Legal Process Specialist

Kearny Bank; Fairfield (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Kearny Bank in New Jersey is seeking a Legal Process Specialist within the Legal Department to manage customer account requests, including subpoenas and levies. You will research records, prepare responses, and act as the primary contact for clients, staff, law enforcement, and authorities.

The role requires at least 2 years in banking operations or compliance, and an associate degree or related certificate is preferred. Strong MS Office skills and attention to detail are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or certificate in legal studies, business or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of banking operations, deposit operations, legal process, compliance or related financial services experience required.
• Experience processing subpoenas, levies, restraints or other legal requests preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong research and problem solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.
• Strong customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Receive, review and process subpoenas, summonses, search warrants and other legal requests; determine scope and validity.
• Coordinate with Bank staff to obtain information and prepare accurate responses within deadlines.
• Review and process tax levies, garnishments, restraints and other legal holds with exemptions.
• Administer placement and release of account restrictions and remittance of funds.
• Prepare notices and correspondence; monitor deadlines in the process.
• Research customer and account information; obtain records and documentation as needed.
• Provide responsive information using secure methods and maintain records of releases.
• Identify unusual or complex requests and elevate risks to management.
• Maintain knowledge of legal requirements, laws, and Bank policies.
• Participate in audits and internal reviews related to legal process activities.
• Assist with development and maintenance of legal process procedures and documentation.
• Prepare reports and metrics on activity, volumes and response times.
• Maintain confidentiality and secure handling of customer information.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Detail-oriented

Communication skills

Research skills

Multitasking

Customer service

Education

Associate degree / certificate in legal studies, business or related

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

This position, within the Legal Department, administers legal process requests affecting customer accounts, including subpoenas, levies, restraints and other lawful demands for information or funds. The Legal Process Specialist researches account information, prepares responses to legal requests and serves as a primary point of contact for clients, Bank staff, law enforcement agencies, government authorities and legal representatives. The position ensures requests are processed accurately and timely in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, court orders and Bank policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Receive, review and process subpoenas, summonses, search warrants and other legal requests, determine the scope and validity of requests in accordance with established procedures, and identify responsive records.
• Coordinate with appropriate Bank staff to obtain required information and documentation and prepare accurate responses within established legal and regulatory deadlines.
• Review and process federal, state and local tax levies, garnishments, restraints and other legal holds, including identification of affected accounts, available funds and applicable exemptions.
• Administer the placement and release of account restrictions and the turnover or remittance of funds in accordance with applicable legal requirements and Bank procedures.
• Prepare required notices and correspondence and monitor applicable deadlines throughout the legal process.
• Research customer and account information and obtain deposit account records, statements, signature cards and other documentation necessary to respond to legal requests.
• Provide responsive information and documentation using Bank-approved secure methods and maintain complete records of actions taken and information released.
• Identify and elevate unusual or complex legal process requests and potential operational, legal or regulatory risks to management as appropriate.
• Maintain current knowledge of legal process requirements, applicable laws and regulations and Bank policies and procedures.
• Participate in audits, examinations and internal reviews related to legal process activities as requested.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of legal process procedures and related documentation.
• Prepare reports and metrics related to legal process activity, volumes and response times.
• Maintain confidentiality and secure handling of customer information in accordance with applicable requirements and Bank policies.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or certificate in legal studies, business or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of banking operations, deposit operations, legal process, compliance or related financial services experience required.
• Experience processing subpoenas, levies, restraints or other legal requests preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong research and problem solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.
• Strong customer service skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of every job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Perform routine office activities including typing, reading, computer work, filing, copying and telephone use. The position may require standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and lifting.

The successful candidate will be required to prove on the first day of work that they are legally authorized to work in the U.S. The Bank will not sponsor a candidate for a visa or for work authorization.

COMPENSATION: $55,000 to $75,000 annually