Paralegal - Bankruptcy & Legal Collections

The Bankruptcy & Legal Collections Paralegal is responsible for monitoring bankrupt loan accounts and collections-related litigation matters to ensure maximum return to the Credit Union and its member-owners, while also attempting to minimize losses. This position supports the corporate attorneys. The Bankruptcy & Legal Collections Paralegal works directly with the Collections team to assist with optimal selection of accounts for collections-related legal action. This position works closely with the corporate attorneys to prepare, process, monitor, and track all legal filings and charge-off collection efforts. General knowledge of applicable bankruptcy law, legal collections, and procedural rules, as well as solid written and verbal communication skills and strong research skills, are required for the role.

• Monitoring and processing of accounts during the bankruptcy process to ensure compliance with applicable bankruptcy laws and procedures, and review and file all applicable documents to pursue recovery of the credit union’s claim(s) and mitigate losses. Identify and escalate complex or disputed matters to the corporate attorneys, providing support as needed. Complete all follow-up on accounts after the process is completed to make sure all accounts are closed due to loss, if applicable. Maintain reports of all recoveries and provide such reporting information to the corporate attorneys and business leaders. Ensures proper policies, procedures, risk mitigation activities, and operating controls are followed. Reports gaps in policies, procedures, and operating controls to leadership to ensure member impact and risk is mitigated.  (45%)
• Support WPCU Operations by handling the Legal Collections inbox and fielding bankruptcy and collections-related Partner, Member, and attorney inquiries. Provides formal training sessions, as well as informal training, to partners regarding bankruptcy procedures as needed. (25%)
• Monitors and tracks severely delinquent accounts referred to outside counsel for legal action and supports WPCU Collections Department and corporate attorneys with assessing and reviewing member accounts for potential legal obstacles. Monitors and tracks the statuses of all case filings and deadlines in any legal actions in which the corporate attorneys appear as attorney of record. (15%)
• Actively communicate with bankruptcy attorneys to facilitate negotiations on loans and preparation of documents for filing with the court. Refers matters to the corporate attorneys to ensure outside counsel is retained for non-Ohio cases. (10%)
• Provides general routine legal support and back up for the Credit Union, and the paralegals and attorneys within the Legal Department as needed. Conducts partner and member follow‐up via telephone, instant message, or e‐mail as needed. (5%)

The Bankruptcy & Legal Administrator should have a general knowledge of Consumer loan underwriting processes and should possess an advanced knowledge of collection and bankruptcy law in relation to the collection of past due accounts. The following are also required:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required or equivalent or ten (10) years equivalent work experience. Associate’s degree from 2 year College or technical school or paralegal certificate preferred.
• A minimum of 2-3 years of experience working in legal or financial services fields.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply appropriate software applications to job functions including credit union core system and loan
• Demonstrated ability to prepare professional written correspondence.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret court pleadings and orders, governmental regulations, and general business periodicals.