Go Back
Summary: Staff designated at Dickinson Wright PLLC (“the Firm”) as Collections Paralegals are non-exempt and are under the general supervision of the attorneys to whom assigned, as well as the Chief Human Resources Officer.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The essential duties and responsibilities of staff designated as Collections Paralegals at the Firm include, but are not limited to:
- Assist attorneys in handling pre-litigation and post-judgment collections cases;
- Review client files and identify delinquent accounts;
- Gather relevant documentation (contracts, account statements, payment history);
- Draft demand letters and pre-litigation notices;
- Prepare case summaries for attorneys;
- Draft complaints, summons, affidavits, and motions;
- Prepare discovery documents (interrogatories, requests for production);
- Draft default judgment motions if the debtor fails to respond;
- File legal documents with the court (electronically or physically);
- Track court deadlines and ensure compliance;
- Coordinate service of process on debtors;
- Contact debtors to negotiate payment plans or settlements;
- Act as a liaison between creditors, debtors, attorneys, and court staff;
- Handle debtor inquiries and maintain professional communication;
- Assist with garnishments (wages or bank accounts);
- File liens or abstracts of judgment;
- Monitor payment compliance post-judgment;
- Maintain case files and update legal databases;
- Track case progress and update attorneys;
- Calendar hearings, deadlines, and court appearances;
- Ensure adherence to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and other state/federal laws;
- Keep up to date on changes in debt collection laws; and
- Other responsibilities as may be assigned.
Qualifications, Skills and Abilities Required:
Collections Paralegals must:
- Have a Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal certificate. At least 5 years of on-the-job collections experience is required;
- Possess knowledge of legal principles and practices at a level normally acquired through formal paralegal training or its equivalent;
- Maintain a high level of communication and update the supervising attorney as to the status of the various open matters;
- Possess the ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints.
- Hybrid schedule is allowed, but attendance at work when needed is required;
- Work occasionally requires a high level of mental effort and strain while organizing and maintaining multiple cases;
- Work occasionally requires more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position;
- Have the ability to travel to attend meetings, to handle in-person court filings and other in-person tasks related to collections.
Working Conditions:
Normal law office environment with little exposure to noise, dust, temperature.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements. Please note that a variety of factors determine compensation, including geographic location, experience, relevant degrees and certifications, and other applicable factors authorized by law.
Dickinson Wright offers a generous benefits package for eligible fulltime employees within our U.S. offices, including health, dental, and vision; 401(k) and profit sharing plans; paid vacation; and parental leave. Additional elective programs include: a health flexible spending account, a health savings account, identity theft protection, a dependent day care reimbursement account, commuter benefits, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability protection, an employee assistance program, and emergency travel assistance.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
