Legal Representative

Position Title:  Legal Representative (Non – LO – Servicing)                          

Department:  Default Servicing                                                                                 Job Status:  Full Time/Hourly

Reports to:  Legal Team Lead                                                                                      Amount of Travel:  As needed

Pay: The expected base pay range for this position is from $21.01 to $24.00 plus additional bonus opportunity resulting in an expected total annual compensation of $43,000 to $62,000.

The annual compensation 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.

Application Window Expected to Close: 4/25/2025

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. (VMF) was established in 1974 and currently services over 150,000 loans. Our strength as an organization is rooted in the quality of our people and products. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. Furthermore, we are financially strong, with a reputation for leading the industry with unsurpassed products, a broad range of services, and a coast-to-coast presence. We are professionally strong, from entry level to more experienced positions, we are actively recruiting individuals who are passionate, positive, and eager to learn. As a member of our team, we will equip you for success. You will enjoy excellent benefits, opportunities for growth, and an encouraging culture that supports work-life balance.

The Legal Representative is responsible for managing a portion of accounts consisting of both Vanderbilt originated and serviced loans nationwide that have begun the repossession or foreclosure process. This position reports to the Legal Team Lead and reviews files thoroughly (including servicing history), working directly with outside counsel, and facilitating loss mitigation options where applicable with customers. The Legal Representative takes phone calls directly from our customers to avoid legal action and recommends solutions for contested matters. Additionally, this position is responsible for reviewing and adhering to both internal policies and applicable Federal regulations to ensure compliance and best serve our customers.

Account Management

• Manages assigned defaulted loans consisting of both originated, acquired, and serviced loans nationwide.
• Mitigates risk and loss for the company through:
  • Negotiating payments
  • Auditing actions and documents from outside counsel
  • Reviewing and resolving title/lien issues
• Takes inbound and makes outbound phone calls communicating with customers to avoid legal action by applying a variety of loss mitigation solutions.
• Communicates and collaborates across all of VMF servicing and remarketing to find best solutions for loss mitigation.
• Oversees all aspects of account base including:
  • Tracking and verifying payment deadlines and sale dates.
  • Managing and following-up with outside counsel
  • Completing and verifying all necessary steps are followed in the repossession/foreclosure process

Attorney Collaboration and Preparation

• Builds mutually beneficial business relationships with attorneys and paralegals.

• Prepares and reviews documents and packages for attorneys.
• Assesses need for attorneys, reviewing fee agreements, negotiates fees and collaborates through the process of onboarding new attorneys.
• Leads negotiations on deed in lieu of foreclosure, voluntary surrenders, and relocation assistance with customers and attorneys.
• Leads negotiations for short sales and settlements with customers and attorneys.
• Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication with customers, attorneys, other VMF departments, and state and county offices.
• Approves attorney invoices according to individual fee agreements with each attorney.
• Travels to court hearings and proceedings with team leader when necessary.

Problem Solving and Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Takes initiative in problem solving/decision making by demonstrating the ability to involve key stakeholders and make recommendations. 
• Troubleshoots contested and tribal matters by providing recommendations to leadership with little guidance.
• 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.
• Maintains individualized self-development plan to take ownership in personal development.

Policy and Procedures

• Maintains an expert level understanding of both internal compliance policies and the Federal regulatory items which govern our internal compliance policies.
• Self-audits their portfolio of loans to ensure compliance with federal, state, and internal regulations and policies.
• Identifies areas where internal compliance policies can be improved and collaborates on projects to implement improvement.
• Assesses regulations and rule changes to complete 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:                                                            

• High School diploma or equivalent required, college preferred.
• 0-2 years of related experience preferred.
• Expected travel 0-4 times per year.
• Basic computer skills with ability to type at least 25 wpm. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently via phone, email, and person-to-person.
• Capability 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 complex decisions.
• Capable of dealing with changes that can and will occur periodically.
• Good sense of urgency and follow-up.

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.

BENEFITS:

• Medical and Dental Plan with Prescription Coverage and Vision
• Competitive benefits including 401(K) includes 100% company match of the first 4%
• Paid time off days (PTO), maternity/paternity leave, and holidays
• Community involvement including Volunteer Paid Time Off (VTO)
• Tuition Assistance for your first degree
• Enjoy coming “home” to our brand new, state-of-the-art Home Office equipped with onsite fitness facility with full gym, workout classes, volleyball and basketball courts, ping-pong, disc golf course, and onsite restaurant
• Wellness programs that focus on emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, physical, and financial well-being
• Collaborative and energetic work environment
• Professional development and promotional opportunities
• Competitive bonus programs

• A Berkshire Hathaway Company – an integrity-based organization offering unlimited career growth
• Full-time team members have the flexibility to create their own health, dental, and vision benefits package. Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. provides competitive 401(k) programs, including investment options and company matching for full and part time employees after one year to help our team members achieve their financial goals. Additional benefits include paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance Programs, and more.
• Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance Inc. is a subsidiary of Clayton of which is proud to have earned spots on the following Forbes lists: America’s Best Employers, America’s Best Employers by State, Best Employers for Diversity, Best Employers for Women.
• As part of Vanderbilt Mortgage’s commitment to Opening Doors to a Better Life, VMF is now providing paid time for Team Members to volunteer to causes that are meaningful to them through the Clayton Impact program.
• At VMF, we encourage holistic wellness with physical, nutritional, social, financial, spiritual, and occupational programs available online or in-person for team members.
• Our newly renovated Home Office campus offers an onsite restaurant, onsite fitness facility with full gym, in-person and virtual workout classes, yoga/barre studio, volleyball, and basketball courts, walking paths, and a disc golf course.

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Salary : $43,000 - $62,000