Member Assistance Legal Specialist

CU1 Careers; Anchorage (AK); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Credit Union 1 seeks a MA Legal Specialist to manage bankruptcy, probate, and legal accounts. You will coordinate filings, communicate with members and attorneys, and maintain accurate records while upholding compliance and ethics.

The hybrid role supports the Member Assistance team, with responsibilities to monitor case progress, initiate actions, and represent the credit union in court when required. Knowledge of BSA/AML, OFAC, and E-Verify is valued.

Qualifications

• Requires a 2-year degree in legal studies or paralegal certificate with at least 2 years as paralegal or legal secretary.
• Experience in bankruptcy, probate, court proceedings, and court representation.
• Knowledge of SCRA regulations and BSA/AML compliance requirements.
• Strong clerical, communication and organizational skills.
• Financial institution experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review bankruptcy assets and liabilities and prepare claims and filings.
• Work with Executors to satisfy obligations and coordinate with Process Server.
• Communicate with members, attorneys and parties in writing, in person or by phone.
• Monitor accounts and logs; process payments for bankruptcy or legal status.
• Update account information promptly for changes and actions.
• Initiate legal actions and represent CU1 in court hearings as needed.
• Coordinate court deadlines and filings to obtain funds from executions.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Paralegal experience

Court proceedings

Communication skills

Compliance awareness

Education

2-year degree in legal studies or paralegal certificate

Tools

OnBase

Job description

The MA Legal Specialist processes and accurately manages all aspects of bankruptcy, probate, and legal accounts for the Member Assistance team, ensuring accurate records, timely follow-up, and resolution of pending matters. Communicates with members and other parties with care, professionalism, and respect while taking ownership and seeking thoughtful solutions. Uses sound judgement and curiosity to navigate complex situations, improve outcomes, and support the department, our members, and the communities we serve.

This position is open to a hybrid work schedule.

Pay Range: $27.64/hr. - $42.63/hr.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• In Bankruptcy proceedings, review Schedule of Assets and Liabilities when applicable. Take necessary steps to file Proof of Claim, Reaffirmations, Relief of Stay, etc. as needed, and maintain timely follow up on all actions.
• In Probate cases initiates claims against Estates and works with Executor or Personal Representative to satisfy deceased members’ obligations to the credit union.
• Communicates with members, attorneys and other interested parties in a timely, accurate and courteous manner in writing, in person or by telephone.
• Monitors accounts, maintains appropriate logs and processes payments as needed for all accounts in bankruptcy or legal status.
• Updates account information as to address, name changes, telephone number changes, any legal action etc., in a timely and accurate manner.
• Initiates all appropriate legal action as necessary and follows through to completion.
• Represents the credit union at all court hearings when needed.
• Periodically prepares a list of accounts for the Process Server for all accounts deemed ready for executions and PFD garnishment.
• Actively monitors the court electronic distribution inbox. Calendars trial dates, and logs documents into OnBase as needed.
• Coordinates notifications from executions, and ensures court deadlines are met for filing appropriate paperwork to obtain funds from executions.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Communicates all potential problems to the Member Assistance Senior Staff.
• Meets the current standards as established for the department in the completion of all assigned duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Keeps knowledge current on Bankruptcy laws and legal proceedings by completing continuing education courses or classes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A 2-year degree in legal studies or paralegal certificate is required; with at least 2 years working as a paralegal, legal secretary or similar is also required. Additional work experience will be accepted in lieu of education requirement.
• Financial institution experience is preferred.
• Must have working knowledge of bankruptcy, probate, court proceedings and have experience in court representation. Knowledge in SCRA regulations is also required.
• Must have good clerical, communication and organizational skills.
• Responsible for abiding with the policy for compliance in all Bankruptcy, Fair Debt Collection, Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering laws and regulations (BSA/AML),FCRA as well as the policy for compliance with office of foreign assets control laws and regulations (OFAC).

BENEFITS AT CU1:

Health & Wellness

Credit Union 1 offers employees multiple medical plans to choose from, including PPOs and HSA-qualified plans, as well as dental, vision, and services to support overall mental and physical health.

Financial Security

Employees and their families are supported in life planning with employer-paid life insurance, disability coverage, and AD&D coverage. Voluntary plans are offered to cover critical illness, accidents, and hospital indemnity expenses. Employees participate in 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions and profit-sharing contributions.

Additional benefits support our employees' lifestyle and family, with generous paid time off, access to CU1's accredited early learning center in Anchorage, Alaska, employee loan and mortgage discounts, education assistance, volunteerism and community engagement opportunities within the communities we serve.

Only applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the position will be considered for an interview. This position is open until filled and may close early due to the amount of applications.

Credit Union 1 does not provide relocation assistance. If selected for an on-site position, candidates will be responsible for relocating to Alaska prior to the agreed upon start date at their own expense.

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Credit Union 1 does not provide visa sponsorship.

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity with Credit Union 1!

Background Screening Statement: Candidates selected for a position at Credit Union 1 will be subject to a criminal background check prior to their employment. An offer of employment may be rejected or terminated based on receipt of an unacceptable background screening.

EEO Statement: Credit Union 1 provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

E-Verify Statement: Credit Union 1 participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Credit Union 1 is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before Credit Union 1 can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer an completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that Credit Union 1 has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS at 888-897-7781 or dhs.gov/e-verify.com