Defense Attorney – In-House

Overview

An organization is seeking an experienced Defense Attorney to join their in-house legal team in a full-time, exempt position. This role offers the opportunity to lead litigation strategy from within the company, working closely with executive leadership to manage legal risks and defend against consumer-related claims. The position is remote with minimal travel (0-10%) as needed.

Responsibilities

Strategic Litigation Leadership

• Partner with the Chief Operating Officer to manage and defend lawsuits involving debt collection and consumer claims in state and federal courts.
• Develop and execute litigation strategies from case intake through resolution.
• Draft motions, pleadings, and dispositive filings.
• Represent the organization in hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials as necessary.
• Negotiate settlements consistent with company risk tolerance and business objectives.

Regulatory & Risk Advisory

• Provide proactive guidance on compliance with FDCPA, FCRA, TCPA, and related state regulations.
• Advise executive leadership on litigation exposure, regulatory trends, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Assist in developing internal policies, procedures, and best practices to minimize future claims.
• Support regulatory matters and agency inquiries from entities such as CFPB, FTC, and State Attorney General offices.

Cross-Functional Business Partnership

• Collaborate with compliance, collections, finance, and operations teams.
• Oversee discovery strategy, including depositions, interrogatories, and document production.
• Review contracts, financial documentation, and litigation-related agreements.
• Maintain and enhance internal litigation tracking and reporting systems.
• Partner with the COO on litigation budgeting and forecasting to ensure fiscal accountability.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active law license in good standing; multi-state admission is a plus.
• 2 to 5+ years of defense litigation experience, preferably in debt collection, creditor rights, consumer defense, or commercial litigation.
• Deep knowledge of FDCPA, FCRA, TCPA, and related consumer protection laws.
• Proven ability to independently manage a high-volume caseload.
• Strong negotiation skills and strategic judgment.
• Excellent legal writing, research, and advocacy skills.
• Experience interacting with regulatory agencies is a plus.
• Comfortable working directly with executive leadership in a collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Multi-state bar admission.
• Experience with regulatory agency inquiries and compliance.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $125,000 – $150,000 (dependent on experience).
• Quarterly bonus eligibility.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with matching, and paid time off.

Location

• Remote position based in Nashville, TN.
• Minimal travel required (0-10%), potentially to Phoenix, AZ or Everett, WA on an as-needed basis.