Legal Representative

POSITION TITLE: Legal Representative (Non – LO – Servicing) 

JOB STATUS: Full Time/Hourly 

DEPARTMENT: Default Servicing  

REPORTS TO: Legal Team Lead 

TRAVEL REQUIRED: As Needed 

WORK SCHEDULE: Hybrid – 4 days in-office, 1 day remote after training.

PAY: The expected hiring range for this position is from $21.69 - $24.75/hour plus additional bonus opportunity. The stated hiring range is based on experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors. Final compensation decisions will take into account a variety of considerations, including individual skills, internal equity, and organizational needs.

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Legal Representative is responsible for managing a portion of originated and serviced loans that have moved from the bankruptcy process to the repossession or foreclosure process. The Legal Representative works directly with customers to avoid legal action and recommends solutions for contested matters. This role is responsible for reviewing and adhering to both internal policies and applicable Federal regulations to ensure compliance and quality service to our customers. 

JOB FUNCTIONS: 

Account Management 

• Manages assigned defaulted loans consisting of originated, acquired, and serviced loans nationwide. 

• Oversees all aspects of accounts including: 

• Tracking and verifying payment deadline and date of sale. 

• Follow-up with outside counsel. 

• Completing and verifying all necessary steps are followed in the repossession/foreclosure process. 

• Ensures that all compliance measures are met during the repossession or foreclosure process for borrowers to protect the company from penalties and lawsuits.  

• Self-audits portfolio of loans to ensure compliance with federal, state, and internal regulations and policies. 

• Troubleshoots contested and Native American tribal matters by providing recommendations to leadership with limited guidance. 

• Seek legal counsel if necessary given high cost to Company for mistakes. 

• Mitigates risk and loss for the company through: 

• Negotiating payments, 

• Auditing actions and documents from outside counsel, and 

• Reviewing and resolving title/lien issues. 

• Communicates and collaborates across all VMF servicing and remarketing to find best solutions for loss mitigation. 

Attorney Collaboration and Preparation 

• Prepares and reviews documents (e.g., promissory notes, mortgage paperwork, deed of trust,  payment records, notice(s) of default, notice of acceleration, notice of sale, copies of communications, foreclosure filing documents, court documents, sale documents) and packages for attorneys. 

• Assesses need for attorneys, reviews fee agreements, negotiates fees, and collaborates with leaders while onboarding new attorneys. 

• Negotiates on deed in lieu of foreclosure, voluntary surrenders, and relocation assistance with borrowers and attorneys. 

• Negotiates for short sales and settlements with borrowers and attorneys. 

• Travels to court hearings and proceedings with team leader when necessary. 

• Approves payment for attorney invoices according to individual fee agreements.  

Operational Support 

• Cross-trains with Bankruptcy and Recovery Department to handle basic bankruptcy and recovery calls. 

• Collaborates with vendor management in onboarding process for new vendors as needed. 

• Establishes foundational relationships with Remarketing Asset Managers to assist with and monitor the entire legal process. 

• Identifies areas where internal compliance policies can be improved and collaborates on projects to implement improvement. 

• Assesses regulations and rule changes to suggest necessary updates to Bankruptcy Policies and Procedures Manual. 

Other duties as assigned 

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all the functions that a team member and other duties may be assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Education:  High School diploma or equivalent required. 

• Experience:  Minimum of 3 years of experience required. 

• Ability to learn and apply a variety of state and Native American tribal laws.  

• Strong understanding of both internal compliance policies and the Federal regulatory items which govern our internal compliance policies. 

• Must have strong computer skills with ability to navigate Microsoft Office Suite. 

• Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication with customers, attorneys, other VMF departments, and state and county offices. 

• Capable of gathering facts accurately, analyzing causes, evaluating alternate solutions, and arriving at sound conclusions on action to be taken. 

• Ability to manage multiple and/or conflicting responsibilities. 

• Great attention to detail, organizational skills, and time management. 

• Ability to work in a team environment. 

• Ability to handle stressful situations and make difficult decisions on behalf of the Company. 

• Capable of dealing with changes that can and will occur periodically.  

• Good sense of urgency and follow-up. 

• Takes initiative in problem solving/decision making by demonstrating the ability to involve key stakeholders and make recommendations.   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time. 

• Will be constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a telephone, calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. 

• Will be communicating via phone, Teams, and Zoom. 

• Must be able to exchange accurate information at all times. 

• Must be able to identify and assess account status and determine appropriate process. 

• Will constantly work in a state-of-the-art indoor temperature controlled, sealed window office environment.