Associate Attorney (Foreclosure)

We are seeking an experienced Associate Attorney to support a growing Washington-based creditors’ rights practice. The attorney will manage legal matters involving judicial and nonjudicial foreclosure, foreclosure-related litigation, bankruptcy, title and post-sale issues, evictions, loss mitigation, lender defense, and other creditors’ rights matters.

This role involves preparing and reviewing legal documents, appearing in court and other proceedings, advising internal teams on Washington law and procedure, and providing responsive service to clients.

The ideal candidate has strong legal judgment, takes ownership of their caseload, communicates effectively, and can manage competing deadlines in a high-volume legal practice.

Key Responsibilities

Case Management and Legal Strategy

Manage multiple Washington legal matters through all assigned stages, including judicial foreclosures and contested and uncontested matters.

Conduct initial file reviews, identify legal and procedural issues, and develop appropriate case strategies.

Research and analyze Washington statutes, court rules, case law, local requirements, client directives, and investor requirements.

Identify title, lien, probate, bankruptcy, documentation, standing, service, foreclosure sale, and post-sale issues and recommend appropriate courses of action.

Maintain accurate case notes, calendars, status reports, and supporting documentation.

Escalate significant legal, compliance, client, deadline, or reputational risks to the appropriate leadership.

Legal Drafting, Review, and Court Proceedings

Prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, declarations, discovery, correspondence, settlement documents, notices, and other legal work product.

Review and approve legal work prepared by paralegals and other support staff, as appropriate.

Represent clients at court hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, trials, oral arguments, trustee-sale-related proceedings, and other required appearances.

Coordinate with local counsel, opposing counsel, trustees, courts, title companies, process servers, auction vendors, and other third parties.

Ensure filings, service, notices, court appearances, and client reporting are completed accurately and within applicable deadlines.

Record billable hours and other required attorney activity accurately and promptly.

Washington Practice Support

Provide legal guidance to attorneys and operations teams handling foreclosure, bankruptcy, title, eviction, litigation, and post-sale matters.

Advise paralegals and operational staff on Washington-specific legal requirements and procedures.

Monitor changes in Washington law, court requirements, and industry practices and communicate relevant updates to leadership.

Help develop and maintain procedures, templates, training materials, and quality controls.

Support the training and development of attorneys, paralegals, and other staff.

Participate in file reviews, client audits, quality initiatives, and process-improvement efforts.

Client Service and Collaboration

Serve as a primary legal contact for assigned matters and maintain timely, professional communication with clients and internal teams.

Explain legal risks, available options, and recommendations in practical terms.

Respond promptly to client requests, escalations, performance concerns, and requests for legal analysis.

Build productive working relationships across the firm and contribute to a responsive, accountable work environment.

Participate in client meetings, internal meetings, training, and continuing legal education.

Perform other legal responsibilities as assigned by firm leadership.

Required Qualifications

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

Active Washington State Bar license in good standing.

Minimum of 8 years of experience practicing law in Washington State.

Ability to practice from the Vancouver, Washington office, if required.

Experience managing legal matters, deadlines, client communications, and written work product with limited supervision.

Strong legal research, analytical, drafting, negotiation, advocacy, and oral communication skills.

Ability to appear in Washington state and federal courts and before other tribunals, as required.

Willingness and ability to travel for court appearances, client meetings, training, and other business needs.

Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, Adobe Acrobat, legal research platforms such as Westlaw, electronic filing systems, and time-billing or case-management software.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Washington nonjudicial foreclosure, creditors’ rights litigation, bankruptcy, evictions, title, real estate, loss mitigation, or mortgage servicing.

Experience representing mortgage lenders, servicers, trustees, investors, or other financial-services clients.

Experience reviewing and guiding the work of paralegals or other support staff.

Experience handling contested matters, discovery, dispositive motions, hearings, trials, appeals, or settlement negotiations.

Working knowledge of title review, lien priority, post-sale marketability, probate, and related real estate issues.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Vancouver, Washington, with the potential for an in-office, hybrid, or remote arrangement, depending on the firm's requirements.

The role involves regular computer and telephone use and occasional travel to court or other business locations. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.