Litigation Specialist

Make banking a Fifth Third better® We connect great people to great opportunities. Are you ready to take the next step? Discover a career in banking at Fifth Third Bank. General Function 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. The role includes handling escalated situations at risk of litigation, providing specialized customer service to avoid it, researching business records, policies and procedures relative to a particular litigated issue, and communicating with appropriate departments, managers, in‑house counsel, foreclosure/litigation counsel, and ensuring resolution 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, have experience with legal documents and the physical and systemic loan file, and frequently appear in court as a corporate witness to testify on foreclosure and other default‑related litigation. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Monitor and work assigned caseload of default‑related contested foreclosures and litigation matters. Manage litigation workflow, including input and status updates by corresponding with outside law firms and in‑house legal. Provide support to in‑house and outside counsel to review, research and assist with the resolution of litigation matters and attorney inquiries. Ensure foreclosure delays are minimized and protect the interests of all parties. Acquire and maintain knowledge of all Originations, Loan Servicing and Default Servicing areas, policies and procedures to accurately represent the bank in court appearances. 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, coordinating closely with the Loss Mitigation Department. Minimize exposure and risk by identifying and reporting root cause of operational issues to management and ensuring appropriate action is taken outside of the department. 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 escalating cases as appropriate to management and in‑house legal. Make recommendations to settle disputes, negotiate settlements with bank‑appointed attorneys, and make business decisions on settlements within given authority limits. Sign case‑related documents, including complaints, discovery responses, affidavits and settlement agreements. Apply knowledge of investor guidelines regarding contested/litigated cases to reduce any claim loss. Work with representatives from various departments on developing or modifying policies and procedures where necessary. Perform necessary legal research for the area of responsibility. Act as liaison between the Legal Entry/Subpoena Department and other areas of the bank to obtain requested information and ensure timely delivery to prevent missed subpoena deadlines. Identify accounts that should not be reported to the credit bureau while accounts are under dispute or solicited by collections/loss mitigation and communicate that information appropriately. Coordinate monthly reporting with management and in‑house legal to review progress on litigated cases and discuss exposure to the bank. The 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 Bachelor’s 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 in a similar role. 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 the 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 toward resolving complex issues. Ability to build and maintain strong and positive relationships 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 partners. Benefits and Compensation Our Total Rewards include comprehensive benefits and differentiated compensation offerings to give each employee the opportunity to be their best every day. The base salary for this position is reflective of the salary levels for all roles within this pay grade across the U.S. Individual salaries within this range will vary based on factors such as role, relevant skillset, education and geographic location. The role is also eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan, with any such payment based upon company, line of business and/or individual performance. Location Cincinnati, Ohio 45227. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Fifth Third Bank, National Association is proud to have an engaged and inclusive culture and to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr