negotiated settlements.

• Training and support – Resources available for attorneys looking to expand their experience in collections and creditors' rights litigation.

• Professional autonomy – Independently handle courtroom appearances, document signing, and assigned legal matters with support from an established team.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent clients in court hearings and other legal proceedings related to civil litigation and collection matters.

• Review, approve, and sign a high volume of legal pleadings, motions, filings, and other documents requiring attorney authorization.

• Manage litigation matters and ensure compliance with California court rules, procedures, and filing requirements.

• Review discovery materials, evaluate case information, and determine appropriate legal actions.

• Negotiate settlements with self-represented litigants, opposing counsel, and other involved parties.

• Prepare and file legal documents and oversee timely completion of required filings.

• Communicate with the Managing Attorney, clients, and internal support staff regarding case progress and resolution.

• Conduct legal research and evaluate potential case outcomes using applicable statutes, regulations, and legal precedents.

• Coordinate with outside counsel and other legal professionals as needed.

• Assist with litigation-related client audits and compliance requirements.

• Stay informed of changes in state and federal laws governing debt collection and related legal matters.

• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to colleagues and support staff when appropriate.

• Maintain accurate case records and manage competing deadlines across multiple matters.

Required Qualifications

• Active California law license.

• 5–7 years of civil litigation experience, preferably including collections or creditors' rights litigation.
• Experience appearing in court and independently handling hearings or other litigation proceedings.
• Strong understanding of civil litigation procedures, court filings, and legal documentation.
• Ability to efficiently review and sign a high volume of legal documents while maintaining accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze cases and negotiate effective settlements.
• Experience coaching, training, or mentoring colleagues or legal support staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication, legal research, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, online research tools, and legal technology.
• Ability to manage multiple matters, prioritize deadlines, and adapt to urgent situations.
• High standards of professionalism, confidentiality, integrity, and sound legal judgment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues, clients, and opposing counsel.