Litigation Specialist

Fifth Third Bank; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati, OH seeks a Litigation Specialist to research, manage, and resolve highly complex law-related issues within Default Mortgage and Consumer Loan Servicing.

You will appear in court as a corporate representative, support in-house counsel, coordinate with outside firms, and ensure accuracy, risk mitigation, and compliant proceedings across the bank.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3 years experience in Default Mortgage Loan Servicing or Consumer Loan/Lease.
• Thorough knowledge of Foreclosure and Bankruptcy Law, Consumer Loan/Lease and Mortgage guidance.
• Strong organizational, communication and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage assigned default-related foreclosure and litigation matters.
• Coordinate with outside law firms and in-house legal teams.
• Provide support to review, research and assist with resolution of litigation matters and inquiries.
• Ensure foreclosure delays are minimized and interests of all parties are protected.
• Attend mediations and court appearances as a corporate representative.

Skills

Foreclosure Law

Mortgage Servicing

Legal Research

Multi-tasking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Document Management Software

Job description

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General Function

Under minimal supervision, this position is responsible for researching and resolving a variety of highly complex law-related issues under the direction of the Default Litigation Supervisor, Senior Management and Bank attorneys. Work includes handling escalated situations at risk of litigation and providing specialized customer service to avoid it.. The position requires a high amount of attention to detail and analytical thinking in order to research business records, and policies and procedures relative to a particular litigated issue, respond/communicate accordingly to appropriate departments/ managers, in-house counsel and foreclosure/litigation counsel, and insure resolution of the matter while protecting the interests of the Bank, investors, insurers and our customers. The incumbent must be knowledgeable of all areas of mortgage/consumer loan servicing and have experience with legal documents and the physical and systemic loan file.

Responsibilities include frequent in-court appearances as a bank representative/corporate witness to testify on foreclosure and other Default related litigation. This position has a varying degree of customer contact and interactions with other departments, banking centers, customers, attorneys, judges, and title agencies.

Responsible and accountable for risk by openly exchanging ideas and opinions, elevating concerns, and personally following policies and procedures as defined. Accountable for always doing the right thing for customers and colleagues, and ensures that actions and behaviors drive a positive customer experience. While operating within the Bank's risk appetite, achieves results by consistently identifying, assessing, managing, monitoring, and reporting risks of all types.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Monitor and work assigned caseload of Default-related contested foreclosures and litigation matters.
• Manage litigation workflow, input and status updates by corresponding with outside law firms and in house legal.
• Responsible for providing support to in-house and outside counsel to review, research and assist with resolution of litigation matters and attorney inquiries.
• Ensure foreclosure delays are minimized and interests of all parties are protected.
• Acquire and maintain knowledge of all Originations, Loan Servicing, and Default Servicing areas, policies and procedures in order to accurately represent the bank in court appearances and be a credible corporate representative.
• Travel and appear in court as a corporate representative in mediations, settlement conferences, hearings, trials and other required matters.
• Attend mediations and monitor accounts through the mediation process to ensure appropriate documentation is received from the customer/borrower and coordinate closely with the Loss Mitigation Department to ensure files are review for potential homeowner retention or liquidation solutions.
• Minimize exposure and risk by Identifying and reporting root cause of operational issues to management and ensure that the appropriate action is taken outside of the department to address and remediate loan level issues.
• Coordinate efforts with Bank Protection on fraudulent and potentially fraudulent accounts to minimize losses to the bank.
• Identify cases in which Fifth Third Bank has significant financial, operational or reputational exposure and elevate cases as appropriate to management and in house legal.
• Make recommendations to settle disputes that the bank has potential exposure, negotiate settlements with bank appointed attorneys and make business decisions on settlements within given authority limits.
• Sign case related documents, including complaints and discovery responses, affidavits and settlement agreements.
• Apply knowledge of investor guidelines regarding contested/litigated cases to reduce any claim loss.
• Works with representatives from various departments on developing / modifying policies and procedures where necessary.
• Perform all necessary legal research for area of responsibility.
• Act as liaison between the Legal Entry/Subpoena Department and other areas of the bank to get requested information and ensure timely delivery of it to prevent missed subpoena deadlines, which could result in fines or other unnecessary expenses forthe bank.
• Responsible for identifying accounts that should not be reported to credit bureau while accounts are under dispute or solicited by collections/loss mitigation and communicating that information to the appropriate area to handle.
• Coordinates monthly reporting with management and In House Legal to review progress on litigated cases and to discuss exposure to the bank.
• Position may require working remotely, in retail centers or corporate offices within the Fifth Third Footprint with little direct supervision.

Minimum Knowledge And Skills Required

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in Default Mortgage Loan Servicing, Consumer Loan/Lease.
• Servicing and 2 years of related experience as a paralegal, legal analyst or having similar responsibility.
• Thorough knowledge of Foreclosure and Bankruptcy Law, Consumer Loan/Lease and Mortgage, Loan Origination, Servicing and Default processes, as well as Investor and State specific guidelines.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to multi-task.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail, mathematical and analytical skills.
• Strong problem solving and conflict management skills and ability to apply strategic decision making towards resolving complex issues.
• Ability to build and maintain strong and positive working relationship with internal and external business partners.
• Must be able to work independently and in varying work environments during business travel while maintaining availability to management and other business partners.

Litigation Specialist

At Fifth Third, we understand the importance of recognizing our employees for the role they play in improving the lives of our customers, communities and each other. Our Total Rewards include comprehensive benefits and differentiated compensation offerings to give each employee the opportunity to be their best every day.

The base salary for this position is reflective of the range of salary levels for all roles within this pay grade across the U.S. Individual salaries within this range will vary based on factors such as role, relevant skillset, relevant experience, education and geographic location. In addition to the base salary, this role is eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan, with any such payment based upon company, line of business and/or individual performance.

Our extensive benefits programs are designed to support the individual needs of our employees and their families, encompassing physical, financial, emotional and social well-being. You can learn more about those programs on our 53.com Careers page at: https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/careers/benefits.html or by consulting with your talent acquisition partner.

LOCATION -- Cincinnati, Ohio 45242

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is proud to have an engaged and inclusive culture and to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status.