Litigation Specialist

Litigation Specialist

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Under minimal supervision, this position is responsible for researching and resolving a variety of highly complex law-related issues under the direction of the Default Litigation Supervisor, Senior Management and Bank attorneys. Work includes handling escalated situations at risk of litigation and providing specialized customer service to avoid it. The position requires a high amount of attention to detail and analytical thinking in order to research business records, and policies and procedures relative to a particular litigated issue, respond/communicate accordingly to appropriate departments/managers, in-house counsel and foreclosure/litigation counsel, and insure resolution of the matter while protecting the interests of the Bank, investors, insurers and our customers. The incumbent must be knowledgeable of all areas of mortgage/consumer loan servicing and have experience with legal documents and the physical and systemic loan file.

Responsibilities include frequent in-court appearances as a bank representative/corporate witness to testify on foreclosure and other Default related litigation. This position has a varying degree of customer contact and interactions with other departments, banking centers, customers, attorneys, judges, and title agencies.

Responsible and accountable for risk by openly exchanging ideas and opinions, elevating concerns, and personally following policies and procedures as defined. Accountable for always doing the right thing for customers and colleagues, and ensures that actions and behaviors drive a positive customer experience. While operating within the Bank's risk appetite, achieves results by consistently identifying, assessing, managing, monitoring, and reporting risks of all types.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Monitor and work assigned caseload of Default-related contested foreclosures and litigation matters.
• Manage litigation workflow, input and status updates by corresponding with outside law firms and in house legal.
• Responsible for providing support to in-house and outside counsel to review, research and assist with resolution of litigation matters and attorney inquiries.
• Ensure foreclosure delays are minimized and interests of all parties are protected.
• Acquire and maintain knowledge of all Originations, Loan Servicing, and Default Servicing areas, policies and procedures in order to accurately represent the bank in court appearances and be a credible corporate representative.
• Travel and appear in court as a corporate representative in mediations, settlement conferences, hearings, trials and other required matters.
• Attend mediations and monitor accounts through the mediation process to ensure appropriate documentation is received from the customer/borrower and coordinate closely with the Loss Mitigation Department to ensure files are review for potential homeowner retention or liquidation solutions.
• Minimize exposure and risk by Identifying and reporting root cause of operational issues to management and ensure that the appropriate action is taken outside of the department to address and remediate loan level issues.
• Coordinate efforts with Bank Protection on fraudulent and potentially fraudulent accounts to minimize losses to the bank.
• Identify cases in which Fifth Third Bank has significant financial, operational or reputational exposure and escalate cases as appropriate to management and in house legal.
• Make recommendations to settle disputes that the bank has potential exposure, negotiate settlements with bank appointed attorneys and make business decisions on settlements within given authority limits.
• Sign case related documents, including complaints and discovery responses, affidavits and settlement agreements.
• Apply knowledge of investor guidelines regarding contested/litigated cases to reduce any claim loss.
• Works with representatives from various departments on developing /modifying policies and procedures where necessary.
• Perform all necessary legal research for area of responsibility.
• Act as liaison between the Legal Entry/Subpoena Department and other areas of the bank to get requested information and ensure timely delivery of it to prevent missed subpoena deadlines, which could result in fines or other unnecessary expenses for the bank.
• Responsible for identifying accounts that should not be reported to credit bureau while accounts are under dispute or solicited by collections/loss mitigation and communicating that information to the appropriate area to handle.
• Coordinates monthly reporting with management and In House Legal to review progress on litigated cases and to discuss exposure to the bank.
• Position may require working remotely, in retail centers or corporate offices within the Fifth Third Footprint with little direct supervision.

Minimum knowledge and skills required:

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in Default Mortgage Loan Servicing, Consumer Loan/Lease.
• Servicing and 2 years of related experience as a paralegal, legal analyst or having similar responsibility.
• Thorough knowledge of Foreclosure and Bankruptcy Law, Consumer Loan/Lease and Mortgage, Loan Origination, Servicing and Default processes, as well as Investor and State specific guidelines.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to multi-task.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail, mathematical and analytical skills.
• Strong problem solving and conflict management skills and ability to apply strategic decision making towards resolving complex issues.
• Ability to build and maintain strong and positive working relationship with internal and external business partners.
• Must be able to work independently and in varying work environments during business travel while maintaining availability to management and other business partners.

LOCATION -- Cincinnati, Ohio 45242