PRIMARY PURPOSE:
To aggressively and timely maintain and resolve multiple delinquent legal accounts and negotiate the best resolution for the company. To ensure the best resolution, this role entails reconciling accounts, discussions/negotiations with Tenants, working closely with in-house Simon personnel, and directing outside counsel on litigation. To support Simon Property Group’s internal Bankruptcy department and counsel in order to accurately administer the US Bankruptcy Code as it pertains to bankrupt Tenants.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful candidate’s responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:
• Knowledge of Leases and all associated documents.
• Prepare and mail necessary default notices to delinquent Tenants.
• Draft all legal documents as necessary for a case.
• Input deals in SSLE for company wide accessibility.
• Ensure the Tenant Access Platform (TAP) is property updated with documents.
• Negotiations with Tenants and/or Tenants attorneys for resolution to all cases.
• Maintaining AS400 (CTI) by understanding the Accounts Receivable, updating pursuit with clear/concise entries, timely follow-up on accounts, coding all accounts to ensure accurate bad debt reserves and reporting.
• Hiring and directing local counsel for eviction/collection suits.
• Maintaining close contact with Leasing and Property Management to assist in negotiations, possession, and to ensure all outstanding balances are addressed.
• Responding to e-mails and phone calls in a timely manner.
• Draft and file appearances/claims for in-house attorney(s), open departmental file, notify Property Management, Leasing and Executives of bankruptcy filings.
• Preparing and responding to requests from local counsel.
• Conduct UCC searches on equipment left in the premises to determine who owns the equipment/inventory and to contact the owner for removal.
• Work with Legal Operations, Legal Leasing, and Legal Development as needed.
• Preparation of Month End reports. Paralegal ensures cases are properly updated.
• Handling closed stores within the portfolio as assigned.
• Attend meetings which may include partners, Leasing, Property Management, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Paralegal Certificate preferably with collection background or Bachelor’s/Associates Degree in Paralegal studies
• Three years collection or bankruptcy legal experience preferred
• Excellent computer and typing skills
• Excellent communication skills including negotiating, written, and oral
• General accounting ability
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced, changing environment
