Collection Attorney

Location: Remote

Department: Legal & Compliance

Reports To: Managing Attorney

Job Summary

At Counsel Collection Management, PC (CCM), a specialized collection agency and law firm hybrid founded in 2025, the Collection Attorney plays a pivotal role in ethically recovering unpaid legal fees for attorneys and law firms nationwide. This position involves representing CCM’s attorney clients in enforcement actions, drafting precise legal documents, negotiating settlements, and overseeing litigation where necessary, all while upholding the highest standards of compliance with California State Bar rules, the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (Rosenthal Act), federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and American Bar Association (ABA) guidelines. As an attorney-owned firm emphasizing professionalism, discretion, and client goodwill, the Collection Attorney ensures that every action preserves the referring attorney’s reputation and aligns with CCM’s mission to bridge legal expertise with efficient, risk-free recovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft and send demand letters, notices of intent, and other pre-litigation correspondence to debtors, ensuring all communications are professional, empathetic, and fully compliant with state and federal debt collection laws.
• Negotiate settlement agreements with debtors or their representatives, focusing on amicable resolutions such as payment plans or lump-sum discounts that maximize recovery while maintaining client relationships.
• Initiate and manage small claims court filings, superior court actions, or alternative dispute resolutions for non-responsive debtors, including preparing pleadings, motions, and supporting affidavits.
• Collaborate with the Compliance Officer to review case strategies for adherence to ethical standards, including California Rules of Professional Conduct (e.g., Rule 1.5.1 for referral fees) and consumer protection regulations.
• Conduct legal research on evolving debt collection statutes, case law, and bar opinions to refine CCM’s recovery protocols and mitigate risks.
• Provide strategic advice to referring attorneys on fee dispute prevention, such as reviewing retainer agreements during the intake phase.
• Oversee a caseload of 20-30 active collection matters, tracking progress via CCM’s case management system and providing weekly status updates to clients.
• Train junior staff and paralegals on ethical collection practices, litigation procedures, and documentation standards.
• Represent CCM in bar association events or CLE presentations on topics like “Ethical Fee Recovery in Private Practice” to build referral networks.
• Maintain meticulous records of all legal actions, settlements, and recoveries to support transparent monthly reporting and trust account compliance.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
• 3+ years of experience in collections, commercial litigation, or creditor’s rights law, with a focus on ethical debt recovery.
• In-depth knowledge of FDCPA, Rosenthal Act, ABA Model Rules, and California consumer protection laws.
• Strong negotiation and mediation skills, with a proven track record of achieving settlements without escalation to litigation.
• Proficiency in legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft persuasive, compliant correspondence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in private practice or as in-house counsel for a law firm, understanding the nuances of legal fee disputes.
• Certification in debt collection compliance or ethics (e.g., from the National Association of Retail Collection Attorneys).

What We Offer Join a dynamic, attorney-owned team committed to integrity and innovation in fee recovery. Enjoy a collaborative culture that values work-life balance, with flexible remote-hybrid options, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for CLE reimbursement and bar association networking. At CCM, you’ll contribute to a mission-driven firm that empowers legal professionals without compromise.