Legal Agent

Legal Agent             

The Legal Agent's main purpose is to minimize loss on severely delinquent accounts through negotiations, working with attorneys to pursue legal remedies and other available options.

REPORTS TO: Legal Manager 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain a working knowledge of state and federal laws that apply to commercial litigation, including impacts of bankruptcy.
• Analyze accounts transferred to Legal for collectability and feasibility of remedies.
• Attempt to negotiate repayment terms, within approval authority guidelines.
• Determine whether to assign to 3^rd party collection agent in an attempt to collect before pursuing legal remedies. 
• Coordinate legal remedies with attorneys nationwide when feasible or determine when to deem uncollectable.
• Follow up on bankruptcies directly or assign to an attorney.
• Accountable for minimizing costs, while maximizing recoveries or reducing losses.
• Responsible for updating problem loan statuses monthly.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's Degree (A.A) from two-year College or university, or 6 months to one year of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Computer skills required: (Contract Management Systems; Legal Management Systems; Microsoft Office) 
• Other skills required: 

1. Effective communicator, both verbally and written
2. Well organized
3. Self-motivated
4. Good listening skills
5. Excellent telephone etiquette

COMPETENCIES:

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results
• Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Judgement -Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.