Position Summary:
NowackHoward, LLC, is seeking a highly organized, client-focused and motivated individual for a Community Association Collections Paralegal. Collection experience and particularly Community Association collection experience a plus, but not required for the right candidate.
This position is for someone seeking to work independently within the support of a team environment with proven communication skills. A positive can-do attitude with a willingness to learn is a must!
Must be comfortable in a fast paced and dynamic environment.
SUMMARY:
This position will support our practice by providing paralegal support for attorneys according to established policies and procedures, prepare legal documents, and organize and maintain files and updating client accounts and ledgers. This position may also act as a liaison between clients and homeowners. This role may eventually expand, and additional training and duties will be assigned.
This position must maintain positive and proactive contact with clients, attorneys, supervisor and staff. Observance of confidentiality of client matters is essential.
To be successful in this role, this individual will need to be proficient with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and Outlook. The individual will also need to be able to multitask effectively and thrive in a team-oriented environment. Computer and technical knowledge to conduct legal research, analytical, communication and organizational skills is necessary. This position also requires courtesy and commitment to providing attentive support for internal and external parties and ensuring consistent and efficient operations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
- Complies with applicable laws and firm policies, including Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. Further follows the ethical requirements governing attorneys as set forth by the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State of Georgia. Observes confidentiality of attorney-client relationship.
- Organize, maintain, and track documents in paper and/or electronic filing systems- open and update client files in Applega
- Support Attorneys, prepare legal documents, organize and maintain files, updating client accounts and account ledgers, as assigned.
- Works with firm templates to prepare letters, memos, pleadings, and other legal documents, using appropriate legal terminology and templates. Proofreads all work completely to ensure complete accuracy. Prepares and processes all documents once attorney has chance to review.
- Communicate with clients regarding status of collection files and otherwise handle and support client inquiries
- Act as a liaison between homeowners and clients, answering homeowner questions, and conveying account balances and settlement offers. If settlement reached, this position will draft settlement paperwork and monitor payment plans as needed at all stages of litigation. Prepare and send default letters as needed.
- Receive homeowner disputes and prepare verifications of debt (VODs).
- Process liens and FIFAs, including releases and cancellations.
- Completes critical tasks within specified time limits.
- Other projects as needed or assigned.
- Light overflow work as needed to support firm, including but not limited to filing.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Excellent grammar, proofreading and editing skills (e.g., punctuation, spelling, formatting.
- Exceptional math skills to verify calculations in work product.
- Some knowledge and/or understanding of collections as a specialty area of law practice.
- Highly organized with the ability to prioritize numerous tasks and complete all work assigned within prescribed deadlines and juggle conflicting deadlines.
- The capacity to communicate clearly and professionally, with clients, attorneys and other team members, both speaking and in writing.
- The aptitude to follow instructions effectively from a diverse group to include clients, attorneys and managers, and provide information in a courteous and considerate manner.
- The ability to maintain composure during periods when workload may increase due to influx of new clients.
- Position occasionally requires more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position; may require irregular hours at times.
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn!
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required.
- Years of experience will be considered in lieu of college level education.
- Experience working in a law environment, preferably as a paralegal or legal assistant.
- Experience organizing and coordinating a high volume of collection matters.
- Proven ability in communicating with debtors, clients, opposing counsel, and the court.
- Success in managing and calendaring a large number of litigation and collections deadlines.
- Expertise in drafting legal correspondence and documents including motion papers and complaints.
- Experience with filing documents with court and county offices and arranging for service of process.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Note
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.
Perks
- On-site Gym
- Work from home (After initial 90 days)
Pay: $21.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Microsoft Office: 2 years (Required)
- AppLega: 1 year (Preferred)
- Paralegal/Legal Assistant: 1 year (Required)
Language:
Ability to Commute:
- Atlanta, GA 30326 (Required)
Work Location: In person
