Associate Attorney

The Associate Attorney must be licensed and in good standing in the State of California and should have a minimum of two (2) years as a practicing attorney. New graduates or recently licensed candidates will not be considered. The Associate Attorney will focus on title review and title curative responsibilities, as well as judicial and nonjudicial foreclosure tasks throughout the state of CA. As such, experience in real estate law, title review/clearance and/or creditors rights is preferred. This role includes handling both routine and contested matters, making appearances in court, developing case strategies, drafting pleadings, and negotiating resolutions. The position requires substantial coordination with staff, clients, and other attorneys. This position is designated as hybrid or remote based on experience level and geographical location. If position is remote some in-person/in-office training may be required initially and periodically.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage case load of contested and uncontested matters on behalf of residential and commercial mortgage lenders and investors.
• Appear in court and argue motions necessary to the successful completion of both routine and contested foreclosure, eviction, title disputes, HOA/COA disputes and other matters.
• Communicate with clients regularly for updates and case resolution.
• Analyze loan files, title reports and other client documents. Draft motions and prepare written discovery and responses.
• Accurately and thoroughly review title examinations within 24-48 hours of receipt, identify title issues, and make full recommendations on how to cure title issues to the client.
• Execute recommendations by curing simple and complex title issues in a timely manner.
• Review pleadings, loan documents, and foreclosure documents to evaluate, provide legal opinions, and rectify file level issues.
• Review documents related to the judicial and non-judicial foreclosure process for accuracy and compliance.
• Communicate effectively with insurers and other outside parties on a regular basis.
• Create, review, and edit reports, opinions, correspondence, and other documents.
• Create, review, and edit all documents related to the foreclosure and title clearance process.
• Effectively monitor and move forward an independent caseload.
• Interpret, evaluate and apply independent judgment and decision-making regarding file level legal and compliance issues.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with insurers, vendors, and other team members to create a partnership that yields success, predictable results and credibility.
• Update internal and external case management systems timely and accurately.
• Communicate clearly with clients and update timely in client systems
• Will perform other duties and responsibilities as needed.

EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE:

• J.D. degree, licensed in California and in good standing with the CA Bar
• Experience in California default servicing and foreclosure litigation a plus
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws
• Knowledge of California Title Standards preferred
• Knowledge of California Mortgage Foreclosure Law preferred
• Minimum 2 years of related real estate and title review/curative.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Effectively manage time and priorities
• Manage a portfolio of files for clients.
• Strong writing skills
• Ability to effectively communicate, written and oral
• Ability to work independently or in a group/team setting
• Ability to maintain high level of professionalism
• Ability to interact and communicate well with clients, staff, peers and management of all levels
• Ability to navigate through jurisdictional requirements, as well as title standards.
• Ability to courteously and professionally communicate with clients, vendors, team members, clerks or Judges in various counties as well as borrowers and defense attorneys.
• Must provide excellent customer service (internally and externally).
• Communicate with internally and externally in a professional and personable manner
• Work effectively and congenially with a team of employees supporting the department.
• Work effectively and congenially with attorneys and other departments; promote interdepartmental cooperation.
• Ability to exercise professionalism and courtesy when faced with adversarial conversations and situations.
• Must be a self-starter and possess good time-management abilities.
• Balance team and individual responsibilities; Contribute to building a positive team spirit.
• Demonstrate high levels of accuracy and thoroughness.
• Must possess exceptional organizational skills.
• Must have the ability to multi-task and be adaptable to change.
• High-level proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Proficiency in internet research activities.
• Familiarity with case and document management software.
• Good understanding of policies and procedures of law.
• Ability to delegate, follow-up, and monitor tasks to completion.
• Ability to operate computer, scanner, photocopier, and telephone.
• Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in client systems is strongly preferred (BKFS, Tempo, etc.)