Staff Counsel II, Legal Collections

Midland Credit Management, an Encore Capital Group Company; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 124,800 - 208,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare Insurance

Tuition Assistance

Paid Holidays

Career Development Programs

Job summary

A leading financial services company in Houston is seeking a Staff Counsel II for their Legal Collections team. This role involves managing litigation, negotiating with opposing counsel, and ensuring compliance with laws. Candidates must hold a Juris Doctor degree and have 3+ years of legal experience. The position offers competitive salary and a range of benefits including healthcare and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of legal work experience.
• Ability to make sound judgment and exercise discretion on legal matters.

Responsibilities

• Create, review, direct, and resolve collection litigation matters.
• Negotiate with opposing counsel and conduct discovery.
• Provide legal advice to support compliance with laws.

Skills

Strong execution skills

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Strong business acumen

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school

State Bar of Texas

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Legal case management software

Job description

Join to apply for the Staff Counsel II, Legal Collections role at Midland Credit Management, an Encore Capital Group Company.

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

Location: Houston, TX

Salary: $124,800.00 - $208,000.00

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create, review, direct, and resolve collection litigation matters cost-effectively by working with business clients and legal support staff.
• Maintain and enhance company reputation with courts, vendors, outside counsel, and consumers; limit company exposure through effective advocacy in hearings, trials, and mediations.
• Negotiate with opposing counsel, conduct discovery, and prepare and attend hearings and trials.
• Represent client in highly contested cases, counterclaims, appeals, and cross-claims.
• Ensure adherence to the Consumer Bill of Rights by enforcing relevant company policies; determine appropriate settlements with consumers experiencing temporary or permanent hardships and communicate with consumers and counsel to encourage financial recovery.
• Assist with special projects.
• Provide legal advice to support compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• State Bar of Texas
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
• 3+ years of legal work experience
• Juris Doctorate

CORE ATTRIBUTES

• Strong execution skills; highly accurate in written and verbal communication
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Ability to make sound judgment and exercise discretion on legal matters
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail
• Strong business acumen

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical accuracy with strong follow-through abilities
• Experience with legal case management software
• Experience managing or training paralegals and legal assistants

BENEFITS

• Pay and Bonuses: Earn a competitive salary. All employees are eligible for monthly incentives or an annual bonus.
• Career Progression: Grow at MCM with paid training and development programs, including our MCM Academy, and a promote‑from‑within philosophy.
• Reward and Recognition: We honor great results with informal accolades, formal company‑wide awards, and incentives.
• Tuition Assistance: Pursue a degree or coursework related to your current role.
• Healthcare Insurance: Comprehensive plans with fitness membership reimbursements and wellness rewards.
• Volunteering Opportunities: Up to 8 hours paid per year, plus matching donations up to US$2,500 annually.
• Retirement Savings: Strong financial foundation and future goals.
• New Family Support: Paid leave for new parents and flexible child care options.
• Team‑building: Company‑sponsored events, holidays, and outings.
• Work‑Life Balance: Paid holidays and generous paid‑time‑off.

ABOUT US

Headquartered in the United States, Encore Capital Group (Encore) is a publicly traded international specialty finance company. Through our businesses – such as Midland Credit Management – we help consumers restore their financial health while advancing our mission of creating pathways to economic freedom.

We are committed to a positive workplace culture and a best‑in‑class employee experience, earning accolades including Great Place to Work® certifications in many regions.

EEO STATEMENT

Encore Capital Group and all of its subsidiaries are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected under applicable law. If you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment, please contact [e-mail].