Staff Counsel I, Legal Collections

Midland Credit Management; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Midland Credit Management, an Encore Capital Group company, is seeking entry-level California attorneys for Staff Counsel I to build litigation skills within an established corporate legal team. You will manage collection litigation matters, draft pleadings, and advise business partners on legal and regulatory issues.

No prior attorney experience is required; recent California Bar recipients are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have current authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Responsibilities

• Manage and resolve collection litigation matters and partner with business leaders and legal support teams.
• Draft, review, and file legal pleadings and other litigation documents.
• Conduct and respond to discovery.
• Negotiate with opposing counsel and work toward appropriate resolutions.
• Prepare for and participate in hearings, mediations, and trials.
• Represent the company in contested matters, including counterclaims, appeals, and cross-claims.

Job description

Applicants must have current authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Staff Counsel I

Annual Salary: $94,500 (Compensation is based on office location, relevant experience, skills, and competencies. Plus Sign-on Bonus!

Recently Passed the CA Bar? Start Your Legal Career at MCM.

Newly licensed and ready to put your JD to work?

Midland Credit Management (MCM), an Encore Capital Group company, is looking for newly admitted and early-career California attorneys who are ready to build their litigation skills, gain courtroom experience, and grow their careers within an established corporate legal environment.

No prior attorney experience required. This opportunity is open to entry-level candidates making it an ideal next step for recent California Bar recipients looking to gain meaningful, hands-on experience.

Build Real Legal Experience From Day One

As Staff Counsel, you won't just observe the legal process—you'll be an active part of it. You'll manage your own collection litigation matters, draft and file pleadings, negotiate resolutions, participate in hearings and trials, and advise business partners on legal and regulatory matters.

This role provides an opportunity to strengthen your legal judgment, courtroom confidence, negotiation skills, and understanding of how an in-house legal team supports a highly regulated business.

What You'll Do

• Manage and resolve collection litigation matters while partnering with business leaders and legal support teams.
• Draft, review, and file legal pleadings and other litigation documents.
• Conduct and respond to discovery.
• Negotiate with opposing counsel and work toward appropriate resolutions.
• Prepare for and participate in hearings, mediations, and trials.
• Represent the company in contested matters, including counterclaims, appeals, and cross-claims.
• Partner with consumers and counsel to evaluate appropriate resolutions, including situations