Litigation & Recovery Counsel - Commercial Real Estate

Ethan Conrad Properties, Inc. is one of the largest and the fastest growing Commercial Real Estate Companies in Sacramento, CA. With over 12MM square feet, over 175 properties, and over 250 buildings, valued at over $2.0 billion dollars. ECP has had an Annual Growth of over 20% for the past 13 years and anticipates continued growth of 20% annually, creating more job opportunities internally and externally. ECP is a World Class Company.

Ethan Conrad Properties is seeking an motivated early career attorney to serve as its In-House Commercial Real Estate Collections & Litigation Counsel. This position will be responsible for supporting the company's legal efforts involving tenant defaults, debt recovery, commercial lease enforcement, breach of contract claims, bankruptcy proceedings, and related litigation across a substantial commercial real estate portfolio.

The successful candidate will manage assigned legal matters while working closely with executive leadership, the Accounts Receivable & Collections Department, and outside counsel when appropriate. This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in commercial real estate litigation, creditor rights, and in-house legal practice.

This role requires a highly organized attorney with strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills who is eager to build a career in commercial litigation and commercial real estate law. The successful candidate must be able to manage multiple priorities while collaborating effectively with internal business partners.

This position is responsible for:

• Manage assigned phases of litigation involving breach of commercial leases, breach of contract claims, collection actions, guaranty enforcement, and related commercial disputes.
• Prepare and file complaints, motions, discovery, oppositions, and other pleadings.
• Conduct legal research and develop litigation strategies.
• Manage case calendars, court appearances, mediations, arbitrations, and settlement conferences.
• Support the evaluation of litigation risk and provide strategic recommendations to management and the AR & Collections Department.
• Draft and issue demand letters, notices of default, settlement agreements, payment agreements, and related collection documents.
• Pursue recovery against tenants, guarantors, and other responsible parties.
• Work closely with the AR & Collections Department to maximize recovery and reduce bad debt.
• Represent the company's interests in tenant bankruptcy proceedings.
• Prepare and file proofs of claim and other bankruptcy-related filings.
• Assist with monitoring bankruptcy matters including cases and supporting recovery strategies.
• Coordinate post-judgment recovery strategies.
• Support settlement negotiations, payment arrangements, and alternative dispute resolution efforts.
• Conduct debtor examinations and asset investigations when needed.
• Pursuing bank levies, wage garnishments, liens, writs of execution, and other enforcement remedies.
• Help maintain the company's judgment portfolio and maximize recoveries.
• Maintain accurate litigation reports and recovery metrics.
• Maintenance and reporting of monthly case list to management and the AR & Collections Department.
• Prepare regular updates for executive management regarding active litigation matters and collection performance.
• Issue 3-day eviction notices as per internal protocols.

Education/Experience:

REQUIRED:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with operational teams.

Preferred:

• 0-3 years of legal experience, including internships, clerkships, or early-career litigation practice.
• Exposure to commercial litigation, business litigation, collections, landlord-tenant law, contract disputes, or creditor rights through legal practice, internships, judicial clerkships, or law school clinics.
• Familiarity with creditor rights, commercial collections, or FDCPA concepts is preferred but not required.
• Working knowledge of California civil procedure and a willingness to continue developing litigation expertise.
• Experience drafting legal memoranda, pleadings, motions, discovery, or other legal documents through practice, clerkships, internships, or law school.

Why Join Ethan Conrad Properties

This position is designed for an attorney beginning their legal career who is seeking hands-on experience in commercial real estate and litigation. You will work directly with executive leadership and experienced business professionals while developing expertise in commercial leasing, collections, litigation strategy, negotiations, bankruptcy matters, and in-house legal operations. As your experience grows, you will have the opportunity to assume increasing responsibility over complex legal matters.

Compensation details: 00 Yearly Salary

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